The construction of buildings that use less energy to operate and are long lived is a key part of sustainable design. Insulated concrete forms are one solution that provide the necessary U values, air tightness and durability. In this course, we will delve into the ICF wall, types and components and look at design considerations and construction.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Concrete is often the substrate for both new and existing floors. Transforming the surface into a finished floor is far more sustainable than consuming additional flooring materials, adhesives, and transportation-related energy to install a floor covering. This course discusses the stages and options of the concrete polishing process, recognizes benefits of recent advances in concrete densification chemistry, and provides an overview of the limitations and possibilities for concrete floor finishes.

Since North America’s post-war building boom, the unique characteristics of gypsum board have served the needs of builders well. Now, with environmental concerns directing many design decisions, how does gypsum board respond? This course looks at how gypsum board contributes to sustainably designed buildings, ensuring healthy indoor air and low waste.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

(Canadian Version) Without light, an object or a viewer, we do not have colour. In fact, the way we perceive and view colour is impacted by light, both natural and artificial. This course delves into the properties of colour and light. The program includes discussions on types of lighting, metamerism, colour rendering index (CRI), and light reflectance value (LRV) and how they affect design choices.

Cleaning is one of the higher continuous operational expenses faced by commercial building owners. Incorporating an entrance flooring system will reduce cleaning costs, improve safety and provide an environmental benefit to the building users. This course reviews entrance flooring system design considerations including code, environmental, safety and aesthetic considerations for high-traffic entrances.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

Without light, an object or a viewer, we do not have color. In fact, the way we perceive and view color is impacted by light, both natural and artificial. This course delves into the properties of color and light. The program includes discussions on types of lighting, metamerism, color rendering index (CRI), and light reflectance value (LRV) and how they affect design choices.

Adhesion and long-term integrity of a high-performance floor system can be undermined by any number of factors. Although surface preparation is one of the most critical aspects of floor coating, there are a number of other steps that must be included. In this course we will review the necessary steps for a successful high performance floor coating application including preliminary inspection and surface preparation, selection of appropriate products and proper coating application tips.

A well-designed building is only as durable as the roof that protects it. For a relatively minor investment, roofing cover boards solve many issues that cause damage to a roof during installation and into the warranty period. This course reviews low-slope roof systems and discusses various cover board types and reasons for their use, including benefits, primary features, and challenges.

Provides an overview of the classification of paints, advantages and disadvantages of latex versus alkyd coatings, surface preparation and priming techniques, and causes and solutions for common paint problems.

Introduction au design durable et création d’environnements plus sains par des peintures architecturales. On trouvera aussi des réflexions sur les composants de la peinture; des méthodes d’évaluation et des normes indépendantes ; les catégories LEED® ; enfin, les particularités des systèmes de peinture pour le designer d’aujourd’hui.

Redwood offers warmth, character, durability, and strength in products from sustainably managed and harvested forests. This course provides insights into forestry practices and the environmental benefits of Redwood lumber, and compares Redwood with other common decking materials. Details are presented on how to differentiate and specify grades of Redwood; finishing options and methods are also discussed. The course concludes with examples of applications that showcase the unique beauty and attributes of Redwood.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

In multi-story, multi-family housing it is the area separation wall (firewall) which prevents fires from spreading to adjacent units. This course examines the advantages of using glass mat shaftliner panels for firewall assemblies in multi-story, multi-family housing, and covers the installation procedures and special conditions.

Over time a color pattern has developed through the historic events, society, arts, and technology that shape each decade. A correlation can be drawn between the happenings and the prevalent colors for every decade through periods of rest and periods of upheaval. This course illustrates how the use of color can express our individuality and culture, and how the past can inspire us with fresh ideas for using color in the present. Highlighting the prevalent colors of more than ten decades, this course also looks at the societal, political, technological and cultural influences which impacted and defined the personality of each decade.

Given the number of low-slope commercial roofs found in today’s metropolitan cities, it’s key that architects/designers have an understanding of the forces that affect the durability of a roof assembly and the high performance options that are available in order to choose the best solution for each project. This course provides a review of the types and performance characteristics of cover board materials used in commercial roofing assemblies, along with a discussion of the forces that threaten roof-system durability.

Sustainable restroom design can address the global concerns of water shortages and the impacts of the building sector on our environment. This program identifies the newest technologies in high-efficiency restroom fixtures including how to choose water-saving products and the practical, economic, and environmental benefits of high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers versus paper towels. Also included is an in-depth analysis of how these products earn points toward LEED® v4 credits and other green building standards to comply with new, best practices in green building.

Cement board is a lightweight, rigid substrate that provides an exceptionally hard, durable surface that is able to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture. This course addresses cement backer board, its features and benefits, and versatile interior and exterior applications, including Cement Board Stucco Systems (CBSS) and Cement Board Masonry Veneer (CBMV). The program reviews CBSS and CBMV components and performance benefits.

Food and wine preservation refers to the process of storing products under ideal conditions in order to maximize longevity. Preserving food and wine maximizes its shelf life and flavor which, in turn, enhances the enjoyment of its consumption. Additionally, proper preservation results in less waste and saves the consumer money. This course reviews the causes of premature food deterioration, the optimal conditions for storing wine and food, and the solutions that are available with a focus on modern refrigeration units.

Prerequisites:No

Course Level:Introductory

Commercial building interiors see all kinds of wear and tear on a daily basis. Various forms of wall protection can combat this wear and tear to help extend the longevity of a space, maintain a clean look, and cut down on maintenance costs. This course discusses the different wall protection products available, how to identify which wall protection products fit certain applications, and which building codes apply to these products.

The colors that surround us every day play an important role in our emotions and behavior when we engage with a specific finish material or environment. This course provides an overview of how the human eye sees color, the effect it can have on our moods, behavior, and physiology, and lastly, how it can be used as a powerful tool to send messages about spaces or products to consumers.

Provides an overview of fiberglass mat gypsum panels, and explains their potential contribution to LEED® certification and other sustainable building codes and standards, as well as addresses issues of indoor air quality and construction scheduling.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

This course considers the design of energy-efficient buildings, which must include an effective, lasting, moisture-management strategy. Moisture management is essential to resilient, sustainable, healthy buildings.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

From “fashion to function,” the shower space of the bathroom is a focal point, offering a quiet respite in which to rejuvenate. Shower spaces should be built to last, using durable materials combined with sound installation practices in order to reduce the life cycle and replacement costs. This course outlines the criteria used in designing water management systems for shower pans and walls. Includes discussions on traditional and modern methods of waterproofing shower floors and walls, new methods of construction, as well as the innovative design options that are available for curbless shower pans.

Bathrooms can be dangerous places for people with and without physical limitations. The prevalence of bathroom falls amongst persons of all age groups and levels of ability has driven the trend of accessible shower design. Presented here is an overview of how curbless shower pans are designed for durability and safety, and meet the needs of accessible design. Included are discussions on traditional and modern shower pan design and installation methods and their associated drawbacks and benefits. Industry resources and standards are outlined.

(Canadian Version) Provides an overview of the classification of paints, advantages and disadvantages of latex versus alkyd coatings, surface preparation and priming techniques, and causes and solutions for common paint problems.

Fournit une introduction aux principes de base des couleurs, notamment la terminologie, la perception et la psychologie des couleurs, les effets de la lumière, ainsi que les styles et les tendances actuelles.