R-value is a familiar term to any specifier. In construction, R-value is a measure of an insulated material’s ability to resist heat flow from one side or the other. Since it measures thermal resistance, the higher the R-Value, the better the insulation performs. R-value is useful for static elements like walls and roofing. It is much less useful for complex or dynamic elements—like rolling doors. R-value does not take into account the entire installed assembly: it is a measurement of a specific spot on a specific component of a door. As a result, the R-value can be high even if the door does ..read more

An exterior view of the concert hall proposal that won Henning Larsen The Grieg Quarter competition. Photo courtesy Henning Larsen Henning Larsen’s proposal for a new concert hall in Bergen, Norway has won an international competition to redesign the Griegkvartalet Theatre. The Grieg Quarter competition featured 32 participants, with five shortlisted finalists; with Henning Larsen’s entry as the winning bid. Bordering Bergen’s historic center, “Kontrapunkt” is a 17,500 m² (18,8368 sf) music and conference hall featuring a theater and orchestra pit, an exhibition venue, a cafe, and multipu ..read more

Vertikal Nydalen, designed by Snøhetta, is Norway’s first naturally climatized mixed-use building. Photos courtesy Snøhetta Vertikal Nydalen in Oslo, designed by Snøhetta, features a simplified and self-sufficient climate system, making it Norway’s first naturally climatized mixed-use building. The 11,000 m2 (11,8403 sf) structure includes restaurants, offices, and apartment units; and uses geothermal wells, photovoltaic (PV) panels, a low-energy system for heating and cooling, and natural ventilation. Steel constructions support the decks Steel constructions support the decks, while the facad ..read more

Kaleideum Children’s Museum in Winston Salem, N.C. winner of the Hero of the Year Award. Photos courtesy Sto Corp The Kaleideum Children’s Museum in Winston Salem, N.C. has won the Hero of the Year Award at the 2023 EIFS Architectural Awards. Incorporating insulation by Sto Corp, an Atlanta-based materials and products company, the five-storied, 6,503 m2 (70,000 sf) structure comprises of a design inspired by kaleidoscopic geometric forms using a wall cladding system with a textured wall finish. Sto Corp also received the Award of Merit, as well as two honorable mentions. Banner Gateway Hospit ..read more

An exterior view from the street of 619 Ponce. Photo courtesy Jamestown LP Atlanta is now home to its first mass timber loft building, 619 Ponce, designed by Jamestown LP, a design-focused real estate investment and management firm. The four-story building covers a 10,683 m2 (115,000 sf) area. Out of this, 8,175 m2 (88,000 sf) is going to be used for office space, and 2,508 m2 (27,000 sf) for retail space. By sourcing the timber locally, it was possible to reduce its carbon footprint and support the state’s forestry industry. 619 Ponce has both retail as well as office space. Photo courtesy Ja ..read more

The four-story HomeRise project at Mission Bay. Photo courtesy Bruce Damont HomeRise at Mission Bay, Calif. is a garden-focused community that provides supportive and stable housing for 140 adults that are progressing into housing stability. The project demonstrates the city’s and non-profit partners’ commitment to investing in a community based on social, financial and environmental resilience, equity, sustainability, and integration. Designed by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, it is a collaborative project between architects Lowney Architecture and Y.A. Studio; and is developed by HomeRise an ..read more

A rendering of the Hellem Arts and Sciences building, proposed to be completed by 2025. Rendering by Hacker Architects A complete renovation of the original Charles Klauder Building at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder’s campus is currently underway in the form of the Hellem Arts and Sciences building. The primary goal of this 9,476 m2 (102,000 sf) project, undertaken by a collaboration between design companies Hacker and Handprint, is to create a student-focused facility that is welcoming, inclusive, and supports the flexibility of multi-department uses. For a century, the Hellems Arts ..read more

Frank Mortl, the new executive director of SPFA. Photo courtesy Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) Frank Mortl III, CAE, has been hired as executive director of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA). In the role, Mortl will facilitate strategic direction on behalf of SPFA’s board of directors and committees, along with leading staff in marketing and membership activities with a primary goal of continuing growth. Former executive director Rick Duncan, PhD, PE, is now technical consultant at SPFA. “The SPFA board of directors, committees, staff and members are all excited to welcome ..read more

Staying ahead of cost trends can feel like an uphill battle. Market volatility, geographical variations, and the lag between project initiation to build introduces unpredictability in the total cost of construction projects. Working in uncertainty can lead to budget overruns, delays, and decreased profitability, making it challenging to keep up. But what if there was a solution that could turn these challenges into opportunities for success? To ensure success in any project, you need the ability to anticipate changes and make informed decisions. Turn data into actionable intelligence with Gord ..read more

The main timber structure of the World of Volvo center is made of glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT). It carries the load of the roof, and envelopes visitors in a welcoming forest-like canopy. Photo courtesy Rasmus Hjortshoj A unique 22,000 m² (242,187 sf) experience center for Volvo Cars and Volvo Group, featuring a timber canopy designed by the global architecture firm Henning Larsen, has recently opened. The main timber structure, made of glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT), forms three striking tree-trunk-like columns, spreading out to carry the load of the roof—enveloping visitor ..read more