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Posts tagged building science
The Collaborative Legacy of Lake|Flato Architects and Positive Energy

The landscape of contemporary architecture is increasingly defined by the synergy between visionary design and rigorous building science. At the forefront of this evolution stands the enduring partnership between San Antonio based Lake|Flato Architects, renowned for their distinctive, context-responsive designs, and Positive Energy, an Austin, TX-based residential MEP engineering and building science firm. For over a decade, our collaboration has consistently yielded award-winning projects, particularly within the challenging environmental contexts of the Texas Hill Country and beyond. This blog post explores how our integrated approach to design has not only created beautiful and award winning architecture, but also offers invaluable lessons for the broader architectural community.

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Positive Energy's Education and Advocacy Efforts

Our comprehensive approach to MEP engineering and building science consulting is deeply rooted in a strategic vision that extends far beyond individual project delivery. Our commitment to the idea of "Healthy people, healthy planet” is unwavering. It is not just a statement, but a guiding principle that permeates our extensive education and advocacy efforts. Through the firm’s Building Science Blog and The Building Science Podcast, we aim to actively cultivate knowledge everywhere we can, demystifying complex technical concepts like indoor air quality and intricate wall assembly dynamics for architects and the broader industry. This accessible knowledge transfer empowers architects to confidently integrate advanced building science into their designs, mitigating risks and ensuring the long-term performance and durability of their projects.

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Architectural Design, Building Science, Code, Electrification, Embodied Carbon, Healthy Home, High Performance Homes, Passive House, Phius, Natural Building Material, Mechanical Design, MEP2040, Indoor Air Quality, HVAC, Heat PumpsPositive EnergyPositive Energy, MEP engineering, building science, high-end residential architecture, healthy spaces, comfortable spaces, resilient spaces, human-centered design, MEP design/engineering, custom home market, mission, conditioned space, employee well-being, project partner relationships, "Healthy people, healthy planet" vision, collaboration, architects, contractors, owner representatives, lived experience of architecture, indoor space upgrade, mission-focused engineering, healthier indoor environments, electrification, fossil fuel solutions, education, advocacy, market development, high-performance buildings, AEC industry, building science blog, Building Science Podcast, technical information, continual learning, educational content, blog posts, building resilience, energy systems, building enclosures, indoor air quality, moisture dynamics, wall assemblies, ventilation strategies, sealed attics, dehumidification, roof assemblies, "ping pong water, " indoor air pollution, IAQ code, fossil gas appliance emissions, electrification of domestic hot water, hydronic systems, natural building materials, biophilic design, net-zero energy, carbon footprints, risk mitigation, podcast, Kristof Irwin, M. Walker, philosophical aspects of building science, ethics, aesthetics, systemic aspects of building science, high-energy physics, custom builder, AIA BEC, AIA COTE, human factors, integrating ethics and aesthetics, risk management in AEC, bioclimatic design, system thinking, industry transformation, technical solutions, IAQ and materials, material supply chains, philosophical society, critical thinking, speaking engagements, Architectural Paradigms and Adaptation, Building Science 2.0, Facades+, PhiusCon, Passive House, BS + Beer, battery capacity sizing, ASHRAE, AIA Austin Design Excellence Conference, Science and Storytelling, Code Change, ATX Building Performance Conference, True Sustainability and Regeneration, Healthy Buildings, Earthen Construction, Gulf Coast Green, International Builder Show, Testing Protocols, University Guest Lectures, Earthen Architecture, Systems-Thinking Lens, Cooling, Passive House in Emerging Markets, Climate Change, Building Envelope, Refrigeration Cycle, Mechanical Systems, Air as Material, Psychrometrics, Ventilation, Organization & Committee Memberships, ASHRAE TC-2.1, ASHRAE SSPC-55, ASHRAE SSPC-62.2, MEP2040, RESNET, AIA Austin's Building Enclosure Council, AIA Austin's Committee On The Environment, Phius Alliance Austin, Humid Climate Conference, Phius Alliance, BS + Beer Northwest Arkansas, Habitat for Humanity, Industry Publications, Fine Homebuilding Magazine, Journal of Light Construction, Radiant Cooling.
Feldman Architecture and Positive Energy Forge a Path to World Class Architecture 

Feldman Architecture is a distinguished firm based in San Francisco and widely recognized for their creation of warm, light-filled spaces characterized by an understated modern aesthetic. Beyond the visual appeal of their designs, Feldman Architecture is driven by a profound commitment to addressing complex problems through design, aiming to significantly enhance human interaction with the built environment and the planet. This ethos finds a powerful complement in our work here at Positive Energy. We are a specialty MEP engineering and building science firm from Austin, TX, and share with our partners at Feldman Architecture a foundational mission to transform the delivery of conditioned space to society. 

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Architectural Design, Building Science, Electrification, Environmental Design, Healthy Home, High Performance Homes, Indoor Air Quality, Mechanical Design, Natural Building Material, Solar, Wildfire, Embodied Carbon, MEP2040, Architecture 2030Positive EnergyFeldman Architecture, Positive Energy, Santa Lucia Preserve, MEP Design Engineering, Title 24 consulting, sustainable design, architectural excellence, ethical design, building science, Living Building Challenge (LBC), Carbon Budget initiative, high-performance design, regenerative principles, technical expertise, aesthetic expression, contextual design, MEP2040 Challenge, carbon reduction, operational carbon, embodied carbon, electrification, building physics, design decisions, performance metrics, code compliance, aesthetics, emotional resonance, material selection, concrete, structural steel, aluminum, spray foam insulation, mass timber, wood doors and windows, locally sourced stone, low-carbon CMU, Red List avoidance, Curveball project, Fog's Edge project, Cloud's Rest project, Stone's Throw project, Modern Craft project, radical candor, intergenerational transfer of ethos, Climate Studio, Tally, energy modeling, daylighting, photovoltaic (PV) systems, AIA California Climate Action Committees, reach codes, advocacy, talent attraction, job turnover, collaboration, specialized consultants, ecosystem, jazz improvisation, role of architect, design constraints, 2030 Challenge, industry standards, business benefits of sustainability, "role power", human well-being, mental health.
Positive Energy Alumnus Corey Squire Wins 2025 Young Architect Award

We are thrilled to celebrate Corey Squire, AIA, a distinguished alumnus of Positive Energy, for being awarded the prestigious AIA 2025 Young Architect Award! Corey's visionary approach has profoundly redefined the role of sustainability in architecture, making him a true leader in the field.

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A Building Science Dive into the Hill Country Wine Cave

The Hill Country Wine Cave, a distinctive architectural endeavor by Clayton Korte Architects, is intricately integrated into the natural landscape of the Texas Hill Country. This private subterranean structure is carved into the north face of a solid limestone hillside, designed to nearly vanish into its surroundings. Completed in 2020, the 1,405 square meter facility encompasses a tasting lounge, a bar, a restroom, and a dedicated wine cellar capable of storing approximately 4,000 bottles.

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Wine Storage, Mechanical Design, Indoor Air Quality, HVAC, Heat Pumps, Architectural DesignPositive EnergyHill Country Wine Cave, Clayton Korte Architects, subterranean architecture, Texas Hill Country, wine cellar, tasting lounge, bar, restroom, limestone hillside, excavated tunnel, board-formed concrete portal, white oak, Douglas fir, shotcrete-lined walls, steel and wood windows, building science, thermal stability, moisture intrusion, MEP engineering, Positive Energy, high-end residential architecture, human-centered design, Kristof Irwin, heat, air, moisture flow, thermal performance, moisture control, earth's thermal buffer, subsurface temperatures, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES), Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES), passive thermal control, high-efficiency mechanical systems, temperature delta, above-grade environments, temperature fluctuation, energy demand, thermal mass effect, external environmental influence, "ship in a bottle" enclosure strategy, 3D scan, waterproof environment, drainage, water entry, moisture accumulation, sweating, moisture ingress, rainwater, groundwater, air transport, vapor diffusion, Building Science Corporation (BSC), Phius, RDH, source control, dampproofing, waterproofing, control layers, Water Resistive Barrier (WRB), air barrier, vapor retarder/barrier, drainage plane/cavity, rainscreen system, continuous insulation, SEER, HSPF heat pump, Goldilocks scenario, cooling, dehumidification, ASHRAE guidelines, indoor air quality (IAQ), humidity control, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), wine preservation, corks, off-gassing, ventilation, filtration, ASHRAE Standards 62.1, ASHRAE Standards 62.2, system thinking, high-performance design, collaborative design
The Theresa Passive House: A Blueprint for High-Performance Design in Hot-Humid Climates

The Theresa Passive House, nestled in Austin's historic Clarksville neighborhood, stands as a remarkable example of how architectural preservation can harmoniously merge with modern sustainable design. This 2100 square foot residence, completed in 2020, is not merely a renovation and addition to a 1914 Craftsman bungalow; it is a meticulously engineered dwelling that embodies rigorous targets in energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, embodied carbon, and responsible materials sourcing.[1] These ambitious goals were established by the Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius), a leading authority in high-performance building standards.

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Architectural Design, Building Enclosure, Building Science, Code, Dehumidification, Electrification, Environmental Design, Filtration, Healthy Home, Heat Pumps, High Performance Homes, HVAC, Indoor Air Quality, Mechanical Design, Passive House, Phius, Solar, VentilationPositive EnergyTheresa Passive House, high-performance design, hot-humid climates, residential performance, sustainable design, architectural preservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, embodied carbon, responsible materials sourcing, Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius), Phius certification, PHIUS 2018+ Source Zero, ASHRAE Climate Zone 2A, photovoltaic panels, battery backup systems, self-sufficiency, resilience, Forge Craft Architecture + Design, Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects, Studio Ferme, integrated design process, building envelope, HVAC system, on-site solar panels, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineering, Positive Energy, building science, human-centered design, net-zero energy buildings, heating loads, cooling loads, source energy, airtightness, energy modeling, continuous insulation, thermal bridges, air changes per hour (ACH@50 Pa), air leakage, Blower Door Test, high-performance windows, triple-glazing, low-emissivity (low-e) coatings, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), balanced ventilation, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), dedicated dehumidification, right-sizing mechanical systems, comfort, health, durability, passive survivability, Winter Storm Uri, University of Texas research, climate-specific standards, moisture management, key performance metrics, site energy use index (EUI), renewable energy production, wall assemblies, water control layer, air control layer, thermal control layer, vapor control layer, wood frame system, mineral wool insulation, unvented roof, Marvin windows, indoor pollutants, combustion products, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5), ASHRAE Standard 62.2, ventilation rates, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump AC, Panasonic Intellibalance 1000 ERV, MERV filtration, heat pump hot water heater, climate resilience, extreme weather events, grid outages, source zero certification, community education, AIA Housing Award, Passive Project of the Year – Retrofit, Austin Green Awards, affordable multifamily housing, building envelope prioritization, mechanical ventilation with energy recovery (ERV) implementation, MEP systems integration, advanced air filtration, MERV ratings, active energy independence, photovoltaics, battery storage, MEP engineer collaboration, climate-specific MEP solutions, commissioning agent
The Resurgence of Natural Building Materials in High-End Homes: A Building Science Perspective for Architects

The landscape of luxury residential architecture is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by an escalating demand for homes that embody both sophisticated elegance and profound environmental responsibility. This evolution is particularly evident in the growing emphasis on sustainable practices, personalization, and a deep, intrinsic connection to the natural world. By the end of this decade, it is anticipated that high-end homes will prominently feature biophilic design principles, seamlessly integrating elements such as optimized natural light, lush indoor gardens, and fluid indoor-outdoor living spaces. This is not merely a passing aesthetic trend but a fundamental redefinition of luxury, where well-being and ecological stewardship are as valued as opulence and exclusivity.

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Natural Building Material, Indoor Air Quality, High Performance Homes, Healthy Home, Environmental Design, Code, Building Science, Building Enclosure, Architectural DesignPositive Energyluxury residential architecture, sustainable practices, personalization, environmental responsibility, biophilic design, natural light, indoor gardens, indoor-outdoor living spaces, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Agreement, net-zero energy buildings, carbon footprint, eco-friendly building materials, passive design strategies, smart home technologies, personalized climate control, AI-driven systems, sustainable materials, natural building materials, renewable resources, low carbon footprints, recyclability, biodegradability, greenhouse gas emissions, construction waste, energy efficiency, insulation, thermal properties, indoor air quality (IAQ), low-VOC compositions, breathability, durability, organic aesthetic appeal, wellness strategy, building science, building envelopes, moisture management, bulk water, vapor diffusion, air-transported moisture, deflection, drainage, drying, vapor pressure, vapor permeability, dew point, hygroscopic materials, hydrophilic materials, hydrophobic materials, capillarity, hygric buffering, vapor retarders, vapor barriers, cold climates, hot and humid climates, mixed climates, thermal performance, R-value, thermal mass, heat capacity, thermal conductivity, density, specific heat capacity, thermal inertia, air movement, natural ventilation, wind-driven ventilation, stack effect, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), off-gassing, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, earthen homes, adobe, compressed earth block (CEB), rammed earth, compressive strength, seismic considerations, reinforcement techniques, foundations, moisture barriers, wall protection, code acceptance, hemp-based materials, hempcrete, hemp batt insulation, carbon sink, hemp hurds, lime-based binder, fire resistance, char layer formation, VOC neutralization, structural frame, shear strength, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), engineered wood, CNC technologies, load-bearing capabilities, strength-to-weight ratio, acoustic properties, sound absorption, floating floors, charring effect, fire ratings, prefabrication, climate-specific design, structural engineers, building science consultants, skilled professionals.
Recirculating Hoods and Indoor-Air Quality

A few years ago, Fine Homebuilding published a very energy-efficient house that had a recirculating range hood. The reason for the recirculating hood was to avoid punching an additional hole in the air barrier and to avoid the need for makeup air, if my memory serves me. Now I’m faced with a similar decision. Seems recirculating hoods won’t remove moisture from the kitchen—do they at least do an adequate job of filtering the air?

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The Damp Deception: How a Well-Intentioned Code Change is Fostering Mold in New Homes

The promise of a new home often includes visions of a healthier, more energy-efficient living space. However, a subtle yet significant regulatory shift in U.S. building codes, particularly affecting hot-humid climate zones, may be inadvertently undermining this very promise. Before 2021, residential ventilation requirements were often loosely enforced; homes were typically required to have a ventilator, but the actual volume of air exchanged was not mandated to be measured. This frequently led to systems being ineffectively installed or even "sabotaged" by HVAC contractors, rendering them inoperable or improperly configured from the outset. Consequently, many homes, even in that period, did not achieve consistent fresh air exchange. Compounding this, most residential HVAC systems lacked any form of supplemental or dedicated dehumidification, a feature that building science experts have increasingly recognized as crucial, especially for high-performance homes in moisture-laden environments.

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The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Kristof Irwin

By Aaron Fagan, Kristof Irwin, originally published in The Fine Homebuilding Magazine, Issue 300 - July 2021

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