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Even as modest a building as Venturi and Rauch's Fire Station No. 4 in Columbus, Indiana, achieves a sense of civic presence by virtue of its monolithic hose tower. BUILDING TYPE STUDY 1,051 CIVIC ARCHITECTURE FOR MUCH of American history, fire stations had a distinctive visual identity almost by default: they required steeple-like towers within which cotton hoses were hung to dry, preventing rot. And like the architects of the humble but emblematic Fire Station No. 4, Sorg has not sought recourse to an antiquated monumentality. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Architectural Record discusses the importance of fire resistance in buildings and how fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) is being used to meet this need. It highlights the concern of property fires, which continue to occur in various building types in the United States, causing significant damage and loss of life. The article also addresses the increasing threat of wildfires and the need for greater fire resistance in building construction, particularly in areas prone to wildfires. It mentions the role of building codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC), in ensuring fire protection and provides an overview of relevant codes in commercial and residential construction. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the versatility, durability, and sustainability of aluminum as a material for doors and window frames in construction projects. Compared to other materials like wood and vinyl, aluminum offers an environmentally responsible alternative that helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Specifying doors and windows of the same material type from a single source can offer additional benefits, including consistent design options, reliable supply chain delivery, and better installation support. Aluminum is lightweight, workable, corrosion-resistant, and 100 percent recyclable, making it a great choice for healthy and sustainable buildings. It also meets sustainability expectations and can support improved energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Aluminum frames must be equipped with a thermal barrier to control heat flow, and they offer advantages in terms of durability, daylighting, and acoustic performance. The article includes case studies to provide real-world examples of how using aluminum for all windows and doors can support sustainability and project goals. [Extracted from the article]

Glass and glazing are integral to all residential designs with punched or mulled windows being the most commonly used product (i.e., awnings, casements, double-hung). • Design Options Regardless of the manufacturer or the type of product, there are a few fundamental design aspects and options for all glazing products. GLAZING OVERVIEW Manufactured glazing products used in residential design are typically made from identifiable parts by any one of many different glazing product manufacturers. [Extracted from the article]

BUILDING TYPE STUDY 1,018 RECORD INTERIORS THERE IS a certain irony to the fact that a former meat processing plant in Bentonville, Arkansas, which for years churned out frozen chicken cordon bleu, is now home to the 8th Street Market, a food emporium selling such au courant offerings as fromage blanc and acai smoothies. Referring to the Japanese principle of wabi-sabi, which is based on the acceptance of imperfection, the architects drew on a limited list of basic ingredients - plywood and concrete masonry units - to build a refined interior that still reflects the rough-and-ready spirit of place. Approaching the raw interior, the design team, led by Meryati Blackwell (a principal MBA, and Marlon s wife), divided the space into two main zones. [Extracted from the article]

He has also designed more sedate wood buildings, including a headquarters for the Swiss media company Tamedia in Zurich (ARCHITECTURAL RECORD, July 2014)-a glass curtain wall- enclosed box that has a meticulously detailed timber post-and-beam framed structure exposed on the interior. Hermann Blumer, founder of structural engineering firm Creation Holz and a frequent collaborator with Ban on his timber projects, points out that over the 800-foot- length of the curving gridshell, the construction tolerance is only ±% inch. 2 Explain the difference between mass timber construction and traditional heavy timber construction. [Extracted from the article]

We continue our survey of the spectra of nitrogen containing polymers with a look at polyurethanes. Polyurethanes are widely made into foam rubber, elastic, and wood coatings, amongst other things. The spectra of polyurethanes are similar to polyamides since both polymer types contain C=O and N-H bonds. Therefore, we will begin with a review of the spectra of polyamides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In "It's a Gas: The Sublime and Elusive Elements That Expand Our World," Mark Miodownik explores the impact of gases and their inventions on human civilization. Miodownik discusses the significance of nitrogen and its role in fertilizer production, which has boosted crop yields worldwide. He also examines the use of air valves in brass instruments and rubber wheels, which transformed bicycles into a viable form of transportation. Additionally, Miodownik covers topics such as CO2's contribution to sea level rise, the role of cyanobacteria in generating an oxygen-rich atmosphere, and the production of wind through air temperature and pressure differences. This book offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the subject matter, combining expertise in materials science with a broad perspective on human history and natural science. [Extracted from the article]

"The Killing Hole" by Steve Niles and Trevor Denham is a moody and visually stunning entry in the Dark and Twisted series. Set in 1979 in Fairfax County, Virginia, the story follows Stewart, a defiant teenager who befriends a new student named Peter. Bonding over their shared interests in punk music, horror films, and rebellion against authority, the pair build a fort in the forest to escape their troubled home lives. However, things take a dark turn when Peter reveals a hit list that includes Stewart's mom, leading Stewart to take drastic action to protect them both. While the story lacks suspense, the exceptional artwork by Denham and coloring by Ryan Winn make it a must-read for horror fans. [Extracted from the article]

Terex Washing Systems has unveiled a new software system called STREAM that uses real-time data to provide operators with actionable insights, improving productivity and profitability. The company also showcased several equipment solutions at the recent Hillhead show in England. Siemens has introduced the SINAMICS S200 servo package, which offers motion control to the standalone and networked machine market. The package includes a SINAMICS S200 drive and SIMOTICS S-1FL2 motor, expanding the performance and application possibilities of the servo market. Terex Washing Systems also celebrated five years of in-house engineering and manufacturing of their own filter presses, which provide clean water for reuse in the wash plant process. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the growing market for bio-based and engineered living materials, but highlights the challenge of many products remaining stuck in the laboratory and not reaching the market. It mentions several innovative alternatives to traditional materials, such as Prometheus Materials made from sand and algae, BioMason's biocement material, PHYTOSTONE's Cast Carbon made from plant-based carbon, and Thermory's thermally modified wood. The article also acknowledges the difficulty of convincing owners to consider healthier alternatives and emphasizes the need for collaboration and supply chain development in bringing new products to market. [Extracted from the article]

A 1.5 million-square-foot extension of the Seattle Convention Center, the Summit building was completed in January. Designed by local firm LMN Architects, the centrally located urban project has six levels of event spaces, which include an 85,000-square-foot ballroom on the top level. The steel-framed building is visually open to the street via extensive glazing on the exterior, and LMN incorporated warm timber accents throughout the interior as a nod to the regional heritage of the lumber industry. [Extracted from the article]

BOOKS Touch Wood: Material, Architecture, Future, by Carla Ferrer, Thomas Hildebrand, and Celina Martinez-Cañavate. Beginning with a host of Swiss examples from the 1980s and 1990s, this section highlights Peter Zumthor, Marcel Meili, and Herzog & de Meuron, among others, with a focus on the artful tectonic virtuosity they reintroduced to wood architecture. [Extracted from the article]

DEPARTMENTS Acoustic Slat Color Panels In response to requests made by architects and designers, the Wood Veneer Hub has unveiled new on-trend shades for its sound absorbing Slatpanel range - Midnight Blue, Snow White, Dusty Gray, and Black. Other options include an upholstered seat or upholstered seat and back. menudesignshop.com Eye Lounge Chair An extension of Ethnicraft's Eye solid-wood dining-chair collection, this new version, like its counterparts, is made of solid oak and finished with a hardwax oil. While intended as a dining chair, Ready can also be grouped in multiples by an aluminum bracket for conference settings. [Extracted from the article]

The feasibility of using a portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer combined with partial least squares for discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) to identify five similar Cinnamomum wood species was investigated. To improve model reliability and identification accuracy, the effects of three main spectra preprocessing methods and their combinations were examined. Then, the model performance created by spectra collected before and after specimen surface sanding were compared. In the PLS-DA model based on spectra preprocessed by standard normal variate (SNV) and first derivative combined, the identification accuracy of the five species was above 95%, and the compared results demonstrated the surface natural change influences the NIR model performance. It was shown that a portable NIR device combined with PLS-DA can be used to rapidly and accurately identify five similar Cinnamomum wood species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Learn to Whittle Fascinating People in Wood: Make Hundreds of Different Expressions with One Knife" by Charles Banks is a beginner's guide to carving small wooden figurines in the minimalist Scandinavian style. The book provides instructions on basic cuts, knife maintenance, and wood selection, with a focus on using basswood and butternut. The author walks readers through creating two figurines and offers variations on those designs, but does not provide instructions for other featured figurines. The book is praised for its practical tips and charming coastal rustic aesthetic, making it a great introduction to whittling for novice carvers. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the stringency of building codes in North America, particularly Canada's requirement for multiple exits in multi-unit dwellings. It compares these regulations with those of other countries and advocates for reform to allow for single-stair access in taller buildings, citing potential benefits for fire safety, housing density, and affordability. It mentions that Canadian research is also helping to catalyze state-side pushes for reform.

The bricks are offered in two formats: 3½" x 2¼" x 75/8" and 3" x 2¾" x 75/8". glengery.com ACRE Zero-waste startup Modern Mill produces this 100% tree-free shiplap siding using upcycled rice hulls. In addition to resisting cracks, splinters, and rot, the wood alternative provides better thermal and sound insulation when compared with real timber. PRODUCTS Venistone Inspired by Venetian breccia, a natural sedimentary rock composed of large fragments, Ceramica Sant'Agostino has developed this porcelain lookalike in six modern neutral colorways with a natural or glossy finish. [Extracted from the article]

This greater attention has revealed that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with materials used in buildings and construction account for 28 percent of building sector emissions and 11 percent of global GHG emissions.2 Are we able to dive deeper into these numbers to find ways to reduce a building's carbon footprint in meaningful ways? It advances the use of low-carbon/ carbon-sequestering materials, building materials with high-impact potential for emissions reductions, and whole-building approaches to emissions reductions. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Fonterra's investment of over 90 million U.S. dollars in a new wood biomass boiler at its Waitoa manufacturing site, signaling a commitment to reducing coal use and emissions. Topics include the environmental impact of the boiler, Fonterra's goal of achieving a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, and the boost to the local wood biomass industry through the supply of wood chips to power the boiler.

The article discusses the architectural design of a 284 FT-tall timber and concrete tower from DNS.

This aligns with global forest data, which indicates that forest products and industrial roundwood demands provide the revenue and policy incentives to support sustainable forest management.7 Compare the carbon benefits of an unmanaged forest versus a managed forest where timber is used for wood buildings. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the versatility of wood as a climate-friendly material and its various uses, including its role as a carbon dioxide (CO2) store, fuel, construction material, and furniture. It highlights the importance of efficient and versatile machinery in the wood and forestry industry, like the Liebherr LH 22 M, which allows tree processing from forest roads without creating visible damage like cleared paths or unnecessary branch breakage.

The article focuses on the development of an X-ray technique for detecting knots within logs used in sawmills, improving the accuracy of identifying knots and their orientation, which is crucial for optimizing material usage in the wood products industry.

The article offers information about a study conducted by Laura Boeschoten and her team, which used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to analyze the multi-elemental composition of timber in an effort to combat illegal timber trade. It study various Azobé trees in Cameroon and used random forest analysis to determine the origin of the timber based on its chemical fingerprint. The technique has potential to provide a reliable method for tracing the origin of timber.