Building Science Super Lab
Some of the features of this highly specialized building include:
- New and traditional materials such as ICF foundation walls, SIPS panel walls, and standard stick frame construction.
- High-tech electronically-controlled 4-zone heat pump system.
- Built-in thermocouples throughout to measure core temperatures of the building materials in all directions in real-time.
- 450-foot Pressure lab to replicate real-world conditions like infiltration/exfiltration, duct leakage, open chases, and uncapped soffits.
- HVAC system designed for teaching air flow characteristics such as static pressure, dominant duct leakage, and room-to-room pressures
- Full second classroom with smart boards, sound system, distance learning equipment and computer workstations for 12 attendees.
- Air leakage valves to demonstrate: whole house leakage, series leakage, leakage paths and duct leakage of different levels, and at different distances, from the testing point on a level never before seen in the building science community.
- Intentional insulation defect and varying levels of Low E windows throughout that can only be found with an Infrared Camera.
- Walk-in attic that attendees can use to diagnose and manipulate insulation, HVAC issues, can lights, etc. in real unconditioned Arizona summer attic temperatures.
- Simulated tuck under garage where CO can be introduced into the ambient air, as well as leakage to the building.