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Insulating Existing Masonry Buildings

Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Mark Ginsberg
Proposer First Name
Mark
Proposer Email
mark@cplusga.com
Proposer Last Name
Ginsberg
Proposer Phone
(917) 687-4700
Proposer Job Title
Partner
Proposed Session Description
There is a large stock of uninsulated masonry buildings of various typologies. Leaving these buildings as is, is becoming untenable with the global effort to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero. Depending on several regulatory issues, these envelopes could be insulated from the interior, exterior, or both. In all cases, retrofit feasibility, the durability of materials, installation cost, and overall envelope performance, such as condensation and freeze-thaw damage, could become an issue.
Why is this session important?
The first step to reduce the carbon footprint of an existing building is to improve the envelope. To do this there are a number of technical and regulatory issues to address. This presentation will discuss the nuances involved with addressing these issues.

Comments

Tommaso Bitossi Wed, 05/10/2023 - 9:51 pm

MAYBE - definitely an interesting topic. There are not enough details in this proposal description to understand how revolutionary these solutions are. It could be very interesting, or it could end up simply stating the state of the art when it comes to adding insulation to an existing masonery wall. Either way...this is an important topic, so perhaps, even if there is nothing revolutionary about the content, it could still be interesting for some attendees. If selected, I highly recommend to really focus on built case studies, leassons learned, showing WUFI evaluations or similar that really prove the efficacy of certain solutions. Also recommended to focus on retrofits that reached very low Uvalue, without risk of condensation. 

Sara Bayer Mon, 05/15/2023 - 6:28 pm

MAYBE - if there isnt a similar presentaion on this topic, we should have one - and these presenters are very good and knowledgeable.  This fits in perfectly with the RFP of the conference, first line. I saw the BSC presentation they mention they did before, and it was great.  Woudl like to see a little more ideas about mechanical integration into the facades, different emdobided carbon criterea of material choices, and details of transitions to roof and foundation.

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Thu, 05/25/2023 - 9:15 am

Round 1 discussion:-Talks about the masonry & envelope.- gives an overview but does not have any depth- do not mention solutions- needs more information on the site- Does not say how it is done- The speakers seem to be promising- Would he be open to combining/joining forces with #156?

Gwen McLaughlin Thu, 06/15/2023 - 7:08 am

Yes, combine with #156 Well received at AIA Building Science CommitteePhotos and details from actual projects are throughout Will present cost information A lot of masonry buildings are being repurposed throughout the city: adaptive reuse, change of occupancy, retrofit with tenants in placeInsulation options include overclad/reclad vs. interior insulation options. This session will cover considerations for zoning, building and energy codes, long term durability (e.g., condensation and drying potential of insulation on the interior) and analysis and testing based on age and condition of building to figure out what’s possibleTowers in the Park are good candidates for panelized insulation, don’t have to displace people from their homes for long periods of timeRowhomes are good candidates for interior renovation, which requires a gut rehab and people will be displacedPresentation will cover code, performance, holistic strategies, not just thermal energy but also water, air condensation and durabilityWill address embodied carbon as part of the lifecycle analysis Totally interested in teaming with Floris – joining forces would be great for presentation, diverse perspectives of architect, envelope consultant, manufacturer (products)Open to feedback from the committee

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Thu, 06/22/2023 - 1:51 pm

R2 meeting: Presented at AIA Building Science Committee. Good data and cost information. Holisitic view. Happy to combine with 156.

Diversity and Inclusiveness
Not directly, but many of the projects we are talking about are affordable housing and / or New York City Housing Authority Projects.
Learning Objectives
Understand how solid masonry walls manage water, air, heat, and vapor.
Understand the code considerations associated with different solid masonry retrofit options.
Recognize the need for existing material testing and hygrothermal analysis to maintain durability and performance of the existing masonry components.
Discuss design concepts that promote reliable and durable solutions for upgrading thermal performance existing masonry walls.
Has this session been presented before?
Yes
When and Where?
AIA New York Chapter Building Science Committee, November 2022.
Additional Comments
The presenters are willing to work with the NESEA committee to modify/update the presentation content to better align with the overall conference goals.
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 2 - Some prior knowledge helpful.

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2023

Reviewer 1
Bayer, Sara
Reviewer 2
McLaughlin, Gwen
Curator
Smits Anderson, Jodi
Proposal #
110
Session #
NYC23-336
Committee Decision
Accepted