Tools and Methods of Analysis: Insulation Retrofit in Adaptive Reuse of Early 20th-Century Industrial Buildings May 15, 2014 2 0 • I n t e r f a c e A u g u s t 2 0 1 4 ABSTRACT Focusing on the building enclosure and analysis tools and methods, this paper presents recent projects in the Boston area where early 20th-century industrial buildings were analyzed to predict future performance and potential […] Read More
Project Profile: Houston-Area Community College Building Designed to fight Texas Summer Heat May 15, 2014 Sustainable design is serious business in the city of Houston, due to the high summer heat and humid subtropical Gulf Coast climate. According to the National Climatic Data Center, more than 75 days per year in the Houston area have temperatures above 90°F. In addition, the substantial humidity levels of the region create heat indices […] Read More
Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs): An Historic Opportunity for the Building Construction Industry May 15, 2014 WHAT IS A VACUUM INSULATION PANEL (VIP)? The construction of VIPs is based on the principle of vacuum technology, invented by British scientist James Dewar in 1892. VIPs are made with open porous core materials enclosed in an impermeable gas barrier (Figure 1) and have three major components: 1) open porous core material that imparts […] Read More
Project Profile: Kimbell Art Museum Expansion May 15, 2014 The Kimbell Art Museum has been the landmark of culture for the Fort Worth community since its opening in 1972. Designed by the distinguished American architect Louis Kahn, the building brought natural light to art and sculpture and overdue respect to “Cowtown,” a city previously known for oil and cattle. As expansion plans were long […] Read More
The Evolution of Transitions in the Building Envelope: What To Consider for 2015 May 15, 2014 As the building industry improves its construction practices with energy savings, water conservation, fire protection, natural resource preservation, and human wellbeing at the forefront, stricter building codes will be put in place to drive change. With the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) taking effect on January 1, 2015, architects, specifiers, consultants, and other building […] Read More
Polycarbonate Sheet In Sustainable Building Design May 15, 2014 s nations seek solutions to reduce energy and resource consumption, the demand for innovative building materials that contribute to more energy- – tinues to increase. More and more, designers and builders are seeking materials solutions that satisfy customer requests for green structures, meet evolving regulatory requirements, and achieve recognition through programs such as the Leadership […] Read More
Solar Shingles and Tiles – Where Solar Technology and Roofing Meet May 15, 2014 Have you ever thought that solar technology was a new concept? Its history actually spans over two millennia, from the 7th century BC to the present. Man started out concentrating the sun’s energy with glass and mirrors to light fires. Today, with the advances in technology and demand for renewable energy, the world’s architects, builders, […] Read More
TiO2: A Key Ingredient to a Long-Lasting Reflective Roof May 15, 2014 Cool roofs: Although some believe them to be a relatively new phenomenon, the truth is, they have been around for a long time—decades for sure, and perhaps for centuries. In many warm-weather countries such as Greece, Spain, and Bermuda, folks have long been painting their roofs white and have understood the benefits of reflecting the […] Read More
Commercial Rooftop PV – A New Business Opportunity for the Roofing Professional March 16, 2014 Commercial Rooftop PV – A New Business Opportunity for the Roofing Professional Gary S. Thompson Firestone Building Products 250 W. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: 317-853-4610 • E-mail: thompsongary@firestonebp.com and John G. Schehl, RRC, CAE Roof Integrated Solar Energy 10255 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 600, Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: 847-493-7503 • Fax: 847-544-0837 • […] Read More
Vegetative Roof Durability: Lessons From Hurricane Sandy March 16, 2014 Vegetative Roof Durability: Lessons From Hurricane Sandy Matthew Barmore Firestone Building Products 250 W. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Phone: 317-816-3845 • E-mail: barmorematthew@firestonebp.com and Elaine Kearney Columbia Green Technologies 79 S.E. Taylor St., Ste. 201, Portland, OR 97214 Phone: 503-327-8723 • E-mail: elainek@columbia-green.com 2 9 t h RC I I n t e r […] Read More
