The construction industry thrives on shared knowledge, yet formal education opportunities for builders often lag behind the rapid pace of innovation in building science. That gap is exactly what the BS* and Beer movement set out to fill. What started as informal gatherings among building professionals in Portland, Maine has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, […]
High-performance building has long been viewed as a luxury reserved for custom homes with unlimited budgets, but a growing movement of builders, designers, and researchers is demonstrating that high performance does not have to mean high cost. The central question driving this shift, explored in depth by industry experts on the BS* + Beer Show
Combining board and batten siding with exterior rigid foam insulation is an effective strategy for reducing thermal bridging through wood framing while boosting overall wall R-values. However, the assembly details require careful attention to avoid moisture problems and ensure long-term durability. Architects and builders working on high-performance homes increasingly turn to this combination, but the
Unvented roof assemblies, often called hot roofs, have become increasingly common in modern construction as builders seek to create conditioned attic spaces and accommodate complex roof geometries. However, a longstanding debate continues within the building science community: is it ever safe to insulate an unvented roof using only fibrous insulation such as fiberglass batts or
The construction industry stands at a pivotal moment where environmental responsibility meets practical building performance. Bio-based building materials offer a compelling pathway forward, combining renewable resources with proven structural capabilities that rival conventional options. These materials, derived from living organisms and plant-based sources, represent one of the most promising developments in sustainable construction methods available
Few things alarm a homeowner more than walking into a room and finding water dripping from an air conditioning vent. That steady drip can stain ceilings, peel paint, encourage mold growth, and damage the supply register itself. If you have ever placed a towel on the floor to catch the drips, you know exactly what
Superinsulation has been a defining concept in energy efficient construction for more than three decades. The term emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as builders in cold climates began experimenting with dramatically thicker insulation levels, airtight construction techniques, and improved window performance. The movement gained formal recognition when Wolfgang Feist developed the Passivhaus
As the building industry shifts toward net-zero targets, reducing operational energy is only half the equation. The materials used in construction carry their own environmental cost, known as embodied carbon. Among these materials, insulation plays a surprisingly significant role. While it saves energy over the life of a building, the production of certain insulation types
Solar energy has become a mainstream choice for homeowners looking to reduce electricity costs and lower their carbon footprint. Yet too often, photovoltaic (PV) arrays end up as afterthoughts, installed on roofs that were never designed to accommodate them. The result is compromised performance, higher installation costs, and sometimes even safety hazards. Designing for solar
Building in hot and humid climates presents distinct challenges that differ fundamentally from those in temperate regions. High temperatures combined with persistent moisture stress building envelopes, mechanical systems, and interior comfort. One key debate among builders in tropical zones is whether high-mass wall assemblies like grouted concrete block benefit home performance, and where insulation should
