Material Matters’ Post

pre planning, pre plan then check your pre plan again to ensure a seamless execution with Safety at the forefront. You only get one chance to get it right

Such a transformational project comes with its unique set of challenges. The design of the new Seattle Aquarium is audacious, featuring swerves, curves, twists, and turns that push the boundaries of traditional construction techniques. This is where Turner Construction truly shines. In the world of construction, innovation is key. Turner Construction Company has risen to the occasion by introducing AdjustaStairs, a game-changing innovation that enhances efficiency in a project of this magnitude. These adjustable stairs are not your typical construction tool; they are designed to adapt to the dynamic and unique contours of the building. Read the case study here: https://hubs.ly/Q02CLyFR0 #AccessSolutions #IndustrialSafety #IndustrialEquipment #SafetySolutions #AccessSystems #ConstructionAccess #WorkplaceSafety

Adding to its growing portfolio of mass timber buildings, Hines opened T3 ATX Eastside in Austin. Sharing some of the triumphs and challenges of this unique project, Cherise Lakeside, FCSI, interviewed Bobby Larson, Senior Associate, DLR Group. The design team decided to expose some the exterior timber. Consequently, the natural greying of the wood over time will help the new building better blend into its surrounding environment. In embracing the local context, Laron’s team selected materials and textures to compliment the exposed timber including leather, blackened steel and brick. “Their natural texture, colors and patterns with slight variation fit with the timber structure,” explains Larson. Another issue with mass timber is negotiating the permitting process for the structural requirements, fire protection, acoustics, etc., particularly when jurisdictions are not so familiar with this building type. “We try and meet with the city early in the project and go over the code justifications to make sure we both understand the code the same way. Then once we get into permitting, we can head off a lot of questions,” he relates. #masstimber #architecture #structuralengineering #officedesign

Preserving Boston’s Historic Charm: Why Structural Inspections Matter Boston’s historic homes and worship spaces are more than just buildings—they’re a living testament to the city’s rich heritage. But did you know that many of these structures face structural challenges that could compromise their integrity? From insufficient framings to compromised foundations, historic buildings require specialized care to ensure their safety and longevity. That’s where structural inspections come in! Our latest blog dives deep into: ✅ Common structural issues in Boston’s historic buildings ✅ The importance of inspections for +100 years residential homes and worship spaces ✅ Tangible examples of how SurfZone Engineering helps preserve Boston’s landmarks Read more about how we’re protecting the past while building for the future: https://lnkd.in/dNwVpnGT 💬 Have you ever wondered about the hidden challenges in maintaining historic buildings? Let us know in the comments! #StructuralInspection #HistoricPreservation #EngineeringSolutions #SurfZoneEngineering

Historic Preservation is a passion that flows through us here at Christman. It's so much more than saving a building. It’s about preserving the stories, the energy and the history the building holds within its walls, as well as making a positive environmental impact by reusing and revitalizing existing structures. Here’s our series, “Discovering My Passion for Preservation at Christman.” Today, hear from Tom Whitmore, our Vice President of the Historic Preservation Group. “As someone with a background in architecture and timber framing, I've always been comfortable in both fields. When I got the opportunity to join the Preservation Group at Christman in DC, I never anticipated how naturally preservation would come to me. This role has truly highlighted my love for fixing things. New construction is rational and mathematical, while preservation construction is a mental puzzle, requiring extensive research, investigation, and subjective decision-making. It demands exceptional teamwork, as misinterpreting or ignoring the real intent of a preservation project can be easy. I thrive on the challenge of diving into technical details and building teams unified towards a common goal. Seeing team members get inspired by the lessons of history and increasing their participation levels is incredibly rewarding. One memorable moment was in 2007 when I was closing up the Lincoln Cottage site for the day. I noticed a board with nails sticking out of the ceiling, posing a safety hazard. Upon closer inspection, I discovered markings on the top-facing side of the board. After consulting with the project conservator, we carefully removed it and found it was hand-painted with the name of the building’s architect, John Skirving, in Victorian script. The board, originally part of a shipping crate, had been used as a “rat-board” during the building's initial construction. It felt like finding a postcard from the past. Preservation has become more than just a career; it's a passion that drives me. The intricate blend of research, technical skill, and teamwork needed to breathe new life into old structures is both challenging and fulfilling. I am grateful for the chance to contribute to preserving our history and for the incredible journey so far.” At Christman Historic Preservation Group, we actively seek out preservation work to continue our mission. #Preservation #Teamwork #Architecture #Christman #PassionForPreservation

Bringing Water Back: Catharijnesingel’s Journey Back From Highway to Canal https://lnkd.in/gancr-eD In the 20th century Catharijnesingel became Catharijnebaan: an unattractive urban highway dominated by asphalt and concrete. As the water returned to the historic Canal area, it brought along a new natural park route right into one of the busiest areas in the Netherlands: an urban landscape fully connected to the past, the present and the future. The completion of Catharijnesingel marks a momentous achievement in the 20-year project to restore the city canal, going beyond historical and ecological preservation. It symbolizes a pivotal element in the revitalization of the station area, transforming it into a pedestrian-friendly, green urban space that beautifully blends old and new. Moreover, this project plays a crucial role in creating a climate-adaptive city centre, addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Landscape Architects: OKRA landscape architects Collaborators: Municipality of Utrecht, Witteveen+Bos, D. van der Steen BV #landscapearchitecture #restoration #daylighting #netherlands #Utrecht

Architects’ Drawing on ASWS Expertise The UK’s architectural heritage is often defined by fenestration patterns, as much as by roof structures or wall materials. This makes decisions on window replacement or conservation critical to the success of any redevelopment. ASWS provides the expertise to navigate these challenges and preserve the character of historic buildings. Associated Steel Window Services LTD https://lnkd.in/eEEkZbY4 #ArchitecturalHeritage #Conservation #WindowDesign #BuiltEnvironment #HistoricPreservation

So what is a CobBauge home and what does CobBauge stand for? CobBauge is a combination of the English word for earth (cob) and the French word Bauge (mortar of clay & straw). As the name suggests, a CobBauge home is made from the earth and has been innovated to replace the typical brick construction that we’ve come to adopt here in the UK. You may ask, don’t clay homes already exist in the UK? And the answer is yes but not like this. Older clay buildings don’t meet todays building standards. The first UK CobBauge home changes that, it meets the standards, is low carbon and has excellent thermal mass. Even more impressive, is that it’s right here in Norfolk nestled in the town of Fakenham. Why is it needed? More on that tomorrow 🤓 #cobbauge #innovation Hudson Architects Grocott & Murfit Ltd

What Can Be Done with Old Buildings? Every city has one -- a building once filled with promise that now stands vacant. However, we may be entering a new era of creativity that doesn't simply look at the first cost of revitalizing these spaces as tearing them down. With increasing frequency, we're hearing about builders who look at a solid foundation as the opportunity to repurpose to current human needs. We've also been paying attention to new technologies that may make it possible to utilize the used concrete to create new structures. In particular, Skanska is developing methods for reusing old concrete without a huge environmental cost. This is as much new as it is very old. Before our present throw-away age, the rocks, bricks and blocks of previous structures became the building materials of the future. We can continue to learn from the past. While we look at these buildings as eyesores today, think of them rather as vessels of immense human potential! https://loom.ly/OYbN_ko #architecture #adaptivereuse #construction

The foundation is the backbone of any residential structure, ensuring stability and longevity. In this article, we explore the design of residential foundations, focusing on drilled pier and post-and-beam options. https://buff.ly/42oCvaE