Supporting Enclosure Performance Through a $150 Million Museum Transformation

Technical Assurance was engaged by Karpinski Engineering to provide building enclosure commissioning services for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s multi-phase expansion and renovation in Cleveland, Ohio. The $150 million program included a new 50,000-square-foot addition constructed on an existing parking lot, along with significant renovations to existing facilities that transformed the museum’s public spaces and visitor experience.

Technical Assurance provided independent, third-party BECx services throughout the project, supporting verification of enclosure performance objectives as the new construction was integrated with the museum’s existing facilities.

Integrating Enclosure Performance from Design Through Construction

Technical Assurance’s involvement began with pre-design and design-phase reviews of enclosure-related drawings and specifications. As the project progressed into construction, the team reviewed technical submittals and performed periodic on-site quality observation focused on critical enclosure systems.

Field observations included air and vapor barrier installations, curtain wall and window systems, roof assemblies, and other enclosure components affecting long-term building performance.

Using Infrared Evaluation to Verify Enclosure Performance

As part of construction-phase verification, Technical Assurance performed infrared thermographic evaluation of the building enclosure in accordance with ASTM C1060. Testing was used to assess insulation continuity and identify potential pathways for air exfiltration.

The infrared evaluation did not identify conditions indicative of air leakage, and no issues of concern were observed during the enclosure review. These results provided additional verification of appropriate installation and enclosure performance at the time of observation.

Carrying BECx Through Phased Project Completion

The museum’s expansion and renovation progressed through phased completion, with Technical Assurance’s BECx services concluding in late 2024 following construction-phase verification and performance testing. The commissioning process supported confirmation of enclosure performance objectives while contributing to the project’s long-term durability and operational goals.