Building Better with Brick: Designing for Sustainability, Thermal Performance, and Affordability

Description

This AIA-accredited learning session explores advanced, thermally efficient solutions for supporting masonry cladding, highlighting how high-performing connection systems enable architects and engineers to meet the demanding thermal standards of Passive House, LEED®, and Green Building design.

Through comparative data and real-world examples, attendees will gain practical insight into how optimized thermal brackets, thermal ties, and shelf angles achieve superior energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness without compromising architectural intent or constructability.

Speakers:

Jeff Hung, Senior Engineer, FERO

Jeff brings over 8 years of hands-on experience in consulting structural engineering. His expertise spans a diverse range of projects, encompassing new constructions and renovations involving structural steel, reinforced concrete, and masonry buildings. He holds a Master of Science in Structural Engineering, with his research focused on masonry design.

Michael Ross, Senior Engineer, FERO

Michael oversees the design of effective and innovative structural and architectural solutions for a variety of projects. He has an MSc in Structural Engineering, specializing in concrete masonry, and has over 10 years of experience in the field of structural consulting. Michael focuses on taking a pragmatic, value-add approach to engineering. The combination of his education and consulting roles enables him to understand the needs of engineers working with our products and how to help them achieve their design goals.

Lisette Wong, Associate Principal, Think! Architecture + Design

 Lisette Wong, Int’l Assoc. AIA, ARB, is an Associate Principal at Think! Architecture + Design PLLC, where she focuses on climate action through energy-efficient building technologies and the design of affordable and supportive housing. She is a Phius Certified Passive House Consultant and LEED AP BD+C professional.

Sponsored by:

Continued Education:

• AIA Credits: 1 LU
• PHI Credits: 1 LU
• PHIUS Credits: 1 LU

Learning Objectives:

• How traditional masonry support methods compromise energy performance due to thermal bridging.
• How structural thermal break engineered systems enhance thermal efficiency, structural reliability, and cost-effectiveness in modern façade design.
• The critical role of continuous insulation and how masonry veneer support detailing influences thermal bridging, condensation control, and overall envelope performance.
• The implications of the 2022 New York City Building Code (NYCBC) and NFPA 285 requirements for wall assembly design, compliance, and material selection.