Wood is not only visually appealing; it plays a vital role in shaping acoustics. This course examines the acoustic properties of wood and its applications in wood-based architectural solutions, focusing on how acoustic wood products can help control noise in commercial and residential environments. Also reviewed is how these products support sustainable design objectives, including their role in meeting the criteria of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as the WELL Building Standard™ v2. The presentation features design strategies and case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of acoustic wood products in achieving superior performance....
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This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, a Class A carcinogen, the leading cause of cancer after smoking, and the leading cause of death for nonsmokers. It is found in soil, rock, and groundwater. If radon enters a home through slabs, basements, and crawl spaces, breathing it can lead to illness or even death. This course examines how the gas travels through soil and into structures and the various interception approaches and materials that can be utilized to prevent entry into inhabited spaces. It also highlights building code requirements and language that can assist with ensuring the correct radon interception systems are designed and installed effectively....
This course covers two widely used acoustic metrics, the STC and IIC ratings. Although these ratings are required by building codes and frequently used, they are still often poorly understood and there are many myths and misconceptions around their use. This course looks “under the hood” of the STC and IIC ratings to get a better understanding of what they are, how they work, and what they do and don’t tell us. Importantly, this course covers shortcomings of the STC and IIC ratings that if not understood can lead to poor designs for noise control. In that vein, this course also looks at two new acoustic ratings, HIIC and LIIC, that provide a better insight into the impact-noise reduction provided by floor/ceiling assemblies. Finally, the course uses the knowledge gained about ratings to discuss general methods of improving the acoustic performance of floor/ceiling assemblies....
Acoustical doors are vital in managing sound transmission in various architectural and industrial settings. This course discusses evaluating, specifying, and integrating acoustical doors into projects that demand effective noise control, speech privacy, and occupant comfort. It also examines how acoustical doors may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction rating system and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Compliance with fire safety codes and SCIF specifications is also discussed....
View the Catalyst Acoustics Group Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
In today’s high performance building market, specifying materials that work together as a complete wall system is more critical than ever. Systems can help designers meet new energy codes, reduce costs and improve building function and sustainability while making the design process faster and simpler. This course will educate participants on the functional components and system attributes of the most common exterior wall system, steel stud with masonry veneer. The course will detail key system components such as continuous and stud cavity insulation, air/water resistive barriers, air sealing practices, masonry wall ties and water drainage/management practices. Key codes and standards will be reviewed to define system interaction and key specification practices to ensure wall system designs are consistent with recent advances in building analysis, new code requirements, revised test methods, and a comprehensive, systems approach to wall systems....
A strong and reliable connection between the roof and wall is essential for building enclosure integrity, energy efficiency, and long-term durability. This course introduces an innovative approach to roof-to-wall connections using a simplified, prefabricated parapet cap solution. Traditional parapet caps, often constructed in the field with wood, can warp, twist, and compromise the connection’s stability. In contrast, this course explores a high-strength, prefabricated option designed for stability, sustainability, and compatibility with any wall structure. Participants will learn how this Engineered Framing System streamlines installation, enhances structural performance, and delivers superior results for commercial construction projects....
What are you doing to address the urban heat island effect? This hot topic in the design industry has led to local governments following LEED and amending their building codes to combat the effect of traditional roofing materials. In this session, you'll discover materials and techniques that will help you bring sustainable roofing into your practice - meeting both the latest building codes and the demands of increasingly eco-conscious clients. Discover how "cool roofing" and "green roofing" can help elevate sustainability while also maintaining performance and controlling costs....
This live course is offered as part of the DuPont Building Science Master Summit May 25, 2023 starting at 11am ET. Presented by: Keith P. Nelson, NCARB, AIA, CDT, BCxP, and Gabriel Acevedo, DuPont The trend toward sustainable building design took on new dimensions during the pandemic and concurrent supply chain crisis. Coupled with the ongoing dilution of skilled labor in the construction trades, there emerged an increased urgency and opportunity in specifying and installing sustainable roofing systems....
Green or vegetative roof systems have become an effective means to address aesthetic and environmental issues and provide energy savings for building owners, while at the same time providing protection for a building and its contents through the use of a high-performance waterproofing system. This program describes the basics of vegetative roof systems and outlines some cost and construction considerations for designers....
As the number and volatility of threats to facility security and safety continue to escalate, protection is becoming paramount in the scope of today’s facility design. Whether it’s high-level protection from ballistics, blast, storm impact or forced entry, this course reviews the various protection levels, testing standards, best practices and the fundamental fenestration solutions which will fortify your building to protect people and property....
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Air barriers improve the health and comfort of building occupants, improve energy efficiency, and prevent premature degradation of materials, increasing the structure’s life cycle. A successful air and moisture barrier system means under-slab, below-grade, and above-grade systems must work together to provide a continuous barrier. This course looks at above-grade air barrier systems and their types and components. Continuity and compatibility, specification, and installation challenges are also considered....
This presentation will focus on the overview of various waterproofing, water retention, and drainage methods that meet the standards of today’s green roof applications. Along with an overview of soil options and vegetation that it can support....
Rooftop HVAC equipment, waste receptacles, and other unsightly equipment are commonplace in today’s commercial industries. Unfortunately, these items are necessary but unsightly. However, screening can help building owners enhance aesthetics and meet code requirements. Screening offers not only a visual benefit but also helps to improve the safety and security of your property. This course offers an in-depth discussion of rooftop and ground screening, the various ways to screen, and considerations when selecting a screen for your project. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional screening methods versus unit-attached and modular screening methods are also discussed....
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There are now three distinct types of sustainable roof solutions: green, blue and white. Designers need to understand the relative benefits of eah approach to effectively select the appropriate system for the project. Understand the standards that are used as the basis for green roofs and their myriad benefits that can be reaped. Numerous case studied will be presented....
At their root, metal roofs and walls made from steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum have a lower environmental impact because of their ability to be recycled and reused. This course focuses on the green aspects of standing seam metal roofs, and in particular, their cool roof characteristics. Also addressed are the implications of heat islands, what constitutes construction of cool roofs/walls and how they work, some rules of thumb for understanding cool metal roofing, roof slope impacts on performance, and codes, ratings, and standards that apply to designing cool roofs/walls....
Air barriers play a critical role in preventing air and moisture infiltration, safeguarding the integrity, energy efficiency, and durability of buildings. However, frequent testing and thermographic imaging reveal that air barrier failures are a common source of building leaks. Issues such as improper lapping, poor detailing of terminations, incompatible materials, and lack of adhesion are often to blame. These failures can lead to costly repairs and compromised performance if not addressed early. This course explores industry-recognized requirements and testing methods for air barrier membranes, equipping participants with the knowledge to identify and prevent potential failures. Additionally, the course highlights how enhanced testing can evaluate long-term performance, providing confidence and peace of mind before construction begins....
Tour of Westlake Royal Stone plant allowing participants to observe the manufacturing process and to engage participants in understanding the processes, materials, and quality standards of cultured stone, and to increase understanding of the installation methods for this high quality, durable masonry product....
Learn how Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation can be safely used in California residential construction to optimize cost efficiency while complying with Title 24 energy code and improving comfort, durability, and strength of homes and buildings....
Architectural acoustic design focuses on managing airborne and impact sound within indoor and outdoor spaces. This course addresses the acoustic challenges associated with outdoor recreational spaces, focusing on the surge in pickleball popularity. Participants will learn the fundamentals of sound propagation in open-air environments and explore how modern acoustic products can reduce unwanted noise while maintaining functionality and the design intent. Acoustic solutions for indoor spaces requiring noise reduction are also covered, as well as the role of acoustic barriers in meeting the requirements of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2....
his course provides a comprehensive overview of using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) in the design and construction of educational facilities. Participants will learn how ICF technology enhances energy efficiency, reduces operational costs for school boards, and improves health and safety for students and staff. The program highlights the versatility of ICFs, including their potential to support multi-use needs during crises. By addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of educational buildings, this course empowers professionals to implement innovative solutions that create efficient, safe, and sustainable learning environments....
Choosing the right insulation for your roof can have lasting impacts on the building performance and energy conservation. This presentation explains the different types of commercial insulation, long-term performance and liabilities, re-usability and sustainable roof design approaches for long term owner, occupant and maintenance benefits....
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Wind forces always influence building design and detailing. This course focuses on one particular force, wind uplift, and its influence on roof paving system design and selection. It examines how wind loads and building configuration affect the design of roof paving systems; the codes, regulations, and calculation approaches that inform and control such designs; and the various options designers can use to design safe, appealing outdoor roof paving systems that will withstand even the strongest winds....
When daylighting a space, there are endless ways to go about it. With the power of daylight simulation, you can make informed decisions about material selections, placement and opening sizes, as well as building geometries. Modeling allows you to compare multiple designs to see how they will perform, while verifying light levels, potential glare and code compliance. Learn how we can help....
Protected Roof Membrane Assemblies (PRMA) have unique design requirements since they are loosely laid, held in place with stone ballast, pavers, or vegetative materials. The International Building Code contains prescriptive requirements to guide design and specification of such systems. The standards reviewed in this program provide methods to design wind uplift resistance of ballasted and vegetated roofing systems. The standards are intended to be used as references for designing, specifying, and installing ballasted roofing systems, and are to be used in conjunction with the installation specifications and requirements from the manufacturers of the specific products in the system. For roofs that exceed the boundaries of these standards (meaning designs that are not covered in this document) the authority having jurisdiction is the only source for approval. ASCE 7 gives guidance on how non-standard conditions should be evaluated. See other references, or, utilize professional wind engineering consultants, or, conduct wind tunnel studies in accordance with ASCE 7 for information to determine requirements for designs or systems not covered....
The use of sustainable materials and products during building design will become the standard within the construction industry, and environmental product declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) help architects and owners make informed decisions for their projects. Insulated metal panels— a prime example of a sustainable product—are one of the most cost-effective solutions to reduce energy and greenhouse gases....
