Building Material

Steel curtain wall systems are experiencing a significant resurgence in modern building construction, offering architects and specifiers a compelling alternative to traditional aluminum-framed assemblies. As the demand for taller, lighter, and more energy-efficient building envelopes grows, steel curtain walls provide superior structural performance, narrower sightlines, and enhanced fire resistance compared to conventional framing materials. This […]

In modern building envelope design, the air barrier is only as strong as its weakest connection. While much attention goes to selecting the right air barrier membrane or fluid-applied system, the real test of performance happens at the transitions where the air barrier meets windows, doors, roof decks, foundation walls, and penetrating elements. These transition

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,

Extreme weather events, rising global temperatures, and stricter energy codes are forcing building professionals to rethink how building envelopes perform under real-world climate stress. The question is no longer whether your building meets minimum code requirements — it is whether the envelope is truly climate-ready. A climate-ready building envelope goes beyond basic energy compliance to

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) recently elected a new Board of Directors during its annual Fall meeting, signaling a fresh chapter for the organization that sets the benchmark for North American builders hardware standards. Justin Crotzer, senior vice president of global engineering management at dormakaba, now serves as board president alongside an experienced leadership

Building material specifications and construction strategies for post-wildfire rebuilding, drawing on fire-protection infrastructure, waterproofing, structural selection, and life safety systems from Los Angeles reconstruction projects one year after the 2025 wildfires.

Scalable Timber Engineering: LVL and CLT Mass Timber Systems in Mixed-Use Building Construction The Katajanokan Laituri project in Helsinki, Finland, demonstrates how industrial mass timber products can deliver scalable, code-compliant solutions for mixed-use building construction. This solid-wood office and hotel building on the Katajanokka waterfront uses laminated veneer lumber (LVL) for its post-beam frame and

Fire sprinkler system design is one of the most critical aspects of modern building construction. The interaction between sprinkler systems and suspended ceiling assemblies presents a recurring challenge for specifiers, contractors, and building professionals. Traditional approaches require penetrating sprinkler drops through ceiling panels, introducing complexity in installation, coordination, and long-term maintenance. Drop-out ceilings offer an

Behind Beijing’s Fluid Glass Facade: Material Engineering and Performance Strategies for Curved Glass Fin Systems The flagship Tiffany & Co. store at Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing presents a facade that appears to flow like liquid across four stories of retail frontage. Designed by MVRDV, the facade consists of translucent, textured glass fins that rise

Glazed curtain walls are a defining feature of contemporary architecture, wrapping buildings in expansive glass facades that offer daylight, views, and visual transparency. Yet the same transparency that makes these assemblies design icons also creates a persistent performance challenge: thermal efficiency. With aluminum framing acting as a natural conductor of heat and cold, glazed curtain