Project Olympus: The Vision for Off-World Construction ICON, the Texas-based construction technologies company known for advancing 3D printed homebuilding on Earth, received a government Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with funding from NASA to begin research and development of a space-based construction system. Named Project Olympus, the initiative aims to create the Olympus Construction […]
The Challenge of Lunar Construction Building a permanent human presence on the Moon represents one of the most demanding construction challenges ever conceived. Unlike terrestrial projects where materials, labor, and equipment are readily available, lunar construction must contend with a vacuum environment, extreme temperature swings of more than 250 degrees Celsius between lunar day and
Glass has evolved from a simple fenestration component into a sophisticated structural and aesthetic building material that defines contemporary architecture. The growing use of large, complex glass assemblies including sloped glazing systems, curtain walls, and structural glass fins requires building professionals to understand the material properties, performance standards, and regulatory requirements that govern modern glass
How the MBCC Group Emerged from BASF Construction Chemicals: A New Chapter for Building Material Innovation When a global chemical giant restructures its construction division, the ripple effects reach every corner of the building industry. In October 2020, the BASF Construction Chemicals business completed its transition into an independent entity now known as MBCC Group,
Building professionals have long sought materials that combine strength, sustainability, and adaptability. Chitin, the natural polymer found in insect exoskeletons, crustacean shells, and fungal cell walls, is emerging as a candidate that meets all three criteria in ways that conventional building materials cannot match. A 2020 study led by Javier Fernandez at the Singapore University
Moisture infiltration in wood-frame buildings with low-slope roofs remains one of the most persistent and costly challenges in modern construction. When three separate wood-frame structures in the northern United States showed signs of moisture damage in their roof assemblies within a decade of completion, an independent architectural and engineering consulting firm was brought in to
Moisture Management in Wood-Frame Roof Assemblies: Vapor Retarder Strategies for Building Professionals When three wood-frame structures in the northern United States showed evidence of moisture infiltration in their roof areas, an independent architectural and engineering consulting firm investigated each case. All three buildings had been constructed within the previous 10 years and shared similar design
The American Wood Council (AWC) is one of the most influential organizations shaping how wood is used in construction across the United States. When the AWC appointed Jackson Morrill as its new president and CEO in 2020, succeeding Robert Glowinski after more than 40 years of service, the move signaled continuity and ambition for an
Understanding Stucco Cladding as a Building Envelope Material Stucco cladding has been employed in building construction for centuries, valued for its fire resistance, durability, and aesthetic versatility. Modern stucco systems consist of cementitious plaster applied over metal lath or directly onto masonry substrates, creating a monolithic exterior finish that can last decades when properly specified
The Growing Need for Connected Construction Standards The construction industry operates on standards. MasterFormat organizes work results by trade and material. UniFormat groups building elements by function regardless of the materials used. OmniClass classifies everything from construction entities to spaces, products, and phases. For decades these standards existed in parallel, each serving its own audience
