This episode of the BS* + BBQ show features guests Matt Risinger, Kristof Irwin, and Armando Cobo. After a few salient lessons on what makes for good BBQ, the conversation turns to common problems affecting buildings in hot-humid climates. In addition to data related to rainfall, air pressure, dew point, and wind speed, Kristof makes some important points around the Hispanic workforce and social justice. He explains the role cultural differences make for architects and builders working in southern climates. Armando waxes poetic on “the building science of meat” before getting into the state of the industry in Texas, and his integrated design process. He talks about the high vertical rise and expansion rates of his region’s soils, geotech reports for foundation design, and all-metal trunk-and-branch HVAC systems. Matt shares his backstory—how he started out building panelized houses in the Northeast and ended up doing high-performance construction in Austin, where water issues are his main concern. He describes the pull between modern architecture and the need for deep overhangs on high-exposure houses; and shares his thoughts on rainscreens, exterior insulation, air sealing, cladding, and fluid-applied flashing—all of which sparks a great Q&A session.

Enjoy the show!

Join us on Thursday, November 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EST for a discussion around the topic: “Dealing With Transitions.” Architect Steve Baczek and builder Ben Bogie will pinpoint the origin of common building stressors and failures—namely, problematic transitions. When moving from footing or slab to wall to roof, the details of those construction points are what either allow or eliminate the potential for water and/or air infiltration. They are also key to load paths, structural integrity, and occupant safety and comfort. They either make a building sound or they make it subject to failure. In short, they are critical. We will hear about design details and practical field knowledge from two of the industry’s best.

Guest bios

Steve Baczek is a nationally recognized architect, who has been in the building industry for over 30 years. Throughout his career, he has designed hundreds of projects across the spectrum of energy performance and sustainability, with distinct notoriety in the residential construction sector. His commitment to his clients equates beautiful aesthetics with trusted durability, health, comfort, environmental responsibility, and energy efficiency. His work extends from the Northeast, which he calls home, across the United States. He serves clients with passions that align with his own.

Ben Bogie is a second-generation high-performance builder working as production manager for a residential builder in Portland, Maine. He has over 20 years of job-site experience ranging from conservation work of early-18th-century homes to building cutting-edge low-energy houses and high-end custom millwork.

Use this link to register for The BS* + Beer Show

BS* + Beer Book Club

Because the hosts of the BS* + Beer Show all love to read, we thought we would celebrate the authors in our industry by adding a book club to the show every few months. We’ll announce the book, give you a few months to get it and read it, and conclude with a BS* + Beer Show episode where we will invite the author to join us, present, and take questions.

We have selected our second book: Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Drive Performance and Productivity by Joseph G. Allen and John D. Macomber

We hope you will pick up a copy and join the discussion on Thursday, December 17, from 6 to 7:30 pm.

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-You can contact Kiley Jacques at [email protected]. Photo courtesy of Kristof Irwin.