Architects have helped to enhance modern commercial design by using design strategies grounded in style. Consumer demand calls for building designs that aren’t boring or cookie-cutter, so the construction industry has found a few solutions to both durability and style needs by building commercial buildings with fiber cement exteriors. Here are a few distinct, even … Continued
This year, architects in Texas won the flexibility to clad their commercial building projects with modern and innovative materials, such as durable fiber-cement wall panels. Thanks to the passage of H.B. 2439, local governments can no longer enforce restrictive building codes that make it difficult for architects to use any material in their designs that … Continued
California resident Bob Gates awoke to the alarming smell of burning trees at 3 a.m. on a chilly morning in October 2017. From the window of his home in the Redwood Valley, he could see a three or four-mile wide ridgeline that looked like a tidal wave of fire bearing down on his property and neighborhood. … Continued
In October and November of this year, more fires erupted across California, burning through thousands of acres of land and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. Sadly, for the past several years, wildfires in California and several other states in the Southwest — Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico — have increased dramatically as extreme weather … Continued
When architects specify cladding materials for their commercial projects, the topic of life-cycle costs isn’t always top-of-mind. After all, long after a project is completed, the cost of keeping the building’s exterior in pristine condition becomes the responsibility of the building’s owner. However, the true costs of cladding materials can’t be measured without examining maintenance … Continued
For years, architects designing commercial buildings in Florida have naturally turned to stucco for its high availability and historically low costs. Stucco has been used to shape Target and Walmart stores, health clinics and condominium complexes across the state. While it’s true that stucco was the only game in town when building designers were looking … Continued
Over time, modern school design has evolved to better meet the needs of students and educators by elevating simple school buildings into dynamic institutions of learning. In the past, traditional school design revolved around a static layout that found its roots in the Industrial Revolution. This segmented approach was based on the manufacturing ideals of … Continued
As you know, architects have known for years that their designs of K–12 schools can directly impact the quality of student learning. But with many Los Angeles schools undergoing massive renovations or expansions, a quick retelling of what researchers have learned about the symbiotic relationship between school design and learning is worth a deeper dive. … Continued
Nichiha’s new Technical Design Review process works with architects to save time, money and effort on their next project by helping to ensure proper specifications, reduce design hours, lower project costs, and protect the product warranty. Nichiha’s Technical Manager for Architectural and Engineering Services, David Hohenstern, says that the Technical Design Review process “is a … Continued
Nichiha USA, Inc., now offers infinite custom color options for its popular Dimension Series Ribbed Panels with Nichiha’s Color Xpressions system. Ribbed Panels make a bold visual impact in commercial or residential architectural design. Perfect as an exterior or interior accent, they provide a great solution to break up a space and add sophistication to … Continued