Plenum barriers, speech privacy, and workplace 2.0 fit-up standards September 21, 2017 Katie Daniel When someone enters an enclosed room, whether it is a private office or conference room, there is an expectation he or she is achieving not only visual privacy, but also sound privacy. + Read More

Artichoke-inspired ceilings at heart of shopping mall expansion Sponsored An acoustical ceiling plan inspired by an artichoke? That’s exactly what the design team at Holmes King Kallquist & Associates Architects (HKK) created to brighten and enliven the lengthy portals connecting the existing Destiny USA mall to its new expansion. + Read More

Moisture management through drainage September 20, 2017 Katie Daniel There are many products on the construction market aimed at moisture management, from traditional felt paper, rainscreen systems, and caulks to sealants and self-adhered flashing membranes. However, as design/construction professionals race to keep walls dry, they may be inadvertently making it easier for moisture-related issues to fester. + Read More

The ins and outs of revolving doors September 19, 2017 Katie Daniel Revolving doors can be up to eight times more energy-efficient than their hinged counterparts—all while allowing large numbers of people to pass in and out, boosting security, and adding architectural interest. + Read More

The passive path to zero energy September 19, 2017 carly_midgley The smoothest path to net zero is through passive building certification, because a passive building is a complete system with quality assurance built into the system, rather than a collection of discrete programs. The most common passive building certification in North America is PHIUS+. + Read More

Carving viability for natural stone in Canada September 18, 2017 Katie Daniel In the design/construction industry, there is a continued search for cladding materials that are reliable, durable, unique, practical, and also environmentally friendly. + Read More

Controlling condensation from air leakage and vapour diffusion September 15, 2017 Katie Daniel Water is the most significant factor in the premature deterioration of our buildings. Excessive moisture accumulation on porous materials can lead to water penetration, freeze-thaw damage, efflorescence, cracking, and façade soiling. + Read More

Selecting clean doors for pharmaceutical and food operations September 14, 2017 Katie Daniel Regulatory requirements have become increasingly stringent across nearly every industry in North America. Perhaps no sphere has felt the impact of these tightened standards more than pharmaceutical and food manufacturing. + Read More

How IMPs offer durability, efficiency, and esthetics September 13, 2017 Katie Daniel Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are used across Canada, but have traditionally been most commonly used for cold storage facilities in the food industry—specifically Québec, Ontario, and British Columbia—mainly due to higher populations within these regions. + Read More

Engineering fabric-covered buildings for true sustainability September 11, 2017 Katie Daniel Everyone wants ‘better’ things—better homes, better schools, and better quality of life—but defining what exactly constitutes an improvement is not always easy. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence, so attempts at making something better may not always yield the desired results. + Read More