Building Enclosure Testing in Eugene

QED Lab is proud to perform building enclosure performance testing at the University of Oregon’s Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, an innovative research facility designed to support cutting-edge scientific discovery and collaboration. Located in Eugene, the Knight Campus represents one of the university’s most ambitious projects and was made possible through a historic $500 million donation from Phil Knight and Penny Knight.

The Knight Campus was designed with a strong focus on sustainability, performance, and long-term durability. The facility achieved LEED Gold certification and was constructed to meet strict energy efficiency and environmental standards. Because of these performance goals, comprehensive building enclosure testing was an important part of the construction and quality assurance process.

Based on the testing setup shown throughout the project, QED technicians performed on-building AAMA 501.2 diagnostic water testing and AAMA 502 water penetration testing on various curtain wall and glazing systems throughout the facility. These tests are commonly used to evaluate the field performance of installed window systems, curtain walls, glass facades, and transition interfaces under simulated weather conditions.

Several of the photos show technicians operating spray racks and controlled hose nozzles while inspecting large curtain wall systems and glazing transitions from the interior. Other images display active water application across the exterior façade while technicians monitored the systems from inside the building for signs of leakage or water intrusion. Temporary containment barriers, interior observation points, and suspended access equipment were also utilized during portions of the testing process.

The building itself features extensive architectural glazing, large-format curtain walls, glass skybridges, and advanced façade systems. These assemblies contribute to the building’s modern appearance while also creating unique waterproofing and air barrier challenges. Complex interfaces between glass systems, structural supports, and cladding transitions require careful installation and verification to ensure long-term performance.

AAMA 502 field testing is designed to evaluate the performance of installed fenestration systems under controlled water and pressure conditions. Unlike laboratory testing, field testing evaluates the actual installed conditions on the building. This allows deficiencies related to installation quality, sealant application, flashing integration, or framing transitions to be identified before the building becomes fully operational.

The images also shows diagnostic testing associated with custom curtain wall systems and large-span glazing assemblies. Water penetration testing at these interfaces is especially important because even minor deficiencies can lead to long-term moisture intrusion, condensation issues, interior damage, or reduced energy performance. Early identification and correction of these conditions helps protect both the building enclosure and the long-term investment in the facility.

The Knight Campus project demonstrates the increasing importance of high-performance building enclosure testing on modern institutional and research facilities. Buildings pursuing LEED certification and aggressive energy targets often require advanced quality assurance measures to verify that systems are functioning as intended. Curtain wall testing, diagnostic water testing, and enclosure evaluations help support these goals by identifying issues before occupancy.

QED is honored to have contributed to a project focused on innovation, research, and sustainability. The Knight Campus stands as a landmark facility for the University of Oregon and highlights the importance of detailed building enclosure testing in helping complex structures achieve long-term durability, energy efficiency, and occupant performance goals.