ABEC South September Luncheon 2026

Presentation Summary:

This presentation examines the redevelopment of Winnipeg’s historic Hudson’s Bay Building and specifically, the challenges of improving energy performance through the introduction of interior insulation strategies in heritage mass masonry construction. Through the application of NRC guidance and advanced hygrothermal modeling (WUFI), this case study evaluated the implications of interior insulation on long-term wall performance and durability. The discussion will explore the assessment methodology, key design considerations, and the project recommendations that ultimately informed the intervention strategy for one of Winnipeg's iconic cold climate heritage masonry buildings.

Presenter Bio:

As a building science and structural engineer with hands on design and field experience Brennan Sperl has been involved in numerous investigation and design projects ranging from new multi-story curtain wall facades to post-construction investigations and restoration of historic and institutional buildings. With formal design training including the use of the hygrothermal analysis software WUFI Pro, and a continual presence on site during construction and field testing, Brennan is able to approach each project from a combined constructability and engineering design perspective