This course provides architects with a foundational understanding of porcelain veneers in architectural design applications. Topics covered include key features and performance characteristics of porcelain veneers versus other "traditional" veneer materials, effective specification writing, as well as guidance on how to approach use of porcelain in indoor and outdoor architecture.

Modern interior spaces often feature open areas and hard surfaces. What should be comfortable rooms in these spaces can become unpleasant from noise and echo or sound reverberation. This course discusses how melamine foam can be used to improve the sound quality in a space. The different options for melamine foam products are discussed along with their installation methods. This course also provides an overview of the sustainability features of sound-absorbing melamine foam.

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There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

This course is designed to provide architects, designers, engineers, and specification writers a practical and useful foundation of knowledge to better understand the current cold-formed steel framing industry and how it supports the most recent standards for code compliance, structural/fire/sound requirements and sustainability.

This course will cover the benefits of photoluminescent (PL) safety products and the codes and testing standards related to photoluminescent way-finding systems. The course will describe in detail the 2018/2018 IBC/IFC path marking requirements in high-rise buildings as well as how UL 1994 and UL 924 apply to signage requirements and why they are important for luminous egress path markings and exit signs. Canadian architects will learn the specifics of the 2010 National Building Code of Canada and the ULC S572 standard.

Curved elements, such as walls, ceilings, columns, soffits, light covers, clouds, and arches have often been used to add interest to architectural designs. This course outlines conventional methods of framing curves in wood and steel, as well as new methods of framing using flexible track systems. Discussions include options for wall coverings and trims for curved surfaces.

Precast concrete pavers and roof deck systems enable designers to deliver on aesthetics and design objectives while achieving safety and durability requirements. Patented roof deck systems allow for the creation of safe and stable roof deck patios and green roofs that maintain sustainability requirements. This course examines the raw materials used in these systems, reviews the different finishes available, and discusses different paver applications and their methods of installation.

This presentation will guide architects through the process of specifying and renewing worn resilient floors with an emphasis on creating monolithic hygienic surfaces, maintaining safe indoor air quality while avoiding the replacement of resilient floors.

This course delves into the types, composition, performance features, and applications of LVF and SPC flooring designed for durable and aesthetically pleasing solutions for commercial and residential applications.

Rubber has been recycled for more than a century and used in recycled rubber flooring for over 65 years. Over this time, it has been proven to be a durable and flexible product that improves numerous aspects of the built environment while benefiting the natural environment. This course examines the sustainability attributes of recycled rubber flooring, how rubber is recycled, how it is used to make flooring, its health and safety benefits, and where to use and not use the product. The course also includes an overview of how recycled rubber flooring can be used to meet a number of USGBC’s LEED® v4 BD+C and WELL Building Standard® v2 credit requirements.

Explore alternative stucco lathing and stucco compositions while providing a review of advantages and disadvantages of the various lath products and compare lathing alternatives. In addition the course reviews the essential design details for stucco wall systems and identifies specific challenges of stucco wall systems while reviewing best practices and solutions. In addition Standards and Code compliance of various stucco lathing are explored

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

This presentation explores exterior wall design performance; energy code requirements; influences of air, moisture, thermal, and vapor barriers; and actual project case studies are presented. This program will be an interactive session that encourages feedback and questions.

This overview of concrete floor basics shows participants how to get the most from finished concrete floors. Along the way it discusses levels of finish, hardening-densifying and other aspects of finished concrete flooring not commonly known. The program also shows how to protect and maintain finished concrete flooring. It includes tips for protecting finished floors from damage during building construction.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

Cultural dynamics have long influenced design trends. As people travel and experience this beautiful and diverse world we live in, culture is finding its way across nations. Culture can refer to traditional things like language, music, food, and more recently, internet trends. This course examines how current dynamics, such as wanderlust, influence culture and impact design. As well, resulting color trends, including nuanced neutrals and blanched pastels, are identified and discussed.

Architectural coatings not only improve the appearance of a structure but offer protection from the elements. Coatings are available in powder and liquid formulas and while there are differences between the two delivery methods, equivalent weathering systems are available in both. The most commonly used performance specifications for coatings are established by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), with AAMA 2605 being the highest standard. Various testing procedures measure coatings according to AAMA standards. Using formulations that perform according to the appropriate standard for a coating’s application will optimize the service-life of the finish while controlling costs.

In this one-hour course, design professionals will gain knowledge of head-of-wall, bottom-of-wall and wall-to-wall assemblies, as well as the respective UL standards for approval, It will discuss different joint treatment types and the components involved with each application. By the end of the course, design professionals will be able to specify, install, and operate fire resistance joints and joint protection to ensure occupant safety.

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There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

Solid surface material is a durable and sustainable solution for custom architectural solutions. Explore the extensive design possibilities of this nonporous, thermoformable material and review key performance characteristics and fabrication guidelines.

Maximizing Envelope Performance with IMP-Integrated Components explores an advanced insulated metal composite panel building envelope system, components that have been engineered to integrate with the system - including windows, daylighting panels, sunshades, and louvers - and how the IMP system and integrated components combine to create a high-performance building envelope.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

The Architectural Coatings industry has spent the last several years developing innovations to improve performance, durability and finish for coatings products applied to Metal Components. This seminar will update the design and construction community on the latest technologies to achieve AAMA compliance, define nomenclature, discuss characteristics of different application methods and other topics that will help to correctly specify coatings.

Selecting a countertop surface today, whether for a break lounge or a reception desk, means weighing the relative sustainability of the choices while considering whether the material meets the design objectives of the space. This course will help you decide whether quartz surfacing does that. We will review its environmental and human health impacts, performance characteristics, and compare it to other options and guide selection and design.

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.

Modular systems are designed around individual components that can be joined together to configure a seamless and personalized space solution. This course discusses the key design principles and benefits of modular design along with strategies for successfully incorporating modularity into a bathroom design.

Vinyl is strong and resistant to moisture and abrasion, and therefore is the most widely used plastic for building and construction. This course presents vinyl flooring, its manufacturing process, testing standards, and performance characteristics. The course discusses the environmental impacts of vinyl flooring throughout its lifespan and its contributions to meeting green building codes and standards.

Light-manipulating materials use internal channels to capture, bend, scatter, and redirect light and create visually stunning spaces. Panels and slabs in resin, glass, and terrazzo create an experiential surface for privacy screens or signage, primary or accent lighting, countertops or flooring—anywhere the interplay of light and shadow is desired for beauty and inspiration. This course describes the different types of light-manipulating materials and substrates as well as the design and installation options for a wide range of dynamic, unique applications.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

There is a constant increase of homeowners looking for low-maintenance siding/trim materials without risking the aesthetics. This cellular PVC Cladding product can accomplish just that. In this course, you will learn about PVC cladding and how it will give the you timeless beauty and no long-term maintenance.

This course provides an overview of aluminum extrusion coatings and includes discussions on the aluminum extrusion process; a comparison of powder and liquid coatings; an overview of the chrome and the chrome-free pretreatment process; and, the performance objectives of AAMA testing standards.