1. Lighting for rehearsal space
USAI Lighting
Project: Voxman Music Building, University of Iowa, Iowa City. Problem: A 2008 flood ruined the Voxman Music Building, causing the university to rebuild and relocate the facility. The new space required functional, well-lit performance and rehearsal spaces. Solution: USAI Lighting’s BeveLED 2.1 Classic White fixtures were incorporated into rehearsal spaces due to their high intensity and ability to withstand the constant and intense sound waves produced by the instruments. On the team: HLB LA (lighting designer).
2. Nature-inspired, sculptural ceiling
Pinta Acoustics
Project: Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, Calif. Problem: For the museum’s newly renovated circulation area, the design team wanted to create a dramatic, nature-inspired sculpture to signify the transition from the main museum to the outdoor nature exploration area, Bill’s Backyard. Solution: Pinta Acoustics’ WILLTEC foam material was used to create custom abstract butterfly shapes that provide acoustical control and create movement in the circulation area. The flat sheets are available in various shapes and sizes up to 48x96 inches, and thicknesses up to four inches. On the team: Modulus (architect).
3. Veiled metal panels
Centria
Project: Broadcom Parking Garage, Moon Township, Pa. Problem: The renovation of the existing structure needed a product to make it appear more open and interact better with its surroundings. Solution: Centria provided 20,050 sf of EcoScreen Cascade perforated metal panels in Champagne Pearl and Clay. The metallic veil of perforated metal allowed the project team to screen car headlights from users and neighbors while allowing daylight and ventilation to flow through. On the team: HOK (architect) and Devcon Construction (GC).
4. High-performance sunshades
Mermet
Project: Drayton Mills Elementary School, Spartanburg, S.C. Problem: Natural light and views improve student performance, but there are times in a school setting when light is not desired. Solution: The school features Mermet’s E Screen in 3% openness and Avila Twilight 100% blackout fabrics in charcoal. The dark fabrics were chosen to blend with the inherent color of the SunGuard coated glass that was used to minimize the appearance of the shades from the exterior. The sunshades combined with the glass maximize thermal control. On the team: McMillan Pazdan Smith (architect) and Draper Inc. (fabricator).
5. Symmetrical standing seam panels
McElroy
Project: Roma High School, Roma, Texas. Problem: The school had issues with roof leaks at various transition points that were causing excessive damage. Solution: The original leaky tile roof was removed and replaced with McElroy’s 138T symmetrical standing seam metal roofing. The system was also used to re-cover an existing roof. The symmetrical nature of the panels allowed for the installation to begin anywhere on the roof. On the team: Amtech (design and restoration consulting firm) and Rio Roofing (onsite roll forming).
6. Continuous wall insulation
Atlas Roofing
Project: Kaiser Permanente Medical Building, La Habra, Calif. Problem: The newly constructed 28,000-sf building features 25 exam rooms and 16 physician offices that required the maximization of occupant comfort and energy efficiency while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. Solution: HMC Architects specified Atlas EnergyShield Pro continuous wall insulation in tandem with the patented Diamond Furr TT-4 lath attachment system by Brand X Metals. According to Atlas, EnergyShield Pro provides the highest R-value per inch of any insulation and resists water, air, and vapor penetration. It offers zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential. On the team: HMC Architects (architect) and Swinerton Builders (GC).
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Study explains the financial value of green commercial buildings
Green building may be booming, especially in the Northwest, but the claims made for high-performance buildings have been slow to gain traction in the financial community. Appraisers, lenders, investors and brokers have found it difficult to confirm the value of high-performance green features and related savings. A new study of office buildings identifies how high-performance green features and systems can increase the value of commercial buildings.
| Aug 11, 2010
Architecture Billings Index flat in May, according to AIA
After a slight decline in April, the Architecture Billings Index was up a tenth of a point to 42.9 in May. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.
| Aug 11, 2010
Free-span solar energy system installed at REM Eyewear headquarters
The first cable-suspended free-span solar energy system was completed today over the REM Eyewear headquarters parking lot in Sun Valley, Calif. The patented, cable-supported photovoltaic system created by P4P Energy is expected to generate 40,877 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity per year, enough to power five to six single family homes and to prevent 1.5 million pounds of carbon from being released into the atmosphere.
| Aug 11, 2010
Architecture Billings Index drops to lowest level since June
Another stall in the recovery for the construction industry as the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped to its lowest level since June. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI rating was 41.7, down slightly from 43.1 in July. This score indicates a decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).
| Aug 11, 2010
Construction employment declined in 333 of 352 metro areas in June
Construction employment declined in all but 19 communities nationwide this June as compared to June-2008, according to a new analysis of metropolitan-area employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The analysis shows that few places in America have been spared the widespread downturn in construction employment over the past year.
| Aug 11, 2010
Jacobs, Hensel Phelps among the nation's 50 largest design-build contractors
A ranking of the Top 50 Design-Build Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Construction unemployment rises to 17.1% as another 64,000 construction workers are laid off in September
The national unemployment rate for the construction industry rose to 17.1 percent as another 64,000 construction workers lost their jobs in September, according to an analysis of new employment data released today. With 80 percent of layoffs occurring in nonresidential construction, Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, said the decline in nonresidential construction has eclipsed housing’s problems.
| Aug 11, 2010
Billings at U.S. architecture firms exceeds $40 billion annually
In the three-year period leading up to the current recession, gross billings at U.S. architecture firms increased nearly $16 billion from 2005 and totaled $44.3 billion in 2008. This equates to 54 percent growth over the three-year period with annual growth of about 16 percent. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Business of Architecture: AIA Survey Report on Firm Characteristics.
| Aug 11, 2010
CHPS debuts high-performance building products database
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) made a new tool available to product manufacturers to help customers identify building products that contribute to sustainable, healthy, built environments. The tool is an online, searchable database where manufacturers can list products that have met certain environmental or health standards ranging from recycled content to materials that contribute to improved indoor air quality.
