Net-Zero/Carbon-Neutral Retrofits, 140 Kendrick St. Case Study: Tactics, Tradeoffs, and Takeaways April 09, 2026 This case study will focus on 140 Kendrick St., Building A, a 106,000 ft2 (9,850 m2) office building that has undergone a retrofit focused on improving overall operational efficiency and occupant comfort. Building A is the first net-zero, carbon-neutral office repositioning of this scale in Massachusetts, meaning that it is a highly energy-efficient building that produces renewable energy on site to meet building operations’ energy consumption annually. Read More
Avoiding Pitfalls with Large Skylight Design and Maintenance April 09, 2026 By Jordan Swail, BESc, PEng (ON), BSS This paper was presented at the 2024 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show. INTRODUCTION Modern skylights are complex building envelope elements that allow natural light to enter buildings, while providing environmental separation for water, air, and heat. Beyond these basic functions, skylights offer the potential for architects […] Read More
Expanding Possibilities: Engineered Design of Masonry Veneer April 09, 2026 Masonry veneer is a well-known and commonly used cladding system found in the built environment due to its aesthetic possibilities and durability. Historically, this “nonstructural” element has fallen under the architect’s purview in the design process, but with increasing complexity in building performance and geometry, building enclosure consultants are frequently joining the design team for, or providing third-party design review of, masonry veneer construction. Read More
IIBEC Board of Directors Approves Governance Changes March 27, 2026 IIBEC Board of Directors Approves Governance Changes THE IIBEC BOARD of Directors during its September 26-27, 2025, meeting approved several recommendations from the IIBEC Governance Task Force, formed in September 2023 with a charge “to ensure that IIBEC’s governance is effective, inclusive, and relevant.” The IIBEC Board of Directors, Governance Task Force, and staff have […] Read More
Finding Balance: The Next Chapter in Low-Slope Roof Design March 27, 2026 Finding Balance: The Next Chapter in Low-Slope Roof Design By Jason P. Wilen, RRO, AIA, NCARB, CDT This paper was presented at the 2025 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium AS A FORENSIC architect practicing in the US and specializing in the assessment of existing and design of new roofing and waterproofing systems, the author has encountered […] Read More
Glass Breakage Analysis: The Impact of Nickel Sulfide Inclusions in Building Glazing Part One: Understanding and Identifying NiS March 27, 2026 Glass Breakage Analysis: The Impact of Nickel Sulfide Inclusions in Building Glazing Part One: Understanding and Identifying NiS By Misael Rojas, RRO, AIA, NCARB NICKEL SULFIDE (NIS) inclusions represent a persistent and significant challenge within the domain of architectural glazing, particularly concerning thermally toughened (tempered) glass employed in window and curtainwall assemblies. These microscopic impurities, […] Read More
Key Considerations for Roof Drainage Design March 27, 2026 Key Considerations for Roof Drainage Design By Clemente Zamarripa, PE, and Amrish Patel, PE This paper was presented at the 2025 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show. EFFECTIVE ROOF DRAINAGE is critical for managing water from rain or snow and preventing water accumulation which could damage a building’s roofing system and structure. Roof drainage systems […] Read More
Facade Failures: Common Types, Causes, and Lessons Learned February 11, 2026 Facade Failures: Common Types, Causes, and Lessons Learned By Paul Sujka, PE, and Matthew Normandeau, PE, LEED AP FACADE FAILURES Facade systems serve several critical purposes for buildings and structures, including establishing the architectural identity and providing protection from the elements. Often unbeknownst to owners, occupants, and the public, the condition of facade systems is […] Read More
Hygrothermal Failure Case Study: Fergusson School February 11, 2026 Hygrothermal Failure Case Study: Fergusson School By Dave Edkins, PhD (Civil), CMEngNZ, CPEng, IntPE(NZ)/APEC Engineer; Graham Tennent; and Nick Edkins, PhD (Science) INSULATED ROOFS THAT are insulated above the purlins and contain a vapor-control layer (VCL) are a new technology in New Zealand, and these types of roofs need more in-depth hygrothermal modeling than was […] Read More
When Sealants Meet Waterproofing: A Sticky Situation February 11, 2026 When Sealants Meet Waterproofing: A Sticky Situation Adhesion, Compatibility, and Discoloration of Silicone Sealant in Contact with Bituminous Waterproofing Materials By Kelly Cronin, RWC, PE; Emmett Horton, PE; Matthew Schofield, PE; and Sang Kim, PhD A COMMON CONVERSATION in design team meetings and on project sites during construction involves compatibility of materials. In a world […] Read More
