Building

Mixed Reality Headsets for Electrical Conduit Installation: University Research Tests New Construction Visualization Technology

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is testing mixed reality headsets to help electrical contractors visualize conduit placements in commercial buildings, potentially eliminating one of the most persistent coordination challenges on complex construction sites. The research, led by assistant professor Yilei Huang of the Department of Construction and Operations Management, applies mixed reality technology to solve […]

Precast Concrete Finish Selection for Architectural Walls: From Form-Facing to Polished Surfaces

Precast concrete offers architects and specifiers an exceptional range of finish options that can transform a utilitarian structural element into a distinctive architectural feature. Unlike cast-in-place concrete, which is formed and cured on site, precast concrete is manufactured in controlled plant conditions, allowing for precise control over surface texture, color, and pattern. From the material

Precast Concrete Finishes Types Treatments and Specification Strategies

Understanding Precast Concrete Finishes for Building Envelopes The controlled manufacturing environment of precast concrete production gives design teams a predictable setting to integrate a wide range of finishes into exposed wall and enclosure surfaces. From variations in component materials to post-fabrication treatments and embedded veneers, the palette of options available to architects and specifiers is

Co-Living Development and Adaptive Reuse: Converting Underutilized Properties into Community Housing

The co-living model is reshaping how developers and construction professionals think about urban housing. By converting underutilized multi-family, hotel, and office buildings into shared residential communities, projects like Starcity’s Venice Beach development demonstrate how adaptive reuse can add housing units without displacing current residents. For builders and specifiers, understanding the construction, design, and regulatory dimensions

Co-Living Construction and Adaptive Reuse: Key Strategies for Building Shared Housing Communities in California

Co-Living Construction and Adaptive Reuse: Key Strategies for Building Shared Housing Communities in California California’s housing shortage has pushed developers to explore models that deliver more units with less land and lower per-unit costs. Co-living has emerged as a practical solution, converting underutilized commercial and multi-family properties into shared residential communities with private bedrooms and

EV Charging Infrastructure for Corporate Headquarters: Design, Installation, and Integration Strategies for Commercial Buildings

Monthly functional testing of each charging station using a test vehicle or load bank Quarterly inspection of electrical connections for signs of overheating or loosening Semi-annual calibration verification of energy metering components Annual software updates and cybersecurity patches for networked charging equipment Building owners should budget approximately 3 to 5 percent of the initial installation

How Recycled Materials Are Transforming Insulation Manufacturing in Commercial Construction

The construction industry continues to find new ways to integrate sustainable practices into standard building methods. One of the most significant developments involves the use of recycled materials in insulation manufacturing. According to a survey by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), U.S. manufacturers used more than 997 million kilograms (2.2 billion pounds) of