Chuck Ross » Architecture

Thinking Outside 40 Acres and a Box

Administrator — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:48:44 +0000

They may seem like one-off luxuries in these economic times, but specialty K-12 schools are becoming a more important component in school planners’ portfolios. Read about the educational opportunities – and design challenges – in this feature that ran in the Jan/Feb issue of Architectural Products magazine. (The link leads to the in the magazine’s online display tool – click on “Enlarge” to view each page full-size.)
Thinking Outside 40 Acres and a Box

Fire Sale

Administrator — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:07:06 +0000

It doesn’t take a roomful of economists to make the point that the retail and mixed-use construction markets have, in a word, tanked in the last 12 months. The resulting decline in design demand has left architectural firms scrambling.

This article originally ran in the July 2009 issue of Architectural Products magazine.

Fire Sale

EIFS Gets Some Relief From Critics

Administrator — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:59:50 +0000

EIFS (Exterior insulating finishing systems) can no longer be called “alternate” exterior cladding products. With their recent acceptance by the ICC and high-performing test results in energy efficiency and moisture resistance, these products are making a comeback.

This article originally ran in the June 2009 issue of Architectural Products magazine.

EIFS Gains Some Relief From Critics

Now You See Dirt – Now You Don’t

Administrator — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:36:07 +0000

Buildings that clean themselves – the idea sounds like something out of science fiction movie or a 1950s version of the future. But, in this case, fiction is becoming reality, thanks to the nano-scale technology being incorporated into concrete mixtures and window surfaces. This story was published originally in the March 2009 issue of Architectural Products magazine.
Now You See Dirt – Now You Don’t

Building Information Modeling – A New Dimension for Buildings

Administrator — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:39:11 +0000

Today, building-design software is in the process of making its next great leap. Current 3D modeling capabilities are expanding to provide a virtual database of all information related to a building’s construction and performance. This technology, called “building information modeling” (BIM) is still in its infancy. But, at this early stage, facilities owners are beginning to understand BIM’s potential value. This is one of a series of advertorials/brochures written for Electrical Design Library series published by the National Electrical Contractors Association.
Building Information Modeling – A New Dimension for Buildings (PDF)

Vacation Homes: Family Affairs

Administrator — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:14:44 +0000

News reports may be filled with doom and gloom for home builders, but those professionals whose business is focused on the custom second-home market aren’t seeing signs of slowdown. From North Carolina’s mountains to Montana’s Big Sky country, these pros are staying busy creating high-end vacation retreats designed with a family-friendly emphasis, and with budgets that often rival those of their owners’ primary residences. This story was published originally in the May 2008 issue of Residential Design Build magazine.
Vacation Homes: Family Affairs