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Domestic Wood Species: Select with Sustainability and Carbon Emissions in Mind

By Blake Huang

In the world of architectural design and construction, the choice of building materials plays a pivotal role, influencing the aesthetic appeal and a structure’s sustainable commitment and functional aspects. With the growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, staying well-informed and possessing the knowledge to design and build with sustainable materials has become more … Continued

Green Building Certifications: Paving the Way for Sustainable Buildings

By Jocelyn Mahan

Global industries are facing pressure to restructure and adopt sustainable practices in response to widespread concerns about climate change. Specifically, the construction sector is encouraged to reevaluate every aspect of designing and constructing commercial projects, given their substantial consumption of energy and materials. Green building certifications are the modern-day blueprint for creating efficient, adaptable, and … Continued

How to Choose Building Materials in Wildfire-Prone Areas: WUI-Compliant vs. Building Material Listing

By Jocelyn Mahan

In an unprecedented reversal of American history, the demographic landscape of the United States is undergoing a transformative shift. A growing number of Americans are choosing to relocate from major cities and metropolitan hubs to the outskirts, suburbs, and rural expanses, propelled by a multitude of factors. As individuals settle in and around diverse ecosystems … Continued

Material Guide: The Benefits of Building with WILLIWAW

By Jocelyn Mahan

Wood is one of the earth’s most renewable resources and has a low environmental impact compared to alternative building materials that are often used during the construction process. We believe if architects and builders want to provide clients with high-quality, sustainable building materials that will last over the lifespan of the structure, they must choose … Continued

Why is Wood the Most Mimicked Building Material?

By Jocelyn Mahan

Humans have always connected deeply with nature because we evolved in natural environments. For thousands of years, we have lived in close proximity to nature, relying on it for survival. Our brains and bodies evolved to function in these natural environments, and as a result, we have an innate connection to nature that has persisted … Continued

What Are Rainscreen Cladding Systems?

By Jocelyn Mahan

The building enclosure (envelope, skin, facade, etc.) represents one of the greatest risk elements of construction. It is subjected to various weather conditions and must be constructed to endure long-term deterioration and weathering. There are numerous options for installing exterior cladding. In order to combat water penetration, air leakage, and increased energy consumption, hygroscopic materials … Continued

Designing with Wood For a Sustainable Future

By Jocelyn Mahan

Using sustainable building materials in the built environment is a top priority now, more than ever. Building and designing a structure in the modern era should include consideration for the long-lasting impact of all facets of the design and build process. Due to this shift in focus on sustainable building materials, wood flooring and exterior … Continued

Incorporating High-Performance Wooden Slats In Architectural Designs

By Jocelyn Mahan

While vertical and horizontal wood siding and cladding have been used as a building material for more than 10,000 years, a little rotation in woods orientation dramatically transforms how we understand building envelopes. When used as an architectural means of expression, unexpected wood slat assemblies can turn an ordinary project into something refined and special. … Continued

The Importance of Field Mockups for Exterior Wall Cladding Assemblies

By Jocelyn Mahan

Given rising labor & material costs and ever-expanding lead times, even the smallest element executed incorrectly can have detrimental implications to a project’s budget and schedule. Solid execution is particularly critical for exterior features that safeguard a structure from the elements. That is why field mockups for exterior wall assemblies have become such an essential … Continued