The Critical Role Sheathing Membranes Play in Exterior Wall Assemblies
Choosing a sheathing membrane can be challenging. But as Graham Finch explains, they’re necessary as they play a key role in exterior wall assemblies.
Category: Architects
Large Building Airtightness and Appropriate Air Barrier Strategies
Tall buildings require a robust air barrier design strategy to withstand higher air pressures from wind, stack effect, and mechanical systems.
Commercial Foundation Waterproofing
The major cause of many common foundation problems is water. Waterproofing systems are a critical component for keeping foundations dry. Like air control above grade, it is important to consider water control below grade as a system solution, not as a single component.
Building Safe, Comfortable Camping Spaces for Girl Scouts
Located near Frazier Park and the San Fernando Valley, Camp Lakota is situated on more than 60 acres of lush greenery, rolling hills, and wide-open fields, right in the heart of the beautiful Los Padres National Forest. The plan was to create a camp of the future for the Girl Scouts of Los Angeles; a […]
Protecting One of Toronto’s Architectural Gems
The Integral House is arguably one of Toronto’s most unusual and spectacular residences. Its name reflects the summa symbol (∫) used to represent the integral in calculus; though it is known more simply to many as the Toronto Mansion. The 17,000-sq.-ft. Rosedale home was designed and built in 2009 for esteemed mathematician and calculus textbook author Dr. James […]
Water-Resistive Barriers: When and Why Does Vapor Permeance Matter?
Dr. John Straube is a highly regarded building science expert, well known for his research, his consulting work, and his leadership as an educator. He is a Principal at RDH Building Science and a faculty member at the University of Waterloo. This past year, Dr. Straube discussed key building enclosure concepts (including moisture control, airtightness, […]
What You Can’t See Can Hurt You: How the Sun is Ruining Your Building Materials
Running behind schedule has an impact on more than your bottom line: it exposes building materials to harsh environmental conditions for longer than they are engineered to withstand. UV damage is a real issue with real consequences – yet it’s an issue that often gets overlooked
The Pros Know: Dr. Straube chooses an airtight, vapor permeable barrier for his coach house
If there’s anything that will convince people of a building product’s worthiness, it’s when the pros use it in their own homes – where they’re free to make unilateral decisions, based on their own expertise and preferences. So you can imagine our excitement when Dr. John Straube chose our air- and water-resistive barrier for his new […]
Energy Efficiency Starts with Airtightness
Building for sustainability, safety, and comfort requires the combined effort of engineers, architects, sub-contractors, and builders who understand how to design and specify an energy-efficient building envelope. This begins with the design concept and carries through to pricing, design review, construction, and building envelope commissioning. The preferred method for significant reduction in energy use and […]
Beauty meets brawn at Boston mixed-use residence
In the past 20 years, Boston’s population has grown faster than the construction industry has been able to keep up. Finding a place to live is not easy, and affording ownership costs is even harder, with a cost of living that is almost 40% above the U.S. average. Available rental units are likewise rare – […]
A stunningly comfortable first impression
Clark University, located in Worcester, MA, is a widely respected research institution, particularly for its excellent science program. To reflect the cutting-edge research that is happening inside its buildings every day, the university is committed to investing in its campus exteriors, in hopes of attracting top students and faculty. That’s why, after three decades, it […]
The Art of Proper Moisture Protection
The multi-award-winning Audain Art Museum is quintessentially Canadian – from the eclectic art housed inside to the unassuming yet masterfully planned and executed hockey-stick-shaped building itself. Yet, despite all the beauty on display for visitors, it’s the unseen elements that make this building truly amazing. The 56,000 sq. ft. private museum sits nestled amidst the […]
The Architect’s Guide to Air Barrier Systems
Architects are busy. Not only do they have to design buildings, envision their performance, and specify products that help them meet their design goals, they also have to keep up with building industry developments. Architects must also take classes, workshops, and seminars in order to maintain their professional license. Even a layperson can see that […]
Architect and Contractor Sued for Moldy Stadium
BBB Stadium Inc. is claiming that the Winnipeg IGA Stadium is leaky, moldy, and not properly suited for year-round use. The stadium, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is home to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club and the University of Manitoba. Despite the stadium’s location in a high-snowfall city, the concession areas are without heat, the water and electric […]
Architects as Educators of Air and Moisture Control Issues
Sometimes the additional knowledge an architect brings to a project can serve the project in completely unanticipated ways. Air and moisture control is a critical component of building design. It is important for the health and comfort of the inhabitants, as well as for structural durability. Architects understand what air and moisture barriers do and […]
What is the Purpose of a Vapor Barrier?
A homebuilder’s biggest priority is to create a comfortable and dry home. However, keeping a home dry is not simple: engineers and architects spend much of their building planning on keeping water out, or letting it dry or drain when it comes come in. By focusing on water and its movement, builders can implement a […]
Premium Metal Cladding Systems and Roofing Benefits
The aesthetically pleasing nature of zinc and copper cladding attracts architects looking to unite durability, sustainability and creative expression. High-end metal cladding provides a dramatic and eye-catching contrast to other materials, including brick, glass, wood and concrete. High End Metal Cladding and Its Benefits Both metals are popular for use in metal cladding because they […]
Challenging Open Joint Cladding Design
The pyramid is one of the earliest forms of structure for human occupation, spanning the ages of the megalithic tombs of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia all the way to today where visitors can see an aesthetically gorgeous confluence of design, form, and function. The Denver Botanic Gardens’ new Science Pyramid is now open to the public. Though […]
Architect Air and Moisture Control Concerns
Air and moisture control is important for occupant comfort and structural durability. Architects have to consider moisture control during the planning and construction phase of any building. There are several ways for moisture to travel into a building. In addition to precipitation and natural humidity, moisture can get into buildings from construction moisture, ground moisture, […]
