Insulating concrete form (ICF) products use a cost-effective and robust structural material option (reinforced concrete) to turn a building envelope into a high performing thermal, moisture, and air enclosure, with disaster resistance and built-in compliance with energy code requirements. As a result of their performance, building owners can complete a whole structure with ICFs and reinforced concrete, including intermediate suspended floors, roof tops, and multi-story designs. This course examines the advancements in ICF technology and discusses the potential contribution held by ICFs to support improved sustainability and resilience.

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

Universal hot water availability is generally taken for granted. At a time when energy prices and sources, environmental concerns, and water shortages are increasing in significance, it is important to produce hot water in a manner that addresses all these issues. This course explains how electric tankless water heaters (ETWHs) do this while also improving health and safety conditions and reducing costs. The examination includes detailed descriptions of many types of ETWHs and the basic calculations and selection criteria for the most suitable system.

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

Heated towel racks not only warm and dry damp towels, but also add a sense of comfort and luxury. This course explores heated towel racks and includes discussions on: the functions, benefits, and applications of heated towel racks; centrally heated, electric, and hydronic heating systems; materials and finishes; installation and care; and, design and accessory options.

It is well known that color in the built environment has an impact on the perception of space and our behavior in a space. Designers must understand color to create an ambiance or style and to influence spatial use and perception. In this course, we look at how color is perceived and processed, its emotional impact, and how it interacts with light, and we provide tips for implementing color in the built environment.

While providing fresh air intake and exhaust, reducing noise, and keeping out unwanted water and debris, louvers can also provide architectural style to a building design. This course discusses the aesthetics, performance, and weather resistance features of a variety of louver designs from the basic to the extreme. A discussion about the industry standards and test protocols for louver performance is included.

Kiln-fired glass is a fine art form with many architectural and interior design applications. This course explains how kiln-fired glass is produced, what the range of applications is, and how installations can meet architectural glass performance and safety requirements.

This course introduces accessibility from Canadian and US perspectives. It covers a few specific technical accessibility requirements and compares the differences when referencing Canadian or US design standards, such as the National Building Code of Canada (Canada's Model Code) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (the United States accessibility regulation), while reinforcing the intent of good design that is not always outlined by a code or standard. The seven principles of universal design are also discussed.

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

 In order to download this course, a USD $35.00 fee must be paid.

Fireplaces remain one of the most desirable household features for homeowners, complementing a range of different lifestyles and appealing to a range of demographics. This course provides an overview of electric fireplaces, focusing on their design possibilities, flame technologies, ease of installation, environmental efficiency, cost-saving benefits, and their advantages over gas and wood-burning fireplaces.

Building systems can be enhanced by incorporating reflective insulation or radiant barriers into the building envelope. With effective insulation, heat transfer is reduced, resulting in less summer heat gain, and less winter heat loss. This course explains common and effective uses for reflective insulation and radiant barriers in a wide range of construction and building applications and demonstrates how these systems reduce energy usage, increase the lifespan of the mechanical equipment for heating and cooling, and reduce maintenance requirements and frequency of replacement.

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

The spread of smoke in mid- and high-rise building fires is recognized as a major threat to the safety of the building occupants and responding fire personnel and the effectiveness of firefighting operations. This course explains how smoke migrates in a multistory building fire and discusses how building codes have evolved to address this danger and why they mandate smoke containment in specific areas of a structure. Product applications and assemblies designed to meet building code requirements and limit vertical smoke migration via elevator hoistways and lobbies are examined.

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

Movable pool and spa floor technology enables an entirely flexible, multifunctional living and recreational space to complement any architectural vision. Presented here are types of movable pool floors, pool floor technology, options and amenities, and safety and sustainability performance considerations.

Western red cedar's (WRC) aesthetic, economic, and environmental benefits are just some of the reasons why builders and designers are increasingly gravitating to this species of wood. Presented here are modern, historical, and cultural uses of western red cedar, as well as its performance characteristics, grade specification, and finishes. Also discussed are sustainable forest management practices and certification agencies, and how sustainably sourced wood can contribute to LEED® credits.

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

(Canadian Version) Different types of paints are typically classified according to the type of resin they contain or the mechanism by which they dry and cure. This course discusses the classification of paints, advantages and disadvantages of latex versus alkyd coatings, the benefits of a three-coat system, surface preparation and priming techniques, and causes of and solutions for common paint problems.

Kitchens have evolved, and so has the role of refrigeration in the home; there are a variety of factors that are contributing to this change. This course examines the social, economic, and demographic trends that are stimulating the reimagining of the kitchen space. The latest trends in kitchen design are discussed as is the role of modular refrigeration—a key design element in the creation of functional spaces that reflect the changing domestic landscape.

Innovative and sustainable, powder-coated/sublimated extruded aluminum products are ideal for exterior, interior, and high-traffic architectural applications. Reviewed in this course is an overview of the properties and finishing processes of this material along with discussions of its applications, design criteria, and testing standards.

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

Not only are we living longer, but senior citizens are the fastest growing segment of the world’s population. The aging population faces problems with declining vision related to disease as well as growing older. This course discusses changes in color perception among the elderly and explains how appropriate color use and application of low- or no-VOC, durable, high-quality paint facilitates quality of life in all environments for the aging.

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

Firehouse doors are operated frequently, and it is critical that the doors operate as intended, every time they are used. This course examines commercial door operators and includes discussions on types of commercial doors and operators, safety sensors, firehouse accessory options, and UL 325 compliance as it relates to firehouse door operation.

An expansion joint is a structural gap designed to accommodate the movement of a building in a controlled manner, preventing damage to the building’s internal and external finishes. Expansion joints run throughout a building in walls, ceilings, and floors. Expansion joint covers provide a covered transition across an expansion opening and remain unaffected by the relative movement of the two surfaces either side of the joint. This course explains how to determine joint movement requirements and how to size a joint. It also discusses the performance of different expansion joint cover systems and the applicable fire protection and building codes.

Traditionally, home has been a place for retreat and sanctuary. But as more people work from home, it is increasingly difficult to disengage from work responsibilities and set aside the time needed to refresh ourselves. As our stress levels rise, so does the need for self-care. This course looks at two areas of the home that are ideal for performing self-care and improving our well-being, assisted by investing in luxurious items: the bathroom and the kitchen.

Structural laminated decking allows the beauty of the wood structure to be exposed, creating a unique architectural experience for its occupants. Aesthetics, strength, and durability are combined in one engineered product. Structural laminated wood decking is an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative to solid timber and other roof systems. This course discusses the characteristics of laminated wood decking and reviews recommended design, specification, and installation practices.

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

Automatic pedestrian doors offer convenient, easy access to and from a wide variety of building types. This course offers awareness of the diversified automatic door solutions available, including different types of automatic doors, components, options, and the process involved in selecting an appropriate automatic door for a specific project. Discussions also include the various sensor technologies available, as well as code requirements for automatic doors to ensure pedestrian safety.

As part of a well-designed rainscreen system, single-skin metal panels offer unique aesthetic options combined with the assurance that the building envelope will withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. This course compares common cladding types; presents single-skin metal panel materials, coatings, finishes, and design options; and examines using single-skin metal panels with a single-component barrier wall to form a complete rainscreen assembly.

This course is one of three identical courses titled Single-Skin Metal Panel Building Envelope Solutions. You will receive credit for taking only one of these courses.

This session will begin with an explanation of the importance of energy efficiency, particularly with today's evolving grid portfolio. Attendees will be provided with an overview of the energy modeling process and a methodology for integrating it into the design process. They will also learn about a variety of ways to think about improving energy performance in building design. Using a medical office building as a case study, the session will look at a number of appropriate energy-efficiency strategies and will demonstrate how different strategies can be combined to achieve higher performance and value.

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

 In order to download this course, a USD $35.00 fee must be paid.

With the increasing prominence of glass in new buildings and retrofit projects, the use of window film can raise the style, performance, and safety of today’s building projects. This course examines the use of various types of window film, (decorative, solar control, and safety/security) and their role in improving occupant comfort and safety, lowering energy costs, and enhancing privacy.

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

Play and music are both essential parts of our lives. When we can combine music and play together in a fun and engaging space, the benefits are numerous, no matter your age. This course discusses why play and music education perform such a critical role in the development of happy, healthy children. We'll discuss the copious amounts of research that tell us that music education has real-life benefits, such as increased IQ, language development, and social engagement, and the role music plays within multiple therapies for the elderly and those suffering from mental illnesses. The course finishes with an overview of how to design musical play spaces for safety and inclusivity.