Historic buildings present unique challenges when it comes to maintaining their original character while ensuring long-term durability. One of the most overlooked yet critical components of historic building envelopes is the gutter system. The historic wood box gutter, a feature found in many 19th and early 20th century structures, frequently fails when reproduced with modern […]
Understanding Moisture Risks in Tall Wood Buildings As the construction industry embraces mass timber for taller structures, managing moisture has become a critical concern for building professionals. Tall wood buildings offer significant environmental and aesthetic benefits, but they also introduce unique challenges related to moisture control that differ substantially from low-rise wood frame construction. The
The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced the first-ever Federal Building Performance Standard, setting an ambitious goal to cut energy use and electrify equipment in 30 percent of federally owned building space by 2030. For building owners, developers, and contractors, this marks a significant shift in how buildings will be designed, retrofitted, and operated. Understanding these new
Adaptive reuse has emerged as one of the most impactful strategies in contemporary construction, allowing building professionals to breathe new life into underutilized structures while preserving the architectural character of urban neighborhoods. A compelling example is the transformation of two vacant buildings at 99 Missouri Street in San Francisco into the Blu Dot furniture showroom,
Stainless steel is one of the most widely specified materials in modern building construction, prized for its corrosion resistance, aesthetic appeal, and structural performance. However, the common assumption that stainless steel will never corrode or stain is a costly misconception. The phrase “stain-less” does not mean “stain-zero,” and specifying the wrong alloy for a given
Bird-safe glass has emerged as a critical specification consideration for building envelopes located near green spaces, waterways, and urban parks. The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, recently completed its Garden Room, a glass-enclosed venue featuring energy-efficient, bird-safe glazing that demonstrates how architects can reconcile transparency, occupant comfort, and ecological responsibility. This project, which installed approximately
The Catalyst building in Spokane, Washington, stands as a landmark achievement in mass timber construction and zero-carbon building design. At 159,000 square feet across five stories, this structure demonstrates how engineered wood products can serve as the primary structural material for large-scale commercial buildings while meeting rigorous sustainability targets. For building professionals specifying materials for
When designing or specifying a large commercial building, one of the most critical yet often overlooked components is the expansion joint system. These intentional gaps placed throughout floors, walls, ceilings, and roofs allow structures to accommodate thermal movement, wind sway, seismic activity, and settlement without suffering damage. Selecting the wrong system can lead to cracked
Timber office buildings are redefining what it means to work in a space that is both functional and environmentally responsible. As more architects and developers look to reduce the carbon footprint of commercial construction, engineered wood products and mass timber systems have emerged as viable alternatives to steel and concrete. The recently completed Snøhetta-designed headquarters
The architecture profession has long faced a persistent diversity gap, with African Americans representing only about 2 percent of licensed architects in the United States despite making up roughly 13 percent of the population. Recent initiatives at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Tuskegee University’s newly funded architecture program, are working to change this landscape.
