Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are increasingly becoming the preferred choice of building solution for sustainable and energy efficient structures. While choosing an ICF block, whether it is for a residential or commercial application, it is important to evaluate several critical…
Living in a comfortable, energy efficient home is important to homeowners looking to enjoy their private space while knowing they find comfort and sustainability without financial strain. Heating your home is most necessary for providing a healthy environment and hydronic…
The National Association of Home Builders reported that complete home panelization is the fastest growing segment of residential new construction. Panelized construction is the improvement of traditional construction by combining the knowledge of “stick frame” construction and bringing it into…
It was a pleasure seeing the Amvic Insulated Pex Panel for radiant heating on Cityline earlier this year. Karen Kayne, Toronto based designer, is a regular guest expert on Cityline’s Home Day Show.
As profit margins get tighter and building codes more stringent, construction managers are continuously looking for more economical ways of producing homes; one such way being utilized is a process called panelization.
Whether you are in the market for a home, building a new home or considering a renovation, you understand the importance of having a secure building envelope. A robust building envelope will mean your energy bills are lower, your home is more comfortable and you reduce your impact on the environment. The trouble is, there are so many products on the market to choose from and deciphering R-value and U-values can be difficult.
A building site is a complex web of disparate activities which must work in unison in order to achieve quality in the least amount of time. BIM software enables you to create a detailed description of every aspect of your build from conception to demolition.
The economic downturn and housing slump has been hard on the construction industry and many professionals have left to seek employment in other sectors. With construction picking up in the first quarter of this year, labor shortages are becoming a growing concern. A National Association of Home Builders survey showed that there is an increased shortage of professionals in the industry. 23% of companies reported roofer shortages, 38% reported carpenter shortages with similar reports for electricians, framers, plumbers and bricklayers. Innovative builders are turning to advanced building methods to overcome these labor shortages.
The housing recession has led to the loss of many qualified building employees and the closure of many manufacturing facilities. Now that the market is rebounding, those who survived the recession are experiencing labor shortages and increasing building material costs. Rising concerns about these issues are starting to affect the market as builder confidence experienced a two-point drop in April.
An Earthship is a home that is a radically sustainable building. Constructed of recycled materials, Earthships can be built in any climate and are made to produce their own power, potable water and sustainable food while dealing with waste onsite. Earthships are the brainchild of architect savant Michael Reynolds whose life’s mission it has been to help others to design and construct Earthships of their own.
