Window film offers building owners and specifiers a cost-effective strategy for improving building performance without the full expense of window replacement. Whether applied in new construction or as a retrofit on existing glazing, modern window films address multiple challenges simultaneously: solar heat gain, ultraviolet (UV) damage, occupant comfort, and even safety from glass breakage. At […]
Concerns with global warming and energy consumption mean design and construction professionals need a better understanding of how energy conservation codes and standards affect commercial buildings. This guide presents an overview of U.S. model building and energy codes along with industry standards that shape the way low-slope roofs, exterior masonry walls, and building envelope assemblies
Modern building façades rely on glass to deliver transparency, natural light, and aesthetic appeal. Among the most critical yet often overlooked components of these façades is spandrel glass – the opaque glass panels that conceal structural elements between floors. Unlike vision glass, which provides views and daylight, spandrel glass serves the equally important function of
When specifying structural framing systems for commercial construction projects, selecting the right material requires careful evaluation of strength, durability, cost, and code compliance. Cold-formed steel (CFS) has emerged as a preferred choice for mid-rise buildings, offering specifiers a combination of lightweight handling, noncombustible performance, and dimensional stability that few high-performance building materials can match. Understanding
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe across North America, placing unprecedented stress on the built environment. From hurricanes and tornadoes to wildfires and prolonged heatwaves, buildings must withstand forces that were once considered beyond normal design parameters. While structural framing and foundation systems bear the primary loads, it is often the protective
The construction industry is undergoing a profound technological transformation, and at the forefront of this shift is virtual reality. Once confined to the world of gaming and entertainment, VR has emerged as a powerful tool for architects, engineers, and builders who want to see and experience a project long before the first shovel breaks ground.
High-Performance Building Demands and the Role of Precast Concrete The construction industry has shifted its focus from first-cost-driven decision-making to long-term performance optimization. High-performance buildings must integrate sustainability, energy conservation, safety, security, and durability into every phase of design and construction. These structures must also demonstrate resilience, meaning the ability to withstand natural and man-made
Insulated Metal Panels Transform Educational Facilities: Lessons from the Apollo Career Center Expansion When the Apollo Career Center in Lima, Ohio, needed to expand beyond its 1970s-era footprint, the project team turned to insulated metal panels (IMPs) to solve multiple challenges simultaneously. The $53 million renovation added 100,000 square feet of space while completely updating
Flagpoles are a distinctive architectural element on commercial, institutional, and municipal properties, yet they are frequently specified with errors that compromise both aesthetics and structural performance. Proper flagpole specification requires understanding of the relevant standards, mounting methods, material options, and common pitfalls that specifiers encounter. This article covers the key specification standards and material selection
Understanding the thermal performance of building envelope components is essential for architects, specifiers, and construction professionals who design energy-efficient structures. Among the lesser understood but highly effective insulation strategies are reflective insulation systems (RIS), which use low-emittance surfaces and enclosed air spaces to resist heat transfer. These systems have been employed in building construction across
