Solar Glass: Turning Any Window into an Energy Generating Panel

Photo-voltaic modules (otherwise known as solar panels) have been around for a while, allowing us to use sunlight as a source of energy. The issue with solar panels is that they need sufficient space on rooftops or on the ground to produce enough energy for them to be worth it, space that is limited in big cities. In recent years, companies have been working on a solution to this problem: solar glass (often referred to as “solar windows”), which can turn windows into power-generating panels.

3-D Printed Buildings Guide

3D printing technology is having a revolutionary impact on enterprises around the world. One of the most exciting applications of 3D printing technology is in the construction industry. 3D printing is now being used to construct entire homes, office buildings, and other structures. 3D-printed buildings can span thousands of square feet and multiple stories, and they can be made with lower costs and less waste than traditionally constructed buildings. This article will present comprehensive information on 3D-printed buildings including overview of the technology, engineering considerations, and related resources.

Basic Steps For Creating An ADU

An ADU is an additional living unit with kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping facilities in addition to those of a main residence. It may be physically attached or detached from the primary residence. Also known variously as “granny units”, “second units”, or “carriage houses”, ADU’s provide opportunity to use what may be surplus space on a residential lot to house in-laws or relatives, or to provide supplementary income to make one’s mortgage more affordable. This article outlines a general process for creating an ADU. Whether or not you will need all of the steps outlined depends on the scope of your project and the city or county area you live in. Also, please note that while the steps are presented in an order that may be useful to you, you may need to adjust the order of the steps to make it fit your particular situation.

Building Responses to Heat Events

Climate-Proofing Buildings Against Excessive Heat
There are several options to implement climate-proofing of buildings with respect to excessively high temperatures. Such options relate to building design including the use of IT technologies to optimize thermal comfort and those involving building envelopes, including roof, wall, doors, windows and solar control glazing enhancements.

Building Responses to Floods

With floods washing into low-lying areas throughout the U.S in recent years, there is a lot of discussion about way to prevent and manage floods. Given the fact that excessive flooding is not going to go away, let’s investigate five different ways to make a house more flood proof. As climatic conditions become more extreme, more houses will be at risk of flooding and these techniques will become increasingly important.

Building Responses to Wildfire

Buildings, properly prepared, can survive wildfire events

Although the severity and timing of fire seasons vary widely from region to region, wildfires often pose a threat to lives, property, and resources. During an average fire season, hundreds of homes are damaged or destroyed by wildfire, and in extreme fire conditions, thousands of homes can be damaged or destroyed. Severe fire weather in areas with significant amounts of wildland fuels can lead to extreme fire behavior. This article describes the various responses that building construction can adopt in response to wildfire.

Architectural 3D Printing

Like so many other technological advances, 3D printing was also slow to get off the ground. In more recent years, however, people are talking of little else. The fast and fascinating developments in this amazing technology are making everyone and every industry sit up and take notice. Architecture is one area where 3D printing is making a lot of headlines, and it will continue to do so in the years ahead. In this piece we explore what the future potential holds. We also look at the current limitations of 3D printing within the construction industry.

All About Transparent Concrete

What is Transparent Concrete or Light Transmitting Concrete?
Transparent concrete also called as translucent concrete or light transmitting concrete is achieved by replacing aggregates with transparent alternate materials. The bonding material in transparent concrete may be able to transmit light by using clear resins the concrete mix. Use of optical fibers and fine concrete also used as transparent concrete. Transparent concrete was originally developed in 2001 by an Hungarian architect Aronlosonzi by using glass fibers. Transparent concrete is produced by mixing 4% to 5% (by volume) optical fibers in the concrete mixture. This concrete has less weight compared to original concrete.

Choosing Between a Prefab ADU vs. Traditional Stick-Framed ADU

Construction Options for an ADU
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) continue to be a topic of heightened interest for homeowners and real estate investors.  As the need to have more usable space during a real estate market with scarce affordable housing increases, legislators are easing zoning laws and local building codes.

With relaxed restrictions, more homeowners are taking the next step of exploring which type of construction would be best for their particular ADU needs and usage plans. Should you construct your dwelling using the Traditional Stick-Built method to get exactly what you want? Or would a Prefab Modular Unit make more sense based on time and budget constraints?

Bluebook Cities Envisions Private Cities Without Government Control

A group of Silicon Valley techies are now formulating a plan to build their very own dream city – away from the US entirely and governed by themselves. Twenty-five-year-olds Dryden Brown of New York University, and Charlie Callinan of Boston College, co-founded Bluebook Cities in 2019 — described as a “full-stack city builder,” which “partners with communities to develop beautiful, energetic, resident-owned cities,” the website states.