October 2017 · ThermalBuck

It’s a pleasure to work with architects to solve the challenges of retrofitting existing structures. When they specify ThermalBuck for their own personal projects, it becomes a real privilege.

Alan Benoit, Principal Architect, Sustainable Design of Vermont, chose ThermalBuck to mount his energy efficient windows for his net-zero energy office space, and we jumped at the chance to work with him personally on the installation.

A Passion for Sustainability

Alan & Nancy Benoit are an incredibly talented team. Alan is an award-winning certified Passive House Consultant & Architect, Nancy is a skillful designer of everything from footwear to furniture.

Together they focus on utilizing reclaimed and repurposed materials for their personal passion project: the inviting home, garden, workspace, and guesthouse they’ve created together on their remarkable homestead in Vermont.

“Be patient. Never settle if it’s not right.”
– Nancy Benoit, as quoted in Vermont Magazine

There is a reason their work stands out, and you can see why in the philosophy that guides them. Everything is built with respect and consideration for preserving and stimulating the natural environment, promoting a harmonious lifestyle in an inspiring setting.

Vermont Magazine recently featured their beautiful spaces in their Sept/Oct 2017 issue – you’ll love seeing the details and reading in-depth about their design process.

Sustainable Design of Vermont

We could get used to sustainable living.

Sustainable design is the focus of their work, whether new construction or a simple addition to an existing structure.

In addition to running their own businesses, Alan is extremely active in the Vermont green building community, and volunteers his time and knowledge through his Sustainable Living Series.

When you work with people who live & breath sustainability, even lunch is a treasured experience, with homegrown tomato sandwiches fresh from the garden.

Net-Zero Energy Retrofit

Local architects, builders & craftsman watch the ThermalBuck installation in Manchester Center, VT.

In 2017, Alan & Nancy decided to relocate their growing business to the beautiful barn they had build a decade ago on their property.

It was time to plan a full blown net-zero energy redesign, capable of meeting their needs year round.

They planned to insulate the interior and exterior walls, insulate the roof, and install new energy efficient windows, mounted with ThermalBuck. Complete air & water sealing for a tight building envelope is essential in achieving net-zero energy.

Working in conjunction with building materials supplier RK Miles, Alan arranged a demonstration of ThermalBuck for local architects, builders, and fellow green-building enthusiasts. We couldn’t have asked for more when Alan gave us his feedback on using ThermalBuck to mount windows with exterior insulation.

“We are now specifying it on all future projects.
What a time/labor/material savings it is!”
– Alan Benoit, Architect, Sustainable Design of VT

Materials

2.5″ ThermalBuck high performance window buck
2″ Roxul Comfortboard
Henry Blueskin WRB & Flashing system
5-1/2″ dense packed cellulose on interior walls
2″ foil-faced polyiso for the roof slope, 3″ for ceiling flat
1″ closed cell spray foam for the roof
9″ dense packed cellulose on the remaining roof slope & flat ceiling cavity
Marvin Integrity casement windows

Details Make the Difference

2.5″ ThermalBuck prevents compression of the Roxul, and insulates the rough opening.

Knowledge of building science is especially important on retrofits, as installation details often require modification based on the uniqueness of the project.

Alan & Nancy wanted to reuse their vertical cedar siding, which meant running the rainscreen horizontally. Drainage would not be an issue, as Alan planned gaps every 2′ for ventilation, and has a screen at the bottom, and vented space at the top of the walls.

Roxul permits water to drain through it as well, allowing the horizontal strapping to properly dry out. The building will have a HRV system, and the Benoit’s have planned to utilize a community solar project in order to achieve net-zero energy.

The barn renovation is projected to be complete in December, 2017. It was inspiring to work with Sustainable Design of Vermont, and we look forward to following Alan & Nancy on the rest of their net-zero journey.

ThermalBuck Installation Gallery

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Sustainable Design of Vermont is presenting their next Sustainable Living Series on November 16th, at 6:30 pm at the Manchester Center Vermont Public Library. Alan will explain the major elements of “Building Science”, in hopes of helping homeowners avoid common mistakes with renovations. To learn more, visit sustainabledesignofvt.com.

The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo is a powerhouse event in the building community, bringing together a diverse community of professionals from all over the world to learn about sustainable building practices, and the latest technologies for the built environment.

BRINC Building Products is proud to announce that we will be exhibiting ThermalBuck this year, joining hundreds of building material manufacturers committed to the rapid expansion of the green building community.

Together in Boston – WE ARE ALL IN

2017 Greenbuild has more to offer than ever, as it co-locates with the largest building event in the Northeastern U.S., the Architecture Boston Expo. Commonly known as ABX, and sponsored by the Boston Society of Architects, the Architecture Boston Expo has traditionally seen attendance in the 15,000 range, and Greenbuild 18,000. The two events run simultaneously under one roof at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, present an outstanding opportunity to broaden the experience to an estimated 25,000 attendees and exhibitors.

ABX 2017

Hosted by the Boston Society of Architects (one of the oldest and largest AIA chapters), this particular event has been advancing the green building community in the Northeast for over 150 years. ABX is valued for it’s regional focus, building relationships and a local network in New England, with shared climate, economics, and politics.

ABX 2017 features traditional educational sessions, tours, and an extensive exhibit hall, but also special events like the QUAD Social Space exhibition, Design Technology Throwdown, and an Immersive Visualization demonstration. Something truly unique being offered at this year’s show, are the Marketing Collateral Audits, which provide an opportunity to have your architectural firm’s marketing reviewed by a professional in the field.

For a full schedule of events, check out abxexpo.com.

Greenbuild

Greenbuild is THE International building event of the year. What began back in Austin, TX in 2002 as a small event with 4,000 attendees, has grown into a truly global force (and award-winning event) to promote sustainability. The schedule for Greenbuild 2017 begins on November 6th, with green building tours, workshops, and special event such as the Communities & Affordable Home Summit. The first official day of the show, November 8th, ends in the traditional ( and usually sold-out) Greenbuild Celebration, a don’t-miss event featuring locally sourced food, drinks, networking, and live entertainment by The Revivalists. One of the most anticipated events on the Greenbuild schedule will be the following day at the opening plenary, featuring former President Bill Clinton.

Not only does Greenbuild offer the highest quality of educational and collaborative opportunities for attendees, it also significantly impacts the local environment where the show is held. The conference encourages sustainable practices and behaviors from attendees and exhibitors alike, proactively pursuing goals of reducing waste and offsetting carbon emissions. To read more about sustainability at Greenbuild, click here.

Join ThermalBuck on the Exhibit Floor

Greenbuild is a special show for us. It’s where we launched ThermalBuck back in 2015 in Washington, D.C, and were recognized by Building Green as one of the “Greenest of the Green” top ten best new products at the show. Consider attending the 2017 ABX2017/Greenbuild, and see for yourself how this event provides unique opportunities for green building professionals to connect and advance the goals of sustainability for our built environment.

Get your FREE exhibit floor pass (use promotional code THER0MC711), and visit us at Booth #871 on November 8th & 9th. You’ll leave ABX2017/Greenbuild feeling inspired about the future of energy-efficient building.

View a complete schedule of events for Greenbuild, and for ABX 2017. For more about the Boston Society of Architects, visit architects.org. Not sure which show you should register for? You’re not alone. Start here, and be sure and register before the early bird discount expires October 16, 2017. The exhibit halls for both shows are open to all attendees.

Month: October 2017

Perfecting an Energy-Efficient Haven in Vermont