Most buildings that we see are single skin. In low rise structures the outside will be stucco, siding, some type of masonry etc. In taller buildings the exterior veneer is often more varied and includes glass, metals and other materials. A method of construction that is starting to become more popular is a double skin […]
Double Skin Façade Read More »
Steel moment frames consist of columns and beams joined by a combination of welding and bolting. The Welded Flange connection is one of the most common moment frame joints. This typically consists of a welded shear tab for vertical loading and the beam is usually connected using bolts. This is the “moment connection”, which can be seen
Steel Moment Frames Read More »
We do a lot of traditional design work in the mountains, and often times, we will utilize stone columns as a feature at exterior decks, front entries, etc.. Most contractors will typically build these as wood boxes with a plywood or OSB skin, then apply a stone veneer just as you would on the exterior
Proper Exterior Column Details Prevent Decay Read More »
ANSI 117.1 is a standard for accessibility in buildings and is referenced by the International Building Code. The two most recent versions were published in 2003 and 2009. Technically ANSI 117.1 is only a standard but because it is referenced by the building code it becomes part of the code. Most jurisdictions are either using
Which Version of ANSI 117.1 Should You Be Using? Read More »
Aerated Autoclaved Concrete, or AAC is a building material that has been around since 1914, mainly in Europe, and available in the United States since the mid 1990s. It is, as the name implies, a masonry product and it consists of aggregate that is no larger than sand. As a building material it is suitable
Construction Material – Aerated Autoclaved Concrete Read More »
As a continuation of our floor plan revisions to the Mansion on Olive Street in Denver we also visualized some of the key rooms. As the architect I worked closely with our in-house interior design team and the owner on helping everyone visualize the interior design concepts. This home has a lot of historical detailing
A Jacques Benedict Treasure Visualized Read More »
Out here in the west, we take our energy conservation pretty seriously. Energy reduction in lighting is something we’re ALL concerned about, and compact fluorescent replacement bulbs, used in the right way, make great sense to save energy. There are a lot of great places for compact fluorescent replacement bulbs, but most of them don’t
Save Energy on Lighting With Dimmer Switches and Incandescent Bulbs Read More »
Just over a year after switch-on and with two global awards under its belt, the longest solar-powered toll road in the US is generating heightened interest in highway applications of alternative energy. The E-470, which loops around the eastern perimeter of the Denver metropolitan area in Colorado, won the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) President’s
The Sunshine Subsidy for Colorado’s Tollways Read More »
Looking for accessible windows for an IBC / ANSI Type A units? I may have found some answers. Looking for ADA compliant windows? ADA also has very similar requirements to ANSI for operable parts and many of the websites below mention ADA compliance. Challenge: ANSI 117.1 1003.9 + 1003.13 requires 1 accessible operable window where
Accessible Window Designs for Apartments for IBC and Fair Housing Read More »
Throwback Thursday- Higher Ed Renovation Designing a space for a specific demographic can pose unique challenges. DU Centennial Halls & Towers were meant to be a place for young minds to thrive, and throughout time the design of these spaces needed an update. While the existing space had potential, the use of the lobby and
Project Spotlight: DU Centennial Halls & Towers Read More »
9442 North Capital of Texas Highway
Plaza One, Suite 500
Austin, TX 78759
By Appointment Only