All Things Facades

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we dive into what it actually takes to decarbonize buildings at scale, starting with the building envelope. Featuring Andrew Zech, CEO of Alpen, the conversation traces his path from financing billions of dollars in commercial energy retrofits to leading a high-performance glazing manufacturer. We unpack why retrofits—not just new construction—are critical to reducing emissions, how secondary glazing and thin-glass IGUs can deliver real payback and comfort gains, and why tenant experience often drives decisions more than regulations alone. We also discuss how manufacturing automation, third-party validation, and a flexible “toolkit” approach are helping bring high-performance glazing into the commercial mainstream. This episode is for anyone focused on envelope performance, retrofit strategy, and making decarbonization work in the real world.#AllThingsFacades #Alpen #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #Decarbonization #EnergyRetrofits #HighPerformanceWindows #SecondaryGlazing #ThinGlass #IGU #CommercialBuildings #EnvelopePerformance #SustainableDesign #Fenestration

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we sit down with Ed Madocks for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on what really drives building envelope success and failure. Drawing from decades of experience across roofing, facades, and envelope consulting, Ed explains why most leaks and performance issues don’t come from the products themselves, but from human error at interfaces, transitions, and overlooked field conditions. We dig into the gap between idealized details and jobsite reality, the trade-offs between energy upgrades and long-term maintainability, and why QA/QC, access, and experienced oversight matter more than over-specifying systems. This episode is for anyone who wants to design and build envelopes that actually perform in the real world — and last.#AllThingsFacades #MadocksArchitecture #FacadeDesign #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #BuildingScience #HighPerformanceBuildings #EnvelopePerformance #ConstructionQuality #Fenestration #CurtainWall #ArchitectureDesign #BuildingPerformance #ConstructionInsights

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we break down what Passive House actually is — and what it isn’t.Featuring Enrico Bonilauri, co-founder of EmuPassive, the conversation cuts through common myths around cost, materials, and prescriptive checklists, and reframes Passive House as a performance-based approach grounded in building physics. We talk about applying Passive House principles to commercial buildings and retrofits, why whole-window performance and airtightness matter more than individual products, and how phased upgrades can deliver real energy and comfort gains over time.This episode is for architects, engineers, and builders who want to understand Passive House in practical, real-world terms.#AllThingsFacades #EmuPassive #PassiveHouse #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #HighPerformanceBuildings #EnergyEfficiency #Airtightness #WholeBuildingDesign #Fenestration #WindowPerformance #SustainableDesign #EnvelopePerformance

In this new episode of All Things Façades Podcast, we explore the real challenges of bringing new technology and innovation into the façade market. Featuring Robert Voigt, a façade industry expert with extensive experience in advanced glazing systems, the conversation uses electrochromic glass and vacuum insulated glass (VIG) as case studies to unpack the gap between innovation and adoption — from perceived risk and lack of standardized specs to integration challenges, cost, and unrealistic performance expectations. We discuss where these technologies truly add value, why whole-assembly thinking matters more than single-product solutions, and what it takes for new glazing technologies to move from niche applications into mainstream façade design. This episode is for anyone navigating emerging technologies in real-world projects, not just on paper.#AllThingsFacades #FacadeDesign #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #GlazingIndustry #ElectrochromicGlass #SmartGlass #VacuumInsulatedGlass #VIG #BuildingScience #HighPerformanceBuildings #ConstructionInnovation #EnvelopePerformance #SustainableDesign #Fenestration

In this special live episode of All Things Facades, recorded on-site at Facades+ Seattle on November 20, 2025, we bring together insights from Brian White, Spencer Culhane, Irene Martin, Brad Glauser, Richard Green, J-F Robert, Anthony Pydych, and Doug Bevier. As our second live-recorded episode—following Facades+ Boston—this conversation captures real-time perspectives on façade performance, materials, sustainability, glass, prefabrication, and the evolving challenges shaping the building envelope.A wide-ranging discussion reflecting the energy of the event and the voices driving where the industry is headed next.#AllThingsFacades #FacadesPlus #FacadesPlusSeattle #TheArchitectsNewspaper #FacadeDesign #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #BuildingScience #GlazingIndustry #CurtainWall #Sustainability #Prefabrication #StructuralGlass #Fenestration #ConstructionInnovation #AECIndustry #LivePodcast #SeattleEvents

In this episode of All Things Facades Podcast featuring Eliot Benor (BET), we tackle one of the biggest issues in building science: how focusing too much on details can cause us to miss what truly matters in building performance. Eliot unpacks the evolution of today’s energy codes, why real-world thermal testing is becoming essential, and the growing disconnect between modeling assumptions and actual field conditions. We also dig into the realities of prefabrication, electrification, and what it really takes to maintain technical rigor in the industry.A focused, candid conversation on why the future of façade engineering depends on balancing technology with experience—and seeing the whole system, not just the parts.#AllThingsFacades #BuildingEnvelopeTesting #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #WindowSystems #ConstructionInnovation #GlazingIndustry #BuildingPerformance #ConstructionInsights

For the first time, All Things Façades Podcast goes on the road—recorded live at Facades+ Boston. This special edition brings together seven industry voices, each offering a rapid-fire deep dive into the biggest trends shaping façades today. In this in-person series of mini-interviews, we explore:BIPV & Building-Integrated Solar featuring Brian Vaz (Mitrex) — How architects are using photovoltaic façades to meet strict energy requirements without compromising design.Terracotta’s Modern Comeback featuring Jen Marchesani (Shildan Group) — Why this historic material is now leading sustainability and performance discussions.Global Fire-Stop Expertise featuring Brad Davis & Sreenivas Narayanan (Siderise) — What the U.S. façade market can learn from international best practices—and how early coordination prevents failures.Massachusetts Stretch Code featuring Alejandra Menchaca (AIRLIT Studio) — A technical yet practical breakdown of compliance, energy modeling, infiltration testing, and new workflows.Spandrel Thermal Performance featuring Shu Talun (RDH Building Science) — Why spandrel areas are proving to be one of the biggest gaps between design intent and actual energy performance.Thermal Bridging in New & Existing Buildings featuring Felipe Francisco (Studio NYL) — How modeling, prescriptive pathways, and real-world constraints shape envelope performance decisions.The Future of Building Enclosures featuring Marty Wood (The Architect's Newspaper) — Conference insights on collaboration, chaos, and the sustainability-driven evolution of facades+ events.This episode captures the energy and expertise that make Facades+ one of the most influential gatherings in the industry.#AllThingsFacades #TheArchitectsNewspaper #FacadesPlus #FacadeDesign #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #ConstructionInnovation #ArchitectureDesign #GlazingIndustry #ConstructionInsights #BuildingPerformance #FacadePodcast #BIPV #Terracotta #FireStopping #ThermalPerformance #StretchCode #HighPerformanceBuildings

In this episode of All Things Façades podcast, Jason and Spencer take a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in the industry — aluminum versus UPVC windows. From structural performance to installation challenges, they share first-hand insights from years in the field and explore how each material stacks up across different project types and regions.They break down what installers really think about aluminum’s long-standing dominance, UPVC’s rapid rise in energy-efficient applications, and the practical realities that influence every window selection — from code requirements and hardware to cost, aesthetics, and field conditions.Whether you’re a façade engineer, architect, or installer, this conversation sheds light on how material innovation, market trends, and real-world experience continue to shape the future of window systems. #AllThingsFacades #FacadeDesign #AluminumWindows #UPVCWindows #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #WindowSystems #ConstructionInnovation #InstallerPerspective #ArchitectureDesign #GlazingIndustry #ConstructionInsights #BuildingPerformance

In this episode of All Things Façades podcast, we sit down with building science legend Dr. Joe Lstiburek — a storyteller, educator, and straight-talking voice of reason in an ever-evolving industry.Joe shares how decades of field experience, mentorship, and even lawsuits have shaped the way we design and build today. From the fundamentals of the Perfect Wall concept to the quirks of different climate zones, he breaks down what really drives good building performance — and why understanding physics beats following trends.With his signature humor and sharp insights, Joe dives into the challenges of modern construction: poor installation practices, gaps in education, and the growing role of insurance and liability in pushing better building science. But he remains optimistic — seeing a future shaped by smarter collaboration, stronger fundamentals, and the next generation of builders who care about doing it right.#AllThingsFacades #BuildingScience #FacadeDesign #Architecture #Engineering #ConstructionIndustry #BuildingEnvelope #PerfectWall #BuildingPerformance #FacadeSystems #SustainableDesign #BuildingPhysics #ConstructionInnovation #DesignEducation #BuildingEnclosure

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we’re joined by two industry powerhouses — Peter Cornellier of PSRK Products Inc. and Kurt Le Van of Entekk — for a deep yet down-to-earth conversation on unitized curtain wall systems and how they’ve reshaped the façade industry from Chicago to D.C.From the early days of stick-built glazing to today’s streamlined unitized systems, Pete and Kurt share how evolving practices, smarter partnerships, and sharper quality control are changing the way buildings go up — and stay up. They dive into everything from contracting models and layout control to design assist, field testing, and how the next generation of façade professionals is stepping up with fresh ideas.Whether you’re a seasoned façade geek or just love a good “how it’s built” story, this episode has plenty of laughs, lessons, and real-world wisdom from two pros who’ve truly seen it all.#AllThingsFacades PSRKProducts #Entekk #CurtainWall #UnitizedSystems #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelopes #ConstructionInnovation #GlazingIndustry #ArchitectureDesign #DesignAssist #DelegatedDesign #QualityControl #LayoutControl #FieldTesting #BuildingScience #ConstructionPodcast #FacadeDesign #GlazingContractors #BuildingExteriors #ModernConstruction #SustainableDesign

What does it really take to build — or rebuild — a high-performance facade that meets today’s Passive House and energy code standards?In this episode of All Things Facades podcast, Matt Capone from FacadesX and Eliot Benor from BET, break down the evolving world of building envelopes — from structural insulated sheathing and magnesium oxide boards to the realities of retrofits, reclads, and office-to-residential conversions.We dig into performance-based design, testing, and why expert coordination is key to achieving both efficiency and durability.This episode is perfect for architects, engineers, and developers looking to stay ahead in the high-efficiency building space.#AllThingsFacades #FacadesX #BuildingEnvelopeTesting #BET #FacadeDesign #BuildingEnvelope #PassiveHouse #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableConstruction #HighPerformanceBuildings #Reclad #Retrofit #BuildingScience #ArchitecturalDesign #ConstructionInnovation #FacadeEngineering #BuildingPerformance #GreenBuilding #SmartConstruction #DesignBuild #MagnesiumOxideBoard #StructuralInsulatedSheathing #BuildingCodes #NetZeroBuildings

Nashville’s skyline is evolving fast, and so are the challenges behind its facades. In this episode of All Things Facades podcast, Mo Wright (Gate Precast) and Lee Davis (ESa) dive into the city’s shift from all-glass towers to layered, textured designs, the role of local industry in sustainable building, and how developers are navigating growth pressures, regulations, and collaboration demands. From solar heat gain strategies to hospitality projects shaping the city, this conversation unpacks the design, market, and cultural forces redefining Nashville’s architecture.#AllThingsFacades #GatePrecast #ESa #FacadeDesign #NashvilleArchitecture #BuildingEnvelope #SustainableDesign #PrecastConcrete #UrbanGrowth #ConstructionTrends #ArchitecturalDesign

The fenestration industry is at a crossroads. From shifting markets and evolving codes to the rise of vinyl and fiberglass products challenging aluminum’s dominance, the game is changing fast. In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we sit down with Brad Glauser of Edify Studios to break down the forces reshaping the industry.We cover it all: market trends, material innovations, the growing overlap between manufacturers and glazing subcontractors, and how design-build and digital tools are transforming project delivery. Whether you’re an architect, manufacturer, contractor, or just curious about where facades are headed, this conversation will give you a front-row seat to the future of building envelopes. #Fenestration #CurtainWall #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeDesign #ConstructionInnovation #WindowSystems #ArchitectureTrends #SustainableDesign #AllThingsFacades #EdifyStudios

What if your building’s facade could generate power and look great doing it? In this new episode of All Things Facades podcast, Eliot Benor (Building Envelope Testing) and Danial Hadizadeh (Mitrex) explore how BIPV is disrupting construction norms—turning cladding into clean energy, cutting maintenance costs, and redefining what’s possible in design and performance. From high-rise retrofits to code breakthroughs, this isn’t just solar—it’s the next generation of building envelopes. #AllThingsFacades #BuildingEnvelopeTesting #Mitrex #BIPV #FacadeTech #ArchitecturalInnovation #GreenConstruction #BuildingDesign #CleanEnergy #HighPerformanceFacade #SustainableConstruction

What makes window wall systems “stick”? In this new episode of All Things Facades podcast, Jody Cash of Quest Windows and Jason Glatt of Advanced Window Inc. break down how unitized façades are transforming the construction landscape — from faster installs and smarter design to overcoming market misconceptions. Whether you're a developer, architect, or just curious how Canadian innovation is reshaping skylines across the U.S., this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!#AllThingsFacades #QuestWindows #AdvancedWindowInc #WindowWall #UnitizedSystems #FaçadeInnovation #ConstructionTrends #BuildingEnvelope #ArchitecturalDesign #HighRiseConstruction

What happens when Passive House principles meet the chaos of real-world construction? In this new episode of All Things Facades podcast, Manny Morales (Facade + Envelope) and Spencer Culhane (Skyline Windows) get candid about the growing pressure to design smarter, build tougher, and balance performance with reality. They dive into the aluminum vs. UPVC window debate, the messiness of facade coordination, and why Florida’s heat is no match for building codes written for cold climates. Packed with firsthand insight and a few industry truths we all think but rarely say—this one’s for anyone who's ever had to fight for better buildings.#AllThingsFacades #PassiveHouse #FacadeDesign #BuildingEnvelope #HighPerformanceBuilding #SustainableConstruction #WindowSystems #UPVCvsAluminum #FacadeEngineering #GreenBuilding #ClimateResilience #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableDesign #ConstructionPodcast #IndustryTalks #DesignDeepDive

Ever wonder what it takes to lead a contracting business through real growth — not just in size, but in structure, leadership, and strategy? In this episode, we're sitting down with Tom to talk about the hard truths behind scaling in the exterior envelope world.From managing ego-driven transitions to navigating family dynamics, professionalizing operations, and entering new markets, we’re diving into the conversations that rarely happen out loud. If you’ve ever been in the middle of a leadership handoff or wrestled with whether someone’s really ready for the top seat, this one hits close.Tune in for real stories, real challenges, and what makes or breaks leadership in the façade industry.#AllThingsFacades #LignumGroup #LeadershipInConstruction #ConstructionStrategy #OwnerOperator #FacadeBusiness #TeamBuilding #ContractingLeadershiphttps://linktr.ee/allthingsfacades

Ever wondered what it’s really like to balance technical expertise with creative problem-solving in the world of building consulting? In this episode with Justin from SK&A, we pull back the curtain on façade inspections, client engagement, and the not-so-glamorous challenges that come with complex installations and tight timelines.From on-site surprises to digital design debates, we’re sharing stories from the field, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re deep in the AEC world or just curious about how skyscrapers stay sleek and safe, this one’s for you.Tune in and get the real talk on technical consulting!#AllThingsFacadesPodcast #BuildingConsulting #FacadeInspection #TechnicalSolutions #ConstructionLife #DesignAndBuild #ConsultingStories #ProjectManagement #ArchitectureTalk

Building failures—what’s really going on behind the walls?In this episode of All Things Facades, we’re diving into the biggest risks in building enclosures—the ones that cause leaks, cracks, and costly repairs. Our guests, Stefanie Schober and Jeff Crowe from Lerch Bates, are here to share insights on why failures happen, how to fix them, and where the industry is headed next.From real-life disasters to smart solutions, we’re covering it all. Whether you're an architect, builder, or just fascinated by how buildings stay (or don’t stay) standing, this one's for you.Tune in to learn:The most common mistakes in enclosure design and constructionHow to prevent failures before they become expensive problemsWhat’s next for the industry—are we actually building for the future?Don’t miss this one. Hit play and let’s talk facades.#AllThingsFacadesPodcast #LerchBates #BuildingEnclosures #FacadeEngineering #BuildingFailures #ConstructionScience #BuildingDesign #BuildingPerformance #EnvelopeFailures #SustainableConstruction

We’re kicking off All Things Facades' Season 2 with a powerhouse episode featuring Helen Sanders from Technoform and Mic Patterson from Facade Tectonics! From the battle between double vs. triple glazing to the real impact of embodied carbon, we’re diving deep into the biggest challenges shaping the future of building facades. Can the industry strike the right balance between performance, sustainability, and cost? And who’s really responsible for educating the market?Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with expert perspectives, industry debates, and unexpected takeaways!#AllThingsFacades #Season2 #BuildingFacades #Sustainability #EmbodiedCarbon #Glazing #FacadeEngineering #HighPerformanceBuilding #GreenBuilding #ConstructionInnovation #Architecture #BuildingDesign #EnergyEfficiency #NetZero #MarketEducation #BuildingBetter