Layer by Layer: Sustainability & Performance in Rainscreen Design

A walkthrough of how design teams go about designing a high performing exterior wall rainscreen system. This will be a moderated discussion exploring the design questions that often come up in designing a rainscreen system, and how architects, consultants and contractors collaborate to address these questions. Panelists—including a waterproofing consultant, fire code consultant, and contractor—will discuss key considerations for their scope architects, builders, owners and tradespeople need to be aware of, as well as common curve balls, questions, or points of conflict they have encountered when addressing other consultants’ design needs.

Erin Feeney, David Baker Architects

An architect focused on urban community design, Erin believes that design has the potential to enhance the sustainability and livability of the built environment, offering comfort and dignity to city dwellers. Erin is a core member of DBA’s Sustainability working group, leading our efforts around building performance to prioritize the human experience in our work. This includes performance standards and processes to enhance thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, community engagement, universal design, and resilience.

John Stuart, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

John collaborates with owners, architects, and contractors to develop performance-based building solutions. He has over 5 years of experience in building enclosure design, investigation, rehabilitation, and construction phase services with a focus on waterproofing, fenestration, exterior wall systems, and building science analysis.

Kit Chang, Nibbi Construction

As a licensed architect and LEED®AP, Kit conducts detailed constructability reviews in her role at Nibbi.

Parisa Nassiri, Holmes

With a focus on Structural Fire Engineering, Parisa analyzes the holistic performance of spaces in fire scenarios. Beyond saving her clients time, material, and labor costs, Parisa champions more sustainable and integrated building design. Through research-backed code consulting and educational outreach, she eases approvals for new construction types at impressive scales. From affordable housing complexes to corporate campuses, Parisa increasingly takes mass timber to new heights.

1. Recognize the benefits of utilizing a rainscreen system in building envelope design.
   
2. Understand how fire code can impact rainscreen design.
   
3. Recognize how costs are driven by rainscreen design decisions and constructibility issues.
   
4. Understand life cycle assessment considerations when selecting products for the layers within a rainscreen.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Center for Architecture + Design, 140 Sutter Street, San Francisco, United States