March 29, 2018

The Six Components of Successful Daylighting Part III

Presented today are the last two components of successful daylighting: Integrate the daylighting scheme into the architecture Integrate the daylighting scheme with building systems These final two points remind us that architecture is synergistic, that is it becomes more than the sum of its parts. They tie the entire daylighting strategy together and their implementation […]

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Recycling Water

Out for a summer bike ride with my son one day, we found ourselves at the top of a winding downhill path through a park lined by green grass being gently misted by the park’s sprinkler system. As we started down the hill, memories of running through the sprinklers at the park across the street

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Drinking Fountain vs. Water Cooling Units

When installing a drinking fountain in a renovation project, there may not always be a water source nearby.  A water cooler would be the more practical choice.  In a recent educational renovation, we specified an Elkay EZH20 Water Cooler which has a faster fill rate than a traditional drinking fountain, and is smaller in size than a traditional

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Important Factors in Retail Jewelry Store Design

We recently completed the Daniel Diamonds Jewelry Store in Bergen Park, and were able to study the important design features that make Retail, and in particular, Jewelry Stores unique among other tenant finish types of projects. First and foremost, for all retail storea, and especially for a jewelry store, the quantity and quality of direct lighting

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Thermal Imaging for Energy and Building Analysis

As the price of energy rises, architects, engineers, and especially building owners are becoming increasingly aware of energy consumption. Once a building is fully constructed, it may be difficult to pinpoint causes of energy leaks or inefficiency. Oversights in construction such as failing to properly insulate a space or not flashing an opening correctly can

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Proper Bearing of I-Joist Rafters

As today’s architectural design trends toward more open floor plans with vaulted ceilings there is a need for economical rafters that will span long distances while maintaining a shallow profile. In many situations pre-manufactured I-joist rafters fit that need. As a structural engineer I have inspected many roofs framed with I-joist rafters, but very few

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Project Spotlight- Evergreen in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Throw Back Thursday- International Multi-Family Housing Flare The first of several international projects is Aria – a 66-unit podium style condominium project in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  Located in the newly developed Evergreen Area on the city’s southern side, the project provides a modern twist on multi-family living by providing floor-to-ceiling windows, three-story back-lit glass accents, and

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