Join us for our webinar series with a focus on Sports + Recreation projects. There are many reasons that Kalwall is such a natural fit for coaches, athletes, trainers and fans alike. Providing glare-free, full-spectrum light is ideal for videography, mental focus and visual acuity. Learn more about how Kalwall can help you build a facility fit for champions....
With the rise in popularity of green roofing, many municipalities are adopting requirements for sustainable design from LEED and other sources. As this creates an increased frequency, design professionals require an increased level of knowledge as to how to create green roofs within the framework of waterproofing, thermal envelope, elevation limits, and other complex issues. This program will provide the attendees with a solid background to solve these problems....
Join us for our webinar with a focus on Military projects. Kalwall’s daylighting systems are a perfect fit for the demanding requirements of military applications. Our specialty systems meet UFC 4-010-01 blast requirements, and our products in general are well known for both their ruggedness and ability to provide safety and security for high-value assets and military personnel. Learn how Kalwall can help you build secure military spaces....
The presentation reviews a brief history of architectural IMP’s, current trends with comparisons to other materials and explores developments which will lead to future aesthetic possibilities and performance enhancements....
his course provides a comprehensive exploration of building general commercial structures using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs). Participants will gain valuable insights into how ICFs enhance the design and construction process, delivering superior efficiency, durability, and sustainability. The program also examines how these innovative construction methods benefit building occupants and owners through improved energy performance, comfort, and long-term cost savings....
This course covers the basics of cellular PVC for moulding and trim. It shows the learner the anatomy of window surrounds made of cellular PVC, how to install and maintain the material, and finally architectural moulding and trim mistakes to avoid....
Cellular PVC cladding is delivering high performance characteristics in architectural applications that may not be available with other products. This course presents the benefits of cellular PVC as a cladding material and focuses on high performance coatings, how they work, and how their design contributes to their durability and longevity. This along with the architectural design of pre-finished PVC trim system to accompany the cladding....
Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces have long been considered averse to our goals to effectively teach, create, collaborate, listen, and learn. The impact on students’ academic achievement, social adaptation and mental health can be vast and long lasting. In this class we will examine impact of different sound problems and how introduce solutions to mitigate them. Learn about solutions that create synergy between the architecture and the classroom environment to optimize student learning, student recruitment, and teacher retention....
A high-performance building envelope, such as one made with architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs), serves as the building’s primary defense against environmental elements and protects the health and well-being of its occupants. This course reviews the components and benefits of IMPs, which offer all four control layers—air, vapor, thermal, and water—within a single component, delivering superior thermal performance and high-end design....
Learn about the design properties, performance, and installation of metal siding with a unique woodgrain look....
A high-performance building envelope, such as one made with architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs), serves as the building’s primary defense against environmental elements and protects the health and well-being of its occupants. This course reviews the components and benefits of IMPs, which offer all four control layers—air, vapor, thermal, and water—within a single component, delivering superior thermal performance and high-end design....
The construction industry has experienced a significant increase in moisture-related problems in exterior walls. This presentation explains how a rainscreen wall system prevents moisture accumulation within walls by providing a means for drainage and ventilation, thereby prolonging the life of buildings. Discussion topics include air and moisture movement in the building envelope, building code and water-resistive barriers, and stucco and thin veneers in rainscreen systems....
The purpose of this session will focus on what an engineered façade system should provide. Project teams are seeking a complete single-source system from the studs to exterior finish. We will discuss types of testing and approvals Façade systems offer to meet national and international building codes such as FM, NFPA, and others. Further discussion will be on performance warranties for leakage, system integrity, material performance similar to a roofing warranty. From the designer’s role, where you place the insulation and how do you attach the cladding can be the most critical decision when working with a building façade. We will explore both questions from a building science perspective to give clarity and certainty this is done properly....
Properly selected acoustical solutions are necessary to provide acoustical comfort and performance for a range of applications. This course reviews acoustic theory and design methodology to facilitate the design and specification process. A particular emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs and strategies for different project types....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and a modern lifestyle, have resulted in the isolation of humans from experiences within nature. Research has shown that the psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence on the well-being and health of humans. In this course, we review the science of sound, identify the potential problems associated with noise, and introduce the range of acoustic solutions formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) felt designed to provide sound-dampening benefits for busy commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Having up-to-date specifications starts with understanding what is in the building code. This course reviews the requirements that cold-formed steel framing must meet to be compliant to the 2024 International Building Code. It covers the standards for manufacturing tolerances, minimum thickness and protective coatings. Participants will also review fire-rated partitions....
As architects push the boundaries of design, materials that offer flexibility are essential; single-skin architectural metal wall panel systems provide such flexibility. Presented here are architectural metal wall panels, their fabrication process, design possibilities, and applications. Also discussed are the components and features of a perfect wall and a multicomponent wall assembly, the testing, safety, and installation of multicomponent metal wall panel systems, and how metal wall panels and their manufacturers can contribute to sustainability objectives....
Learners will closely evaluate steep-slope roofs, examining materials and practices that improve roof performance. By the end of the course, they will be able to identify key characteristics of roofing systems that prevent roof deterioration and damage, providing protection to the occupants within the structure. Finally, learners will evaluate best practices in detailing steep-slope roof systems to mitigate water, ice, or weather damage to the structure....
This course focuses on building connectors, providing an understanding of deflection and its importance in accommodating movement. Participants will learn about various types of deflection and drift clips used in the industry. The course also explores different support clips suitable for rigid attachments in building construction, as well as specialty clips and connectors that enhance performance and durability. Additionally, participants will explore labor-saving products available in the industry to improve efficiency and speed during construction. Finally, the course familiarizes participants with industry tools designed to aid in the design of connectors for building structures, equipping them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and ensure the stability and durability of buildings....
This course explores the impact of construction materials and manufacturer transparency on health and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the architect’s role in influencing these outcomes through product specification. Health product declarations (HPDs), environmental product declarations (EPDs), and life-cycle assessments (LCAs) are examined for their contributions to informed decision-making and alignment with green building frameworks such as the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL™ Building Standard v2. A prefabricated fireproofing product serves as a real-world case study in documentation....
Rooftop HVAC equipment, waste receptacles, and other necessary but unsightly equipment are common in today’s commercial industries. Rooftop and ground screening can provide a solution for meeting code requirements while improving building aesthetics. In addition, screens may improve a property’s safety and security and establish privacy boundaries. This course offers an in-depth discussion of rooftop and ground screening, the various ways to screen, and considerations when selecting a screen. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional screening methods versus unit-attached and modular screening methods are also discussed....
View the CityScapes Architectural Innovations Course Library
Rough openings are holes in the building enclosure, fitted with fenestrations that leak or will leak. It is critical to properly direct those leaks out of the enclosure. Designs for rough opening specify; tapes, sealants or flashing materials that are water, air, water vapor tight or vapor open. When detailed and installed correctly, most of these materials prevent water from entering into the interstitial wall cavities, allow the “leaks” to drain out of the building enclosure. Tapes, sealants and flashing components can fail over time or are improperly installed allowing water intrusion, trapping the water is vapor impermeable. By utilizing vapor open systems for rough opening materials, water that once trapped by impermeable flashing systems can escape via vapor diffusive drying. This presentation will describe failures, correct installation and testing of rough opening flashing and address current research on vapor open rough opening systems and how permeability enhances rough opening assembly performance....
This course provides specifiers of masonry veneer walls the description of a complete high performance wall system that meets the wall systems requirements ASTM E2357 (Air Leakage), ASTM E331 (Water Penetration), and NFPA 285 (Fire Propagation). The wall components associated with moisture management and interactions with other system components are highlighted. Additionally, an effective and efficient means to specify such walls is presented....
The use of Adhered Veneer Masonry in commercial and multi-family residential markets has grown rapidly this past decade. However, Codes, installation details, and installer training have come at a slower pace. This program focuses on the architect’s role in designing and detailing code compliant adhered veneer systems....
A summary of performance characteristics of thermoplastic roofing systems and review of results from infrared case studies done on reflective roofing products. Emphasizes thermoplastic roofing as a component of sustainable high performance buildings and highlights some of the areas where they may help with LEED certification. Provides a sample calculation of cool roofing energy savings utilizing an on-line calculator....
