Passive House and Mass Timber - Solving the Thermal Bridge Conundrum

Christina Aßmann
Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Christina Aßmann
Proposer First Name
Christina
Proposer Email
christina@passivetopositive.com
Proposer Last Name
Aßmann
Proposer Phone
(315) 464-0049
Proposer Job Title
Sustainability Consultant
Proposed Session Description
Passive House and mass timber can be mutually beneficial. This session focuses on the significance of thermal bridge considerations. Besides influencing energy usage, thermal bridge mitigation reduces condensation risk, increases occupant comfort, and improves assembly durability. We will explore the thermal and embodied carbon benefits of CLT, compare wood to steel studs from a thermal and embodied carbon standpoint, and evaluate thermal breaks in windows and rainscreen applications.
Why is this session important?
Passive House and mass timber have been at the forefront of recent construction trends. However, to date they are rarely combined. Energy Codes are becoming stricter and attention to detail more and more important. The synergies and strategies presented will give the audience knowledge and tools for problem-solving and an improved overall project outcome.

Comments

Jodi Smits Anderson Mon, 05/15/2023 - 12:21 pm

Yes - solid speakers representing several facets of the work, good story of the synergies. Nicely deep tech approiach as well.

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Thu, 05/25/2023 - 10:45 am

Round 1 discussion:- different topic- The speaker is experienced- Mass timber proposals in other groups which were not strong.

Tommaso Bitossi Thu, 06/08/2023 - 3:13 pm

NO - at the moment their proposal is still not very formed, so it is not easy to understand where they are going. Definitly super qualified presenters, interesting mixture (passive house consultant + structural engineer), very driven in advocating for integrated design process (which is great). Their hypotesis is basically that solving thermal bridges is important, mass timber construction can make it easier, and this is particularly advocated by the passive house institute. Very interesting that they will bring real life examples of not-solved thermal bridges  in terms of structural integrity, thermal comfort and energy losses. The main reason for the NO is that at the moment, their proposal and storyline is not clear, hence, I cannot fully understand the actual connection between the 3 key topics they want to talk about: timber, thermal bridges and passive house. For me, these speakers will mainly focus on the importance of solving thermal bridges. Which is slighlty different than what appears from their submission above. 

Diversity and Inclusiveness
This presentation is not expressly about diversity, equity and inclusion issues, however our commitment to the use of Passive House and mass timber stems from our concern about the most universal threat to mankind and to life on the planet. In one sense this is the most democratizing and equalizing crisis in all of history. No one will escape the impacts of this potential catastrophe. We are also mindful that it will most severely affect underserved communities.
Learning Objectives
Discuss the thermal bridge requirements of the Energy Codes and Passive House Standard
Develop thermal bridge mitigation detailing
Develop thermal bridge mitigation detailing
Demonstrate the synergies between Passive House and Mass Timber
Has this session been presented before?
No
Additional Comments
Passive to Positive has previously presented on the synergies between the two and showcased case studies and the benefits afforded by the overlay of the two that would otherwise not manifest alone. Jim D’Aloisio has presented on Thermal Bridging and the different facets of structural considerations. Since our philosophies and approaches align, we thought it would be a compelling presentation to bring the two together. We will share case studies and project examples to highlight different issues and solutions.
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 2 - Some prior knowledge helpful.

NYC 2023 Areas of Focus

Recommended Length
60-minute session

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2023

Reviewer 1
McLaughlin, Gwen
Reviewer 2
Bitossi, Tommaso
Proposal #
164
Committee Decision
Being Considered

Presenters