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Welcome to the very first and special episode of The Flow Lab, where hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Harold Orr, a pioneering figure in building science and energy efficiency. Harold shares the fascinating story behind the invention of the blower door, the groundbreaking Saskatchewan Conservation House, and how these innovations shaped modern air-tightness standards.

With decades of experience, Harold explains the evolution of air leakage testing, the challenges of energy-efficient construction, and the importance of sealing techniques for sustainable buildings. This episode is packed with historical insights and practical knowledge for anyone interested in building science, HVAC, and home energy efficiency.

Expect to Learn

• How Harold Orr pioneered the development of the blower door and air-tightness testing
• The origins of the Saskatchewan Conservation House and its impact on the Passive House movement
• The evolution of building insulation and air barriers for energy-efficient construction
• Common misconceptions about air-tightness and the myth that "houses need to breathe"
• The "chainsaw retrofit" method for improving insulation in older homes

In today’s Episode

[00:01:51] – Welcome to The Flow Lab

[00:02:07] – The purpose of The Flow Lab

[00:02:50] – Introduction to Harold Orr

[00:04:40] – How Harold started working in air-tightness and building efficiency

[00:16:30] – The birth of the blower door

[00:22:18] – The Saskatchewan Conservation House

[00:25:34] – How the Passive House movement was influenced by Harold’s work

[00:33:57] – Vapor barriers, air sealing, and insulation techniques for modern construction

[00:38:40] – The "Chainsaw Retrofit" method

[00:46:35] – Do houses really need to "breathe"?

[00:50:17] – Why air-tightness should be a building code requirement

[00:55:37] – Harold’s lasting impact on building science

Connect with Guest Harold Orr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-orr-6858a3/

Follow the Hosts

Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/

Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/

Website: https://retrotec.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions about air-tightness and energy-efficient construction in the comments or on social media.