In this session, an experienced wood-frame enclosure designer and co-author of the new, updated 2020 Building Enclosure Design Guide for Wood Frame Multi-Unit Residential Buildings will share practical detailing examples for enclosure continuity, with a focus on the air barrier system. This session will give designers and builders the tools to understand modern air barrier detailing used to meet current building codes and adapt to the future of wood-frame construction detailing.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the challenges that make properly detailing and constructing conventional wood-frame buildings challenging.
2. See the importance of well-thought-out and clearly conveyed enclosure details, especially in terms of constructability and cost.
3. Understand concepts that can be used when planning and detailing typical transitions, window and door openings, and penetrations.
4. How to properly develop a performance specification for an air barrier system.

James Higgins, AScT

James’s work includes building enclosure design, forensic investigations, building monitoring, façade design, and field review and testing services for new construction and existing buildings at RDH. He combines his theoretical expertise with a practical approach to solving complex design and construction problems. James also takes an active role in industry education, leading and contributing to many industry guides and training programs, including The Building Enclosure Design Guide – Wood Frame Multi-Unit Residential Buildings. He is known for his ability to create and use effective visuals to support clear, actionable explanations of complex concepts.