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Typical SIP Construction (Courtesy of Structural Insulated Panel Association)

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in Building Construction

Leave a Comment / Architecture, Building Technology, Residential, Structural Engineering /

The Science Behind Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in Building Construction Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) offer a modern, energy-efficient solution for building construction. These panels consist of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, usually oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs provide excellent thermal performance, strength, and ease of installation. This article will explore the […]

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Outdoor Spaces in Urban Architecture

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Outdoor Spaces in Urban Architecture “Urbanization, the process by which large numbers of people become permanently concentrated in relatively small areas, forming cities.” (Brintanica.com) I grew up in a densely populated area of Germany, where few people own single family houses with large backyards.  My first apartment, I shared with a roommate in college. It

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Three Wood Framing Methods – Balloon, Platform & Advanced

Leave a Comment / Architectural process, Building Technology, Construction /

We recently talked about a variety of building methods. Within each method are different ways to build. Here we talk briefly about three wood framing methods.   Balloon Framing –This method of framing was fairly popular on the east coast and parts of the Midwest in the past. Today it is not generally allowed by

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Consider LED Outdoor Lighting to get LEED Points

Leave a Comment / Building Technology, Landscape, LEED & Sustainability, Lighting, Research /

It’s no surprise that LED lighting has made a significant impact on the energy use for lighting applications with it’s extremely low energy use per footcandle. New ground is being broken in all lighting uses and we are seeing LED lighting in everything from decorative lighting to task lighting.  I recently toured the National Renewable

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Solar power panels on an ADU

Climate Change and an Architects Role

Leave a Comment / Architect, Architecture, Educational, Energy, LEED & Sustainability /

In this day and age, it’s hard to not hear about the state of our environment. Whether you call it “Global Warming” or “Climate Change,” the word is increasingly getting out about how we as humans are directly affecting our planet, and it isn’t for the better. As someone who had the pleasure of growing

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The Components of Solar Hot Water – Collectors and Circulation

Leave a Comment / Building Technology, FAQ, LEED & Sustainability, Residential /

In the world of solar hot water there are many names for systems that are identical or do similar things. It is important to know the basics and general components of any system one is working with. Once the basics are understood and mastered then it is possible to have intelligent conversations about a subject

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Controlling Western Sun Glare with Electrochromic Windows at NREL

2 Comments / Building Technology, LEED & Sustainability, Lighting, Research /

We recently had the pleasure of touring the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Research Support Facility and one of the many features we saw that contributed to their net zero building was Electrochromic Windows. To be used in applications where there are great views (and as a result, glazing) to the West, which is extremely common

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Consider Closed Cell Spray Foam for your Thermal Envelope

Leave a Comment / Building Technology, Construction, LEED & Sustainability /

Our projects range across commercial and residential building types and climates from cold and dry high alpine environments above 10,000 feet to hot and humid sites below 1,000 feet. One very important element to consider in every design is the thermal envelope. This is composed of the floors, walls and roofs, and all of the insulation therein

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LEED ID Credits – New LEED Pilot Credit Library

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Earlier this year, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) introduced a new dimension to their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating Systems for green building certifications known as the Pilot Credit Library (PCL). The PCL currently includes 41 Pilot Credits which can be pursued as Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations

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The Six Components of Successful Daylighting Part II

Leave a Comment / Building Technology, LEED & Sustainability, Lighting /

Last week we talked about the first two components of successful daylighting. This week we follow up with the next two: Assess lighting needs for typical visual needs Use of apertures to create focus and mood These two components are somewhat advanced strategies the breathe life into the space and make it more dynamic, all

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Interesting Insights on Architecture That Can Repair Itself

1 Comment / Building Technology, LEED & Sustainability, Research /

Most people  don’t realize that there is a growing  body of research in the world of architecture based on biologic solutions to our built environment. This particular video by Rachel Armstrong from TED.com discusses technologies that are currently being researched that would actually use living organisms to create a limestone foundation underneath Venice’s failing wood

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