Knowledge Hub

It’s been a while! Buildings + Beyond host Robb Aldrich is back with a quick update on a new (and free!) video series for anyone who wants to learn how to install an air-source heat pump.

Many of us take good acoustics for granted. But it’s common for acoustic efforts to be the first thing cut from commercial projects—or not included in the design phase at all, according to Graham Waks, founder of Music City Acoustics.

Our country’s electric vehicle infrastructure is growing, but accessibility requirements for EV parking spaces and charging stations have lagged behind. We look at how federal guidance and local building codes are beginning to address this gap.

What’s behind the growth of adaptive reuse in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions?

A recent NYSERDA-supported study conducted by SWA shows that right-sized cold-climate packaged terminal heat pumps (ccPTHPs) can reliably heat New York City apartments, even with outdoor temperatures as low as 15°F, without backup systems. This study also reinforces that accurate…

Passive House design can result in efficient, cost-effective, comfortable, and resilient multifamily buildings—as long as it’s based on accurate data.

SWA was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Building America program to lead a team that will address technical challenges of decarbonizing the U.S. housing stock. Along with our team members HR&A Advisors, Ecosystem, and Kinetic Communities Consulting…

We’re excited to announce that Gayathri Vijayakumar, Principal Mechanical Engineer at SWA, has been selected for the inaugural class of the RESNET® Recognition of Women Pioneers in the HERS® Industry.

The course illustrates real-world examples of air-source heat pumps, with both good and bad applications. ASHPs can work very well in many cold climates with thoughtful design and implementation. The intent of this course is to help people implement systems…

This module will take an in-depth look into the mechanical systems typically employed in high performance, net zero buildings including heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and ventilation. Discussion topics include reasons for, and issues with full electrification and central-plant considerations….