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Unbuild It | Episode 151: Where Matters: Climate (I)
Pete starts a 3-part series on the importance of Climate (I), Site (II), and Extreme Events (III). Steve sets up the discussion on climate with this question: Would you pack the same suitcase contents when traveling to Minneapolis in February, Honolulu in March, and New Orleans in July?
We have done a ton of national research on climate-driven applied building science as captured in the Building America Solution Center , the lead resource below. But let's not forget the Holy Grail of climate-driven applied building science: Joe Lstiburek's "Perfect Wall" also below. Stay tuned for the episodes on Site and Extreme Events!
PETE'S RESOURCES:
Climate I:
- Building America Solution Center, site search on "climate" – https://basc.pnnl.gov/search?keywords=climate
-
PNNL US Climate Map Guide –
https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1893981/
NOTE: If you are not familiar with this resource, it is a good backdrop to thinking about how climate drives building science. - BSC Enclosures That Work – https://buildingscience.com/bsc-document-type/enclosures-work
- BSC BSI-001 The Perfect Wall (works in ALL climates) – https://buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-001-the-perfect-wall
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Episodes
Unbuild It | Episode 164: Thermal Control Layers Explained
Episode 164
In the final episode of the Back to Basics series, Steve, Jake, and Pete break down the thermal control layer, from insulation and R-values to thermal bridging and continuity. Learn why effective thermal performance depends on all four building control layers—water, air, vapor, and thermal—working together.
Unbuild It | Episode 162: Back to Basics: Air Control Layers Explained
Episode 162
The boys break down key building science principles for creating effective control layers, with a special focus on airtightness. From maintaining continuity and simplifying installation to blower door testing and understanding what drives air leaks, this episode offers practical guidance for building tighter, better-performing homes.
Unbuild It | Episode 159: 3Qs: Climate Zone 7 T&G Ceiling, Aging in Place Design, and Alternative PreFab Foundations
Episode 159
This Q&A episode tackles listener questions on ZIP sheathing vs. Smart Vapor Retarder for cold-climate ceilings, zero-threshold exterior doors and Universal Design, and innovative wood-based alternatives to concrete foundations. The discussion wraps up with a look at below-grade SIP foundation systems and plenty of valuable resources for deeper exploration.
Unbuild It | Episode 158: The Doctor is In - Retired building scientist and pulmonary physician Nathan Yost
Episode 158
Steve and Pete welcome Nathan Yost to discuss Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), exploring how building materials, indoor environments, and evolving medical understanding can impact those living with sensitivities. Nathan shares insights from years of working with clients, while Steve recounts recent projects where MCS dramatically influenced design decisions, specifications, and material choices—including one project in a surprising "dead zone."