How to avoid building enclosure problems

June 30, 2010

Led by Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) Senior Principal Peter E. Nelson, PE. SGH engineers will instruct an Executive Education seminar at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. SGH presenters include Vince Cammalleri, AIA, senior principal and head of Building Technology Division in the New York office; Jeffry J. Ceruti, PE, senior principal; Gregory R. Doelp, PE, principal; Michael J. Louis, PE, senior principal; Eric K. Olson, PE, senior project manager; Dean A. Rutila, PE, senior principal; and Francesco J. Spagna, PE, senior project manager. (AIA/CES units: 14 and AIA/CES HSW units are also available.)

What: How to Avoid Building Enclosure Problems will cover how to use building science to solve contemporary problems with building envelopes or exteriors.

 The learning objectives include:

  • Recognize how new sustainable materials can be used without compromising structural integrity or durability.
  • Evaluate exterior enclosure systems including windows, curtain walls, and veneers.
  • Investigate case histories that consider ways to improve the reliability, durability, and sustainability of building enclosures.
  • Analyze major buildings that required substantial remediation shortly after occupancy because of water leakage, condensation, structural failure, mold and mildew contamination, and many other problems related to design and construction.
  • Examine the general principles of exterior enclosure design, including application and use of building systems products in use today.
  • Predict effective integration of air barriers and vapor retarders in building enclosure design with variations for climate and occupancy types.
  • Assess building enclosure design and detailing guidelines to evaluate and control surface and interstitial condensation.
  • Gain an understanding of the different materials used for flashing, roofing, and waterproofing.
  • Identify common problems in the design and construction of building enclosures and apply proven methods to avoid these problems.

Where: Harvard University, Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Mass.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 22 and  July 23, 2010 

How: For more information or to register for the course, please visit the Harvard University Graduate School of Design web site or contact Harvard’s Office of Executive Education at (617) 384-7214 or via e-mail at execed@gsd.harvard.edu