Incorporating sustainable building materials into design practices is essential for creating environmentally responsible, healthy, and resilient built environments. Thermal modification is a tested and proven chemical-free process for increasing the dimensional stability and long-term performance of wood while preserving its natural beauty. Presented are the thermal modification process, the attributes, applications, and favorable environmental impacts of thermally modified wood, and how thermally modified wood can contribute to achieving certification in LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, the WELL Building Standard™ version 2, and the Living Building Challenge (LBC)....
View the Arbor Wood Co. Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course explores the climate positive benefits of materials already in use in most commercial and residential interiors. Decorative composite wood panels (TFL) begin in FSC certified forests by utilizing over 99% harvested wood fiber; are manufactured in extremely efficient facilities; and replace rare and fragile natural materials in everyday and high-use applications. The materials themselves have been assessed via an LCIA to have a negative carbon footprint (i.e., are naturally "climate positive"). Producers' adherence to FSC guidelines, and the material's ability to replace less sustainable, more fragile alternatives, only add to their overall contribution to climate and human health....
Discuss daylighting strategies including the relevance of daylight factor calculation and fabric characteristics and identify the impact of shading on LEED certification....
Incorporating nature into the built environment through biophilic design increases occupant well-being, productivity, and health and is an integral component of an ecologically healthy and sustainable community. Presented here is an overview of biophilic design, its relationship to sustainability, and its positive human, environmental, and economic outcomes. Case studies demonstrate how rooftop deck systems can contribute to biophilic and sustainable design objectives....
We all love wood. It gives any design a luxurious feel and the benefits of biophilic design can’t be denied. You can paint wood but then it is no different than plastic or stone. To truly embrace the beauty of wood grain you want a lower opacity coating or stain. Transparency makes everything more complicated and applying finish to a wood can make or break your design. This course explores the 5 key elements that will dictate your finished wood look and how to specify them to achieve your vision....
Bamboo is a versatile building material that brings warmth and character to indoor applications such as flooring, furniture, and wall and ceiling panels; an innovative process also allows bamboo to be used outdoors in decks, soffits, and siding. This course reviews the material technologies that make bamboo products with reduced environmental impacts and better performance than traditional materials and discusses their potential to meet requirements of the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2....
View the dassoXTR Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
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 provides evidence that Redwood Timbers are a safe, strong, and sustainable option for exterior and interior building projects where natural wood is desired. It will explore the use of Redwood Timbers for post and beam construction, decorative elements, deck posts, and outdoor living structures such as arbors, pergolas, and gazebos. The course also provides information about Redwood’s insulation properties and Class B flame spread, as well as details about modern Redwood forestry management practices that ensure Redwood will remain a renewable natural resource into the future. Finally, this course provides details on the product attributes of Redwood Timbers including grades, dimensions, fasteners, finishing options, and strength among others....
Adding wood, stone, or masonry accents can dramatically change the look of a space, but time, cost, or even structural requirements can interfere. This course reviews the use of realistic, lightweight, cost-effective, and easy-to-install options for decorative faux elements. The performance, design options, and installation of high-density polyurethane panels, beams, truss systems, mantels, and column covers are examined....
View the Barron Designs Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Selecting the right grout for a project is essential for its success. In this course, we delve into the world of grout, exploring the various types available and their unique characteristics, strengths, and challenges. The course describes the latest innovations in grout that provide superior performance characteristics such as lifelong durability, flexibility, stain and mold resistance, color consistency, and sustainability, while also being easy and safe to install. Additionally, guidance is provided on the essential questions to ask during the selection process, ensuring that every aspect of the project is carefully considered to achieve the desired outcome....
Homeowners are looking for alternatives to traditional cladding materials that are affordable and long lasting and require little or no upkeep. Advances in technology and manufacturing techniques mean cellular PVC cladding products can meet all these requirements without sacrificing aesthetics. This course reviews the benefits of cellular PVC as a cladding material and discusses how cellular PVC rebutted and rejointed (R&R) prefinished shingles can provide the look and feel of wood shingles with an extended level of durability and low maintenance....
Thermal modification is a tried and tested process for increasing the durability of wood while maintaining a warm aesthetic in building design. This course examines all aspects of this sustainable wood product and how it can be incorporated into a variety of projects....
Outdoor living space has become an important residential design consideration in the last several years. Decks create welcoming spaces to relax and entertain with family and friends, and a well-built deck can add more living space and value to a home. This course discusses deck surfaces, maintenance, and costs and explores porcelain tile as an alternative to wood and composite deck surfaces that is well suited to exterior environments. Also discussed is how porcelain tile can be used with a new pultruded fiberglass and composite underlayment, called structural ribbed self-supporting boards, and the sustainable features of this technology....
View the FinPan, Inc. - T. Clear Corporation Course Library
FinPan, Inc. - T. Clear Corporation
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Railings are often one of the most important parts of a deck or stair project because of the safety and security they provide, but they can offer character, style, and beauty as well as functionality. Today’s railing systems present many possibilities to create a unique design perfectly suited to the project needs. This course examines high-strength, powder-coated aluminum railings, from code considerations to installation and maintenance. It presents the versatile, mix-and-match capability of finishes, top rail styles, lighting, and infill options that offer long-lasting, easy-to-install solutions for residential and commercial applications, both indoors and out....
Through sustainable management, the forests of New England have had a remarkable comeback since the 1830s, with eastern white pine being the most represented softwood in these forests. This light, yet strong wood species has been used for generations and today, meets the requirements of a renewable and sustainable building material. This course reviews eastern white pine’s contribution to sustainability, its grading rules, wood products, and many applications....
View the NELMA - Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association Course Library
NELMA - Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Cable railings are a beautifully minimalist way to meet safety requirements without obstructing the view. Learn how to assemble a commercial-grade cable railing with sophisticated fittings engineered to simplify installation, comply with building codes, and reduce overall labor costs....
View the Feeney Inc. Course Library
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
One of the most popular design trends today is the use of daylighting to support wellness, boost productivity, and offset energy use. What’s more, maximizing the use of natural light in a space also speaks to the modern design language that the latest architectural buildings boast today. This CEU will seek to educate specifiers on the importance of daylighting and how to incorporate best practices that maximize its benefit....
This is a Product SpotLight Presentation. Hear from our experts! Adding wood, stone, or masonry accents can dramatically change the look of a space, but time, cost, or even structural requirements can interfere. This presentation will review the options used on completed projects. The performance, design options, and installation of high-density polyurethane panels, beams, truss systems, mantels, and column covers are highlighted....
Incorporating nature into the built environment through biophilic design increases occupant well-being, productivity, and health and is an integral component of an ecologically healthy and sustainable community. Presented here is an overview of biophilic design, its relationship to sustainability, and its positive human, environmental, and economic outcomes. Case studies demonstrate how rooftop deck systems can contribute to biophilic and sustainable design objectives....
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....
Rooftop decks create valuable living and recreational space for building owners, residents, and clients. Accommodating restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and everything from residential to government buildings, rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create versatile, unique outdoor spaces over any structural surface. This course explores the features, surface materials, and design options for rooftop deck systems and provides an overview of recommended planning and installation guidelines....
Plongez dans l'intersection de l'excellence en design et de la responsabilité environnementale avec notre cours complet sur les panneaux décoratifs TFL. Explorez la valeur intrinsèque de la durabilité dans le monde du design, démêlez les complexités du cycle du carbone et découvrez comment les forêts et le bois jouent des rôles clés dans la séquestration du carbone. Découvrez les applications polyvalentes et les attributs climatiquement positifs des panneaux TFL, vous permettant de prendre des décisions éclairées et écologiques dans vos projets de design. Rejoignez-nous pour élever votre compréhension du design exceptionnel, de la durabilité et contribuer à un avenir plus vert et résilient....
Resin-mineral composite is an exceptional building material for exterior applications and embodies the enduring appeal of wood without its challenges. The composition, design options, and performance attributes of resin-mineral composite (RMC) decking and siding are explored. Also discussed are product and manufacturer sustainability, product evaluations, and the range of applications suitable for resin-mineral composite....
This course examines how inclusive outdoor environments and well-designed site furnishings can promote health, safety, and well-being for all individuals. While everyone can benefit from being outdoors, many people experience exclusion due to design barriers in public spaces. Learners will explore strategies and furniture specifications, including layout and materials, that support accessible and inclusive design and contribute to LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C), WELL Building Standard™ v2, and SITES® v2 goals. Case studies highlight real-world applications in communities, school campuses, and public spaces....
Comprehensive site security design should balance managing traffic flow and preventing vehicular intrusion with enhancing the existing character of the site. This course presents FEMA’s guidance on risk assessment and layers of defense, vehicle impact test standards, bollard types, the precast concrete manufacturing process, barrier system design considerations, and incorporating precast concrete bollards and site furnishings into perimeter security design....
