Doors & Windows

Steel curtain wall systems have emerged as a transformative force in modern facade design, offering architects and engineers a compelling combination of structural strength, thermal efficiency, and design versatility. As the construction industry increasingly prioritizes high-performance building envelopes that reduce operational carbon while enhancing occupant comfort, steel-framed glazing systems are proving to be a superior […]

The junction where an air barrier meets a window opening is one of the most failure-prone details in modern building enclosure design. Despite accounting for a small fraction of the total wall surface area, fenestration penetrations are responsible for a disproportionate share of air leakage, thermal bridging, and moisture intrusion problems. Understanding how to properly

As buildings become smarter and more connected, the door hardware gasketing thresholds that once defined commercial openings are giving way to electrified systems that integrate access control, fire safety, and building automation into a single platform. The transition from purely mechanical locks and hinges to electronically actuated hardware represents one of the most significant shifts

Door specifications can make or break a building project. When door assemblies are specified without full attention to code requirements, the result is often costly change orders, delayed inspections, and assemblies that compromise fire safety or accessibility. Understanding the code framework behind door specifications is essential for building professionals who want to deliver safe, compliant

Specifying door hardware for commercial buildings is one of the most detail-intensive tasks in construction documentation. Every lever, hinge, lockset, and closer must meet performance requirements that balance security, accessibility, durability, and cost. The ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute / Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) grading system provides the framework that makes these decisions consistent and

Securing critical infrastructure has become one of the most pressing challenges for facility owners, engineers, and security professionals. With hundreds of thousands of unstaffed sites across the country including cell towers, electric substations, water treatment plants, and data centers the need for robust physical access control has never been greater. Traditional padlocks and mechanical keys

Unitized curtain wall systems have become the preferred facade solution for high-rise construction across North America, offering distinct advantages in manufacturing precision, quality control, installation speed, and long-term weather resistance. When the iconic Raffles brand chose Boston’s Back Bay for its first North American mixed-use property, the project team turned to a unitized curtain wall

School districts across the United States are rethinking building design to address an urgent priority: protecting students and staff from active threats. While daylight, energy efficiency, and aesthetics remain important, educational facilities increasingly require building assemblies that can slow down an attacker and give occupants critical extra seconds to react. The fenestration systems that bring

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

When it comes to commercial building performance, few elements are as overlooked yet as critical as the hardware and gasketing systems for door openings. The small details in door hardware, from thresholds and automatic door bottoms to adhesive strips and gasketing profiles, play an outsized role in a building’s long-term sustainability, energy efficiency, and code