Continuing Education

Category: 06 00 00 - WOOD, PLASTICS, AND COMPOSITES

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 62 results.

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  • Bamboo is a versatile building material that brings warmth and character to indoor applications such as flooring, furniture, and wall and ceiling panels; an innovative process also allows bamboo to be used outdoors in decks, soffits, and siding. This course reviews the material technologies that make bamboo products with reduced environmental impacts and better performance than traditional materials and discusses their potential to meet requirements of the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Exterior cladding must be long lasting, maintenance-free, and aesthetically pleasing to meet the design demands of property and homeowners. An innovative composite cladding solution, developed with a patented technology that incorporates glass-reinforced polymers and graphite-infused polystyrene, meets and exceeds these requirements. This course describes the design challenges property and homeowners often face when selecting cladding, and it offers a solution. Performance characteristics such as thermal resistance, wind load resistance, and fire ratings are discussed. Installation techniques and a case study are also examined.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • The growing global population is creating an increased demand for resources. As a result, there is a need to replace fossil-based, nonrenewable building materials with more bio-based materials, such as bamboo. This course describes the properties of bamboo that make it a more sustainable choice, including its fast growth and CO2 saving and storing potential. It also discusses how active bamboo reforestation and the use of durable bamboo products can lead to CO2 reduction across many industries.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • The trend toward building with mass timber across the US and beyond is accelerating, requiring design professionals to understand the why, when, and how of designing a mass timber structure. The industry is dynamic and evolving along with the building codes that dictate mass timber system requirements and limits. This course identifies the considerations a designer should review before starting a mass timber project, including feasibility, trade partnering, material selection, building codes, logistics, and their overall impact on creating a successful mass timber project.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Specifying door products that are durable enough to withstand the rigorous demands of high-traffic applications in the healthcare and hospitality industries is crucial to the long-term success of each installation. This course reviews traditional doorway materials and doorway protection options, and provides design solutions that utilize engineered polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) components that extend the life of the door assembly and minimize health and safety issues for the building occupants.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Light-manipulating materials use internal channels to capture, bend, scatter, and redirect light and create visually stunning spaces. Panels and slabs in resin, glass, and terrazzo make an experiential surface for privacy screens or signage, primary or accent lighting, and countertops or flooring—anywhere the interplay of light and shadow is desired for beauty and inspiration. This course describes the different types of light-manipulating materials and substrates, design and installation options, and the contributions of these products to sustainability goals as well as occupant health, well-being, and engagement in a wide range of dynamic, unique applications.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Surface design and color impact people in one way or another. Why do some surroundings induce a sense of calm, happiness, or inspiration while others offer nothing but distraction, discomfort, chaos, doom, and gloom? Interior surfaces are the point of contact between users and their environment, as well as an important connection between the visual and physical worlds. This course examines the integral role that surface color and design play in interior spaces and how color and design can improve health, reduce stress, enhance safety, and promote well-being in building occupants. Key requirements in the selection and specification process are also discussed.

             

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Solid surface is a popular material choice due to its beauty, durability, and ease of cleaning. Selecting a solid surface depends on the manufacturing process, the raw materials involved, and the material’s sustainability. This course examines solid surface as a decorative material, discusses its characteristics and attributes, and compares it with other hard surface materials

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.


  • 1 hour   

    Designing a structure that is resilient requires a strong understanding of material and building science. This course discusses the composition, performance, and application of engineered polymer siding and trim and capped polymer cladding to illustrate the benefits to home and building owners when construction materials are selected with resilience and sustainability in mind.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Natural and artificial lighting surrounds us at all times. Light helps us to work safely, enhances design, creates atmosphere, and influences our well-being. This course discusses the circadian rhythm, occupant health, and lighting color temperature, and it examines LED lighting requirements and options for lighting-integrated bathroom mirrors and cabinets.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Dancers and performers require a safe performance environment that minimizes the risk of injury. Hard sports floors and multipurpose stages have a strong risk of causing severe dance injuries that can affect a performer’s career. Choosing the wrong type of floor also carries the risk of extra costs down the road if it requires replacement. Sprung floors (also known as floating floor systems) are specifically designed for dance and other performance needs and provide a safer space to work. This course looks at the advantages of sprung floors and how they are used in performance venues. 

             

     This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Provides an overview of the types, features, and benefits of designing with cellular PVC trim, including a discussion on the installation guidelines and manufacturing processes.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Bamboo is a versatile, strong material with a warm aesthetic that suits an array of interior design styles. This course looks at how bamboo is sustainably sourced to produce low-VOC products such as flooring, cladding, and three-ply architectural wall and ceiling panels. Project examples highlight a CNC routing method that produces panels with eye-catching patterns of varying depths and levels of intricacy. The course also examines how bamboo products may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • This course details the benefits and selection process of magnesium oxide (MgO) sheathing in multifamily and commercial construction. MgO sheathing offers structural, fire resistance, and other properties that enable architects and designers to simplify the design and installation of building enclosures. Comparisons of MgO sheathing to traditional sheathing materials such as gypsum are included.

             

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Outdoor living space has become an important residential design consideration in the last several years. Decks create welcoming spaces to relax and entertain with family and friends, and a well-built deck can add more living space and value to a home. This course discusses deck surfaces, maintenance, and costs and explores porcelain tile as an alternative to wood and composite deck surfaces that is well suited to exterior environments. Also discussed is how porcelain tile can be used with a new pultruded fiberglass and composite underlayment, called structural ribbed self-supporting boards, and the sustainable features of this technology.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Whether for new construction or a retrofit, doors and openings play an integral role in defining how a space functions and can impact occupants in multiple ways, making door selection an important process. This course discusses the many benefits sliding and pocket doors offer, including aesthetics, space savings, improved occupant flow, accessibility, and ease of operation. Typical sliding and pocket door hardware types, methods of operation, and installation are also reviewed.

             

     This course contains accessible design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Windows provide natural light and ventilation and add character to the interior and exterior of the home. In addition to function and aesthetics, performance must be considered in the specification process. Fortunately, rigorous testing standards and labeling programs enable designers to make informed choices. Examined here are window standards, certifications, testing, and labeling; window types and components; and window specification and installation considerations.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • For the typical homeowner, choosing exterior color can be a daunting task; however, there is guidance available to help choose color palettes that complement the exterior of the home. This course presents the FRESH approach: a strategic method used for the selection of colors for the exterior of buildings. The course focuses on both residential and commercial design considerations and details the steps to follow in the color selection process to achieve a harmonious design.

             

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Life-safety systems encompass both passive fire-protection features, like compartmentation and firestopping, and active ones, such as sprinklers and alarms. Portable fire extinguishers are an integral part of life-safety systems and must meet code-mandated number and placement requirements in most building types. This course looks at how fire extinguishers can be stored safely and securely in cabinets and addresses specification considerations. Also reviewed are the many options available to customize fire extinguisher cabinets so they are tailored to each project’s needs and design goals.

             

     This course contains accessible design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Structural laminated decking allows the beauty of the wood structure to be exposed, creating a unique architectural experience for its occupants. Aesthetics, strength, and durability are combined in one engineered product. Structural laminated wood decking is an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative to solid timber and other roof systems. This course discusses the characteristics of laminated wood decking and reviews recommended design, specification, and installation practices.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Today’s building professionals seeking better moisture management and energy efficiency from the exteriors of their projects are turning to rainscreens as a solution to both. Wood-plastic composite (WPC) provides a durable and long-lasting material suitable for use in rainscreen systems, decks, railings, and more. Reviewed in this course are the manufacturing process, performance and green benefits, and installation of WPC cladding that is fully capped with a polymeric plastic “shield,” providing long-term resistance to moisture, staining, and fading.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Thermal modification is a tried and tested process for increasing the durability of wood while maintaining a warm aesthetic in building design. This course examines all aspects of this sustainable wood product and how it can be incorporated into a variety of projects.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Vinyl membrane decking can prolong the life cycle of various building components; however, performance and durability depend on vinyl membrane selection, specification, and installation. Fortunately, vinyl membrane manufacturers can support architects, contractors, and specifiers through all phases of the project to ensure a successful outcome. This course examines walkable, waterproof roof deck membranes and roofing systems and includes discussions on system characteristics, design considerations, and how to properly specify roof deck membrane systems. 

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • Kitchens have evolved, and so has the role of refrigeration in the home; there are a variety of factors that are contributing to this change. This course examines the social, economic, and demographic trends that are stimulating the reimagining of the kitchen space. The latest trends in kitchen design are discussed as is the role of modular refrigeration—a key design element in the creation of functional spaces that reflect the changing domestic landscape.

             

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

  • This course delves into the increasing and expanding role of outdoor living and its importance in households, businesses, and communities. Reviewed are the styles and specification considerations of aluminum shading products. The focus is pergolas and cabanas made with dual-walled aluminum louvers that seal completely to block rain and snow and complement any architectural style.

             

     This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.

     This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.

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