Building - Page 256 of 744

Re-energizing Existing Structures: Adaptive Reuse Strategies for Modern Building Envelope Performance

Adaptive reuse projects are transforming the way building professionals approach construction in dense urban environments. Rather than demolishing aging structures and starting from a cleared site, adaptive reuse retains the embodied carbon, historical character, and structural fabric of existing buildings while upgrading their performance to meet modern standards. The Princeton Temple adaptive reuse conversion from […]

Vertical Visions: Selecting and Specifying Curtain Wall Systems for Modern Building Envelopes

Curtain wall systems define the visual identity and environmental performance of modern buildings. These non-structural cladding assemblies carry their own weight from floor to floor while protecting interiors from wind, rain, and thermal extremes. From low-rise commercial projects to supertall towers, the choice between unitized, stick-built, and hybrid systems affects construction schedules, thermal performance, and

Stepped Terraces and Passive Design: How Stepwell Architecture Inspired Prestige University’s Campus Building in Indore

University campus buildings must balance diverse functions—administration, academics, social spaces, and student services—within a single cohesive structure. The recently completed Prestige University campus building in Indore, India, demonstrates how stepped terraces and passive design strategies, inspired by historic stepwell architecture, can achieve this integration while significantly reducing energy demand. Designed by Sanjay Puri Architects, the

FRP Curtain Wall Systems: Material Science, Structural Design, and Performance Specifications for Modern Building Envelopes

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is emerging as a transformative material in curtain wall system design, offering building professionals a compelling alternative to traditional aluminum, steel, and glass facade assemblies. As architects and specifiers seek lighter, corrosion-resistant, and thermally efficient envelope solutions, FRP curtain wall systems are gaining traction across commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential projects. This

Steel Curtain Wall Systems for Professional Builders: Structural Performance, Material Selection, and Design Standards

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

Portland Library Operations Center Blends Adaptive Reuse with Net-Zero Energy Performance

In Portland, Oregon, the Multnomah County Library system has reimagined what a library operations center can be. Described as the “beating heart” of the county’s library network, the new Multnomah County Library (MCL) Operations Center keeps more than 500,000 catalogue items in circulation while powering outreach services that connect the library to its diverse communities

Air Barrier Tie-In Specifications and Performance Standards for Building Envelope Construction

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

2026 Tile Trends Report: How Texture and Surface Innovation Are Reshaping Building Material Specifications

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,

Adaptive Reuse Strategies for Mid-Century Office Buildings: Converting the Oncor Building into Multi-Family Residential in Fort Worth

Demolition is underway on the adaptive reuse of the 27,871 m2 former Oncor Building in downtown Fort Worth. Originally built in 1952 as the Fort Worth National Bank headquarters, this mid-century landmark is being converted into multi-family residential rentals while preserving its historic facade.

Climate-Ready Building Envelope Design for Extreme Weather Resilience

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