The conversion of historic structures into functional modern housing represents one of the most challenging yet rewarding segments of the construction industry. In Princeton, New Jersey, construction teams are about to begin work on a remarkable project that will transform a historic masonic temple at 30 Maclean Street into a 10-unit mixed-income residential building. Designed […]
The push for net-zero carbon buildings has accelerated as the construction industry confronts its significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) responded to this challenge by launching LEED Zero, a certification program that addresses net-zero operations and resource consumption in green building projects. Unlike standard LEED certification, which
From Hospital to Housing: The LA County General and the Future of Historic Adaptive Reuse When Los Angeles County approved a motion to study the feasibility of turning the former LA County+USC General Hospital into low-income and mixed-use housing, it signaled a shift in how the construction industry approaches both the housing crisis and historic
The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) expansion of its West Sacramento headquarters represents a landmark moment in sustainable corporate campus development. With a 25,548-square-meter (275,000-square-foot) building designed by ZGF Architects, this project exemplifies how large-scale headquarters expansions can integrate ambitious energy performance targets with workplace functionality. For builders and specifiers looking at similar corporate
The conversion of historic buildings into cultural venues presents unique construction and specification challenges that differ fundamentally from new-build museum projects. When Fotografiska, the renowned Stockholm-based photo museum, selected its design team to transform the landmark building at 281 Park Avenue South in New York City, the project became a case study in how adaptive
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has updated its voluntary specification for rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exterior profiles used in windows, doors, and skylights. The revised AAMA 303 document establishes minimum requirements for dimensional stability, impact resistance, heat resistance, weatherability, weight tolerance, heat buildup, and lead compound content. These updates reflect changes in manufacturing practices,
The Rise of High-Performance Ceilings in Commercial Banking Spaces The modern commercial bank interior has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. Gone are the days of compartmentalized teller rows and dull, drop-ceiling grids that prioritized function over form. Today’s financial institutions demand open, collaborative environments that enhance customer experience, improve employee productivity, and
Revolving doors have become an increasingly common feature in commercial building entrances, valued for their ability to control air infiltration, reduce HVAC loads, and provide an elegant entry experience. However, specifying the right revolving door requires careful consideration of traffic patterns, building codes, material choices, and operational requirements. This article provides a structured approach to
Historic Hangar Adaptive Reuse for Modern Office Space: Design and Construction Strategies from Google’s Spruce Goose Campus The conversion of the historic Spruce Goose Hangar in Playa Vista, California, into Google’s latest office stands as one of the most ambitious adaptive reuse projects in recent commercial construction history. Originally built in 1943 by Howard Hughes
Inside the O’Hare 21 Terminal Expansion: Design Teams, Construction Strategies, and What Builders Need to Know The City of Chicago has shortlisted five world-class design teams to lead the O’Hare 21 Terminal Expansion Project at O’Hare International Airport, the largest terminal expansion in the airport’s history. With a $8.5 billion investment, this project will reshape
