flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Dow Building Solutions invests in two research facilities to deliver data to building and construction industry

Dow Building Solutions invests in two research facilities to deliver data to building and construction industry


By By BD+C Staff | October 18, 2011
The R&D Wall Assembly Research Center and Spray Foam Application Technology Research Facility have been built to test and ev

Dow Building Solutions announced two Research and Development (R&D) test facilities located at the Dow Building Solutions’ North American headquarters in Midland, Mich.

The R&D “Wall Assembly Research Center” and “Spray Foam Application Technology Research Facility” have been built to test and evaluate insulation, air sealing and weatherization systems in a controlled lab environment in order to provide customers with real-world data of how the products will work together and perform and function in the field.

The Wall Assembly Research Center is a 1,600 sf wall system research lab that has over 30 interchangeable wall sections that enables Dow to test various residential and commercial wall systems.

It also allows for the testing of exterior wall system components to see how they stand up to outside elements and perform in a cold climate zone. Systems being tested include rigid and spray insulations, exterior cladding, and various framing techniques, in all cardinal directions.

The Wall Assembly Research Center is wired with a state-of-the-art monitoring system that allows researchers to collect, analyze and process the performance of each of these interchangeable wall systems over extended periods of time.

Dow collaborated very closely with Building Science Corporation to design and construct this unique facility in a way that the data collected can help further develop Dow building envelope products and systems and provide answers to the most relevant industry questions.

The second research test facility is a 2,000 sf spray booth and lab that enables researchers to evaluate the application of new spray foam chemistries and methods. The Spray Foam Application Technology Research Facility was created to test liquid-applied construction solutions and materials, such as spray polyurethane foams and weatherproofing systems, to help better understand how spray products work in both small and large-scale applications while using a variety of application equipment such as refillable cylinders and 2-component high-press spray rigs. Beyond testing and gathering data on chemistries and application methodologies, the research facility is also being used to provide education and training on the application and safe handling of these spray foam products that contribute to the creation of a better performing building envelope. BD+C

Related Stories

Office Buildings | Jul 29, 2015

Design plans for Fannie Mae’s new HQ revealed

The developer/owner, Carr Properties, envisions a 1-million-sf plus mixed-use center with a large retail pavilion.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jul 29, 2015

Milwaukee Bucks arena deal approved by Wisconsin state assembly

Created by Milwaukee firm Eppstein Uhen Architects and global firm Populous, the venue will be built in downtown Milwaukee. Its design draws inspiration from both Lake Michigan, which borders Milwaukee, and from aspects of basketball, like high-arcing free throws.

Contractors | Jul 29, 2015

Consensus Construction Forecast: Double-digit growth expected for commercial sector in 2015, 2016

Despite the adverse weather conditions that curtailed design and construction activity in the first quarter of the year, the overall construction market has performed extremely well to date, according to AIA's latest Consensus Construction Forecast.

University Buildings | Jul 28, 2015

OMA designs terraced sports center for UK's Brighton College

Designs for what will be the biggest construction project in the school’s 170-year history feature a rectangular building at the edge of the school’s playing field. A running track is planned for the building’s roof, while sports facilities will be kept underneath.

High-rise Construction | Jul 28, 2015

Work begins on KPF's 'flared silhouette' tower in Manhattan

The 62-story, 157-unit luxury condo tower widens at the 40th floor, resulting in a gently flared silhouette, accented by a sculpted crown.

Museums | Jul 28, 2015

MUST SEE: Zaha Hadid's latest museum project is built into a mountain

The museum, dedicated to legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner, is embedded within Mount Kronplatz in northern Italy.

Smart Buildings | Jul 27, 2015

Perkins+Will imagines new opportunity for Atlantic City

The architecture giant believes it has a solution that could put Atlantic City’s existing infrastructure to good use—by turning the Jersey Shore city into a research center for climate change and coastal resiliency.

Retail Centers | Jul 27, 2015

Fish-shaped shopping mall designed for odd plot of land in China

The mall, in Qinshui, a city in China’s Shanxi province, will fit within the 250x30-meter dimensions surrounded by parallel roads and two converging rivers. 

Performing Arts Centers | Jul 27, 2015

Vox Populi: Netherlands municipality turns to public vote to select design for new theater

UNStudio’s Theatre on the Parade received nearly three-fifths of votes cast in contest between two finalists.

Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2015

Miami developers are designing luxury housing to cater to out-of-town buyers and renters

The Miami Herald reports on several new multifamily projects, including the Paramount Miami Worldcenter, whose homes include maid’s rooms, larger terraces, boutique-size closets, and guest suites. 

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Urban Planning

Bridging the gap: How early architect involvement can revolutionize a city’s capital improvement plans

Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) typically span three to five years and outline future city projects and their costs. While they set the stage, the design and construction of these projects often extend beyond the CIP window, leading to a disconnect between the initial budget and evolving project scope. This can result in financial shortfalls, forcing cities to cut back on critical project features.



Libraries

Reasons to reinvent the Midcentury academic library

DLR Group's Interior Design Leader Gretchen Holy, Assoc. IIDA, shares the idea that a designer's responsibility to embrace a library’s history, respect its past, and create an environment that will serve student populations for the next 100 years.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021