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Green building experts with practical hands-on how-to info on energy efficiency, sustainable products and integrated design
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Maine Architects Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan share their experience, knowledge, music preferences, and cocktail recipes. --Imagine going to a Building Energy conference, donning your name tag lanyard, attending a great session on an interesting topic, taking a bunch of notes, and filling your quota of power point slides for the year. This podcast is nothing like that. This is like going out to a bar afterward with the speaker and fellow architects and talking about that forum session. --Chr ...
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Ep52_Jacob Racusin Lecture - Part 2
1:02:33
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Welcome back for part 2 of Jacob's lecture from the PassivhausMAINE lecture series on addressing embodied carbon in our built environment. We close the episode with a song from one of the bands Jacob records with; Fantasma by Mal Maiz! Enjoy! Cheers!By Jacob Racusin, Phil Kaplan, Chris Briley
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Chris and Phil were not only lucky enough to attend a lecture by Jacob Racusin, but they were also able to record it! Our friends at PassivhausMAINE invited Jacob to share his insights on low-impact, high-performance building technologies and discuss some of the ground-breaking work he has been involved in lately regarding plant-based construction …
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Ep50_Offsite Construction and High Performance
1:10:09
1:10:09
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Welcome to Episode #50!!! So many people are talking about offsite construction as an inevitable next step to solve the myriad housing issues we currently face, and we can't help but envision high-performance as going hand in hand with this movement. We discuss the evolution of these systems from the Sears Kit Homes of the 20's, to the race-to-the-…
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We know. You want a sustainable siding that is maintenance free and affordable. The problem is that there are just so many options from which to choose and it's difficult to wade through the ocean of literature and opinion to find the perfect siding for your sustainable home. Lucky for you, Chris and Phil have hit the record button on an in-depth c…
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Embodied carbon is carbon that is emitted in the production of materials, and the building industry is responsible for 40% of global annual emissions. Buildings are the problem AND the solution and understanding the immediate impacts of embodied carbon is absolutely vital. We define the critical difference between operational and embodied carbon, a…
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In this episode, Chris and Phil head over to the Portland Pod to record because they have not one, but two guests (Geoff Sparrow and Fred Greenhalgh of Revision Energy) to talk about Solar Storage! With lithium ion batteries hitting the market at ever more affordable prices, perhaps you've considered adding them to a project. The whole gang will si…
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What is a Living Building? It is rooted in place yet harvests all it needs (energy, water), is adapted to its climate and site, operates pollution-free, is comprised of integrated systems, and...is BEAUTIFUL. Phil and Chris talk about Living Building Challenge, a certification program that aims to transform the market place, with all it's joys and …
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Ep45_The Multi-zone Heat Pump Issue with guest Dana Fischer
55:19
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In cold climates, Multi-zone heat pump systems (or multi-split systems) are developing a reputation for greatly under-performing , in terms of energy efficiency. Don't freak out! Chris and Phil have special guest, Dana Fischer of Mitsubishi, over to share a beverage and get to the bottom of this problem and how to properly approach the design of mu…
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The Green Architects' Lounge is BACK! After a long hiatus, Chris and Phil are reuniting for a fresh new season of the podcast! They're kicking it of with a LIVE recording at the PassivhausMAINE 2018 Fall Forum at the Mechanics' Hall in Portland Maine. The topic: Passive House Schools! They (and the hyperbollically massive) audience will sip cocktai…
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If you’re working on a Passive House (or Passivhaus) project, there will come a time when you will have to decide whether to certify your project through PHI (the Passivhaus Institut) or PHIUS (the Passive House Institute U.S.). Before their split in 2011, they were essentially one and the same, where PHIUS was the American “branch” of the European…
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Ep41-Ventilation for Your Tight House-Guest Sonia Barrantes-Pt2
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We’ve come to realize that we all want simple rules of thumb to guide our design process. Unfortunately, there isn’t a rule of thumb for everything and we’re going to have to rely on some common sense, good advice, and good old-fashioned engineering to get this balanced ventilation system right. Our cocktails are refreshed and we’re ready to go.…
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Ep40-Ventilation for Your Tight House-Pt1
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In this episode we are assuming that you are preparing to design or build a super-tight house and you’re interested in the best way to provide fresh air for its occupants. In the old days, you’d just “let the house breathe” [shudder]. But those days are long gone. A healthy house leaks, while an energy-efficient house controls how it leaks — and th…
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Phil and I have freshened up our drinks and now we’re ready to tackle Items 8 through 15. Be sure to go back to Part 1 to listen to Items 1 through 7.By Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan
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It’s back to the basics with this one, folks. Back in 2013, we were asked to do a presentation at NESEA for the “Fundementals” track — something similar to our “Sprout Follies” podcast. We put together a PowerPoint presentation, and did our best to deal with the fact that our cocktails would be coffee. It was well received, so we thought it would b…
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Phil and Chris have returned to continue their discussion on foundations. In Part One, they covered slabs and frost walls, and in this part they cover basements and crawl spaces.By Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan
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Not too long ago I found myself in a deep conversation (pun intended) about frost-protected slabs with some other architects and building professionals. I was surprised at the energy surrounding the topic. We all seemed to have developed substantial differences in the details on our own and we were all learning from each other. I was equally surpri…
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Ep35-An Update on the Pretty Good House -Pt2
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Cocktails in hand, Phil and I pick up the conversation about the Pretty Good House. Be sure to check Part 1 of this episode for some of the basics and the origins of this nebulous building/design concept.By Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan
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Ep34-An Update on the Pretty Good House-Pt1
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The status quo of newly constructed homes here in America is, well, disappointing. Despite some strong market-transforming rating systems (such as LEED, Energy Star, Passivhaus, etc.), the classic American home is still being designed and built exactly as it was 20, 30, or even 40 years ago. Why? There’s a few reasons, the biggest of which is marke…
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Part Two of this episode brings us to construction details for high-performance affordable homes. Again, we feel the need to point out that we are not talking about low-income housing or housing that makes a difference between shelter and non-shelter. We're talking about high-performance homes that will compete, on a financial level, with those che…
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Now that “green” design (usually defined as design that is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly) is arguably in the mainstream, our industry faces a challenge: to bring green design into the realm of affordability. So, join Phil and me as we knock back a cocktail, roll up our shirt sleeves, and discuss our respective approaches to affordab…
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Green Architects' Lounge - How to Choose the Right Mechanical System
48:24
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With any house, there are so many variables that influence the decision to choose one particular mechanical system over another; climate, home size, cost, local availability and cost of fuels and materials, and the life style and preferences of the occupants. There is no "one-size-fits-all" system that one can reliably prescribe to all projects. So…
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Green Architects' Lounge - How to Choose the Right Mechanical System
48:23
48:23
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48:23
With any house, there are so many variables that influence the decision to choose one particular mechanical system over another; climate, home size, cost, local availability and cost of fuels and materials, and the life style and preferences of the occupants. There is no "one-size-fits-all" system that one can reliably prescribe to all projects. So…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Solar PV - Part 2
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Enter the Dollar! Now it's time to start figuring out just how much these solar sytems will cost. Moreover, we'll find out how to calculate your return on your investment. Then Phil takes us out with a great song called Earl Jean by Beachwood Sparks. Enjoy.By Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan
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Green Architects' Lounge - Solar PV - Part 2
24:51
24:51
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Enter the Dollar! Now it's time to start figuring out just how much these solar sytems will cost. Moreover, we'll find out how to calculate your return on your investment. Then Phil takes us out with a great song called Earl Jean by Beachwood Sparks. Enjoy.By Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan
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Green Architects' Lounge - Solar PV - Part 1
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The thing about photovoltaic(PV) Generation of electricity directly from sunlight. A photovoltaic cell has no moving parts; electrons are energized by sunlight and result in current flow. solar (or PVPhotovoltaics. Generation of electricity directly from sunlight. A photovoltaic (PV) cell has no moving parts; electrons are energized by sunlight and…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Solar PV - Part 1
31:01
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The thing about photovoltaic(PV) Generation of electricity directly from sunlight. A photovoltaic cell has no moving parts; electrons are energized by sunlight and result in current flow. solar (or PVPhotovoltaics. Generation of electricity directly from sunlight. A photovoltaic (PV) cell has no moving parts; electrons are energized by sunlight and…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Guest Allison Bailes
45:04
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Chris and Phil have a nice chat with energy auditing guru, Allison Bailes, As a Green Building Advisor and the man behind the Energy Vanguard, Allison knows his stuff. Together they discuss the new Energy StarLabeling system sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for labeling the most energy-efficient produ…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Guest Allison Bailes
45:03
45:03
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Chris and Phil have a nice chat with energy auditing guru, Allison Bailes, As a Green Building Advisor and the man behind the Energy Vanguard, Allison knows his stuff. Together they discuss the new Energy StarLabeling system sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for labeling the most energy-efficient produ…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Guest John Straube
54:43
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The Lounge welcomes John Straube for a drink and chat about the latest news in Building Science. The drink ends up being of the caffeinated variety (due to the early temporal placement of the recording within the day) and the conversation covers many topics such as his new book and what commercial buildings should strive for, where green building a…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Guest John Straube
54:42
54:42
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The Lounge welcomes John Straube for a drink and chat about the latest news in Building Science. The drink ends up being of the caffeinated variety (due to the early temporal placement of the recording within the day) and the conversation covers many topics such as his new book and what commercial buildings should strive for, where green building a…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Guest James Howard Kunstler
56:06
56:06
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Some see the glass as half full, others see it as half empty. Jim tells you what the %$#@! is in the glass, how it got there, and what SHOULD be in the glass instead. Join Chris and Phil as they interview author, and social commentator, James Howard Kunstler. Jim delivers his commentary on the built environment in a refreshing, unique, and blunt ma…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Guest James Howard Kunstler
56:06
56:06
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56:06
Some see the glass as half full, others see it as half empty. Jim tells you what the %$#@! is in the glass, how it got there, and what SHOULD be in the glass instead. Join Chris and Phil as they interview author, and social commentator, James Howard Kunstler. Jim delivers his commentary on the built environment in a refreshing, unique, and blunt ma…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Designed to Built, Part 2
36:52
36:52
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It's one thing to design a house, and it's another entirely to turn that design into a physical reality. In this episode, Chris and Phil kick back with an autumn cocktail and talk about the process of bringing on a builder and the challenges of keeping control, quality, cost, and expectations managed along the way.…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Designed to Built, Part 2
36:52
36:52
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It's one thing to design a house, and it's another entirely to turn that design into a physical reality. In this episode, Chris and Phil kick back with an autumn cocktail and talk about the process of bringing on a builder and the challenges of keeping control, quality, cost, and expectations managed along the way.…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Designed to Built, Part 1
31:03
31:03
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31:03
It's one thing to design a house, and it's another entirely to turn that design into a physical reality. In this episode, Chris and Phil kick back with an autumn cocktail and talk about the process of bringing on a builder and the challenges of keeping control, quality, cost, and expectations managed along the way.…
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1
Green Architects' Lounge - Designed to Built, Part 1
31:03
31:03
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31:03
It's one thing to design a house, and it's another entirely to turn that design into a physical reality. In this episode, Chris and Phil kick back with an autumn cocktail and talk about the process of bringing on a builder and the challenges of keeping control, quality, cost, and expectations managed along the way.…
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Green Architects’ Lounge - Guest Martin Holladay, Part 2
38:24
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Sprout Follies read moreBy Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan
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Green Architects’ Lounge - Guest Martin Holladay, Part 2
38:23
38:23
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Sprout Follies read moreBy Chris Briley and Phil Kaplan
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Green Architects' Lounge - Guest Martin Holladay, Part 1
23:54
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You know him, you love him, (or at least his articles) it's Martin Holladay. He was in the neighborhood, so he stopped by to chat with Chris and Phil for this episode of the Green Architects' Lounge. This is your chance to get to know the man behind some of your favorite articles. Hear how he spent his youth abroad and how it has shaped his current…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Guest Martin Holladay, Part 1
23:53
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You know him, you love him, (or at least his articles) it's Martin Holladay. He was in the neighborhood, so he stopped by to chat with Chris and Phil for this episode of the Green Architects' Lounge. This is your chance to get to know the man behind some of your favorite articles. Hear how he spent his youth abroad and how it has shaped his current…
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1
Green Architects Lounge - Net Zero Homes, Part 3
28:22
28:22
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Phil and Chris finally get to talk about one of their favorite topics. Net ZeroProducing as much energy on an annual basis as one consumes on site, usually with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics or small-scale wind turbines. Calculating net-zero energy can be difficult, particularly in grid-tied renewable energy systems, because of tra…
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Green Architects Lounge - Net Zero Homes, Part 3
28:22
28:22
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Phil and Chris finally get to talk about one of their favorite topics. Net ZeroProducing as much energy on an annual basis as one consumes on site, usually with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics or small-scale wind turbines. Calculating net-zero energy can be difficult, particularly in grid-tied renewable energy systems, because of tra…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Net Zero Homes, Part 2
21:23
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Phil and Chris finally get to talk about one of their favorite topics. Net ZeroProducing as much energy on an annual basis as one consumes on site, usually with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics or small-scale wind turbines. Calculating net-zero energy can be difficult, particularly in grid-tied renewable energy systems, because of tra…
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1
Green Architects' Lounge - Net Zero Homes, Part 2
21:23
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Phil and Chris finally get to talk about one of their favorite topics. Net ZeroProducing as much energy on an annual basis as one consumes on site, usually with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics or small-scale wind turbines. Calculating net-zero energy can be difficult, particularly in grid-tied renewable energy systems, because of tra…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Net Zero Homes, Part 1
24:25
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Phil and Chris finally get to talk about one of their favorite topics. Net ZeroProducing as much energy on an annual basis as one consumes on site, usually with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics or small-scale wind turbines. Calculating net-zero energy can be difficult, particularly in grid-tied renewable energy systems, because of tra…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Net Zero Homes, Part 1
24:24
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Phil and Chris finally get to talk about one of their favorite topics. Net ZeroProducing as much energy on an annual basis as one consumes on site, usually with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics or small-scale wind turbines. Calculating net-zero energy can be difficult, particularly in grid-tied renewable energy systems, because of tra…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Passive House - Part 3
31:39
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You've probably heard about 'Passive House' (or 'Passivhaus'). And like Phil and Chris, you can feel the buzz in the air from it within the green housing community. It's a building certification that is focused completely and only on reducing energy consumption. Join Chris and Phil as they summon their own energy to discuss this hot topic over a co…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Passive House - Part 3
31:38
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You've probably heard about 'Passive House' (or 'Passivhaus'). And like Phil and Chris, you can feel the buzz in the air from it within the green housing community. It's a building certification that is focused completely and only on reducing energy consumption. Join Chris and Phil as they summon their own energy to discuss this hot topic over a co…
…
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1
Green Architects' Lounge - Passive House - Part 2
15:44
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You've probably heard about 'Passive House' (or 'Passivhaus'). And like Phil and Chris, you can feel the buzz in the air from it within the green housing community. It's a building certification that is focused completely and only on reducing energy consumption. Join Chris and Phil as they summon their own energy to discuss this hot topic over a co…
…
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Green Architects' Lounge - Passive House - Part 2
15:44
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You've probably heard about 'Passive House' (or 'Passivhaus'). And like Phil and Chris, you can feel the buzz in the air from it within the green housing community. It's a building certification that is focused completely and only on reducing energy consumption. Join Chris and Phil as they summon their own energy to discuss this hot topic over a co…
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