Retrofit Buildings: Evolving Envelope Strategies from Cellar to Roof

Description

In this presentation, Amy Failla, Principal at Ingui Architecture, will dive into the details and lessons learned from her decade of working on certified Passive House projects throughout New York City. She will discuss the ways in which Ingui Architecture’s passive details have been updated in response to real-world challenges and solutions, as well as strategies that have remained effective in historic masonry retrofits. The presentation will also explore the interaction between the goals of Passive House design, client needs, and design opportunities in masonry retrofit projects.

Speakers:

 Amy Failla

Amy is a Registered Architect, Certified Passive House Designer, and Principal at Ingui Architecture. She has been with the firm since 2007 and has been part of some of the office’s most exciting projects.  Because of her ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, clients, and builders, she has become a leader in the office’s sustainability efforts. This includes the First Certified Passive House in a Landmarked District, which helped to create the firm’s repeatable approach to completing successful passive houses. She was also the lead team manager on our Brooklyn Heights Passive Rowhouse, as well as our NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Award winning project, Engine 16.

Sponsored by:

Continued Education:

• AIA Credits: TBD
• PHI Credits: TBD
• PHIUS: TBD

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the goals of Passive House design as applied to masonry retrofit projects while balancing client needs and capitalizing on design opportunities.
• Evaluate existing masonry building conditions and identify key challenges in upgrading the full building envelope—including foundation waterproofing, wall insulation, air sealing, and roof assemblies—to meet high-performance standards.
• Compare evolving envelope strategies and product systems for deep energy retrofits, with a focus on refining solutions and improving constructability in existing and historic buildings.
• Apply integrated design approaches to coordinate airtightness, thermal continuity, and vapor control across all envelope transitions, improving energy efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort in Passive House retrofits.