Maximize Your Insulation - Advancing Thermal Performance through Envelope-First Design
Workshop Session
This fast-paced session delivers a technical overview of high-performance envelope design for hybrid wood construction, focused on reducing both operational and embodied carbon. It highlights how early-stage energy modeling and sensitivity analysis not only optimize design decisions but also support project funding requirements. Attendees will learn practical, data-driven strategies to address air leakage, thermal bridging, and continuity gaps, while optimizing insulation and material use. Emphasizing cost, constructability, and performance verification, the session provides actionable insights to deliver durable and resilient building envelopes with measurable, lifecycle carbon and energy reductions.
Stephen Oberlin
Stephen Oberlin is an Architect and Senior Project Lead at Ironclad Developments Inc. with nearly a decade of experience spanning architecture and construction. He specializes in high-performance building enclosure design, helping clients reduce risk, improve durability, and achieve long-term sustainability goals through performance-based decision making.
His work focuses on wood-frame multi-family housing, integrating passive design strategies, energy modelling, life-cycle assessment, and enclosure optimization to balance constructability, carbon reduction, and operational performance. Stephen has contributed to Net-Zero and Net-Zero-Ready initiatives across Canada through feasibility studies, prototype development, design, and construction documentation.
A strong advocate for sustainable building practices, Stephen is actively involved in industry leadership and mentorship through organizations including Young Construction Leaders of Manitoba (YCLM), the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), and Sustainable Building Manitoba. He holds a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Manitoba.
Andrew Brassington
Andrew Brassington is the Technical Sales Manager for Owens Corning in Western Canada, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the building construction and manufacturing industry. He is recognized for providing practical, performance-based guidance that helps project teams improve building envelope durability, manage risk, and deliver long-term value.
Throughout his career, Andrew has held senior technical roles with leading manufacturers, supporting architects, contractors, and builders on enclosure strategy, product selection, and constructable detailing. His expertise spans critical building envelope systems, including waterproofing, air barriers, and insulation, with a focus on improving continuity, resilience, and long-term performance.
Andrew is an active contributor to industry leadership through Construction Specifications Canada, where he serves on the Board of Directors, and through technical committees including the Canadian Home Builders' Association Net Zero Council and BILD Edmonton Metro. He regularly presents on enclosure performance, durability, and best practices, helping design and construction teams make informed decisions that improve project outcomes.