When an earthquake strikes, the most immediate threat inside a building is often not structural collapse but flying glass. Glazing failure accounts for a significant proportion of injuries, property damage, and post-earthquake water infiltration. Modern earthquake-ready glazing systems address this vulnerability through engineered frames, specialized laminates, and clearance gaps that allow buildings to sway without […]
Steel curtain walls form the backbone of countless modern building facades, yet their design, performance characteristics, and installation requirements are often misunderstood by building professionals. While aluminum dominates the curtain wall market in commercial construction, steel curtain wall systems offer distinct advantages in thermal movement control, structural span capacity, and fire resistance that make them
An adaptive reuse project in Portland, Oregon has transformed a vacant 1995 grocery store into a state-of-the-art library operations center, demonstrating how sustainable design strategies can convert utilitarian commercial buildings into high-performance institutional facilities. The Multnomah County Library Operations Center, designed by Hennebery Eddy Architects, repurposes 4,831 square meters (52,000 square feet) of existing retail
Air barrier tie-ins are the most performance-critical connections in any building envelope. While the field area of an air barrier membrane may cover thousands of square feet, the perimeter tie-ins at foundation walls, window openings, roof intersections, and penetrations are where continuity is most often compromised. The question every specifier and contractor should ask is
The Coverings 2026 tile trends report has identified texture as the defining characteristic of contemporary ceramic and porcelain tile design. Released on National Tile Day, February 23, 2026, the report outlines ten distinct trends that reflect a broader shift toward tactile surfaces, material honesty, and advanced manufacturing technologies. For building professionals involved in specifying finishes,
Air barriers are critical components of modern building envelopes, responsible for controlling uncontrolled airflow through the building enclosure. However, an air barrier system is only as strong as its weakest connection. While membrane selection and material specifications receive significant attention during design, the real determinant of long-term performance lies in the quality of tie-ins at
Adaptive reuse projects are transforming the way building professionals approach construction in dense urban environments. Rather than demolishing aging structures and starting from a cleared site, adaptive reuse retains the embodied carbon, historical character, and structural fabric of existing buildings while upgrading their performance to meet modern standards. The Princeton Temple adaptive reuse conversion from
Curtain wall systems define the visual identity and environmental performance of modern buildings. These non-structural cladding assemblies carry their own weight from floor to floor while protecting interiors from wind, rain, and thermal extremes. From low-rise commercial projects to supertall towers, the choice between unitized, stick-built, and hybrid systems affects construction schedules, thermal performance, and
The University of California, Berkeley Creekside Center renovation demonstrates how accessibility-driven design can transform an existing building into a truly inclusive community hub. Designed by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects for the Disabled Students Program (DSP), this 817-square-meter retrofit goes far beyond minimum code compliance. It reimagines what a campus building can be when universal design
University campus buildings must balance diverse functions—administration, academics, social spaces, and student services—within a single cohesive structure. The recently completed Prestige University campus building in Indore, India, demonstrates how stepped terraces and passive design strategies, inspired by historic stepwell architecture, can achieve this integration while significantly reducing energy demand. Designed by Sanjay Puri Architects, the
