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The article discusses the design and construction of the Promontory Villa in Tapalpa, Mexico, by Atelier Ars. The villa is a six-bedroom weekend house situated in the mountains of central Mexico. The focal point of the villa is a 23-foot stone chimney that rises against a backdrop of distant hills. The design of the villa incorporates elements of Modernism, Classicism, and regional vernaculars, creating a hybrid house. The villa is surrounded by a cultivated wilderness of native plants, and the interior features patios and tactile details. The article emphasizes the connection between the villa and its natural surroundings, with the freestanding chimney bringing the landscape closer to home. [Extracted from the article]

Steve and Kim Chase, who had been living and working in Los Angeles for 25 years, decided to move back East to North Carolina for a quieter life. They built a 2,570-square-foot house on a wooded 60-acre site near Hillsborough. The house, called the Steeplechase House, consists of two steep-roofed gabled boxes that reflect the landscape with mirrored glass and invite the natural environment inside. The house is clad in black corrugated steel and features a triangular courtyard and a low-slung loggia with floor-to-ceiling glass. The design of the house allows it to blend into the landscape and provides a connection to nature. The Chases were involved in the construction process and paid attention to every detail to ensure the house was built to their high standards. The house is a result of a creative collaboration between the clients and the architect, with a minimum of artistic direction and an abundance of trust. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the extension of the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul de Vence, France. The architect, Silvio d'Ascia, proposed hollowing out the ground below the building's terraces to create additional gallery space without modifying the original footprint. The extension includes four new public spaces, including a vitrine-lined passage, a monumental gallery, a linking gallery, and an intimate gallery. The design of the extension contrasts with the original building, using raw concrete, satin-polished Roman travertine floors, and geometrically pure galleries. The extension was completed in June 2024 and adds Italian finesse to the existing ensemble. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses strategic investments in domestic manufacturing and workforce training within the plumbing industry, emphasizing a shift towards revitalizing the U.S. manufacturing sector to enhance economic stability and global competitiveness. It also highlights the perspectives of industry leaders on the importance of onshoring operations to strengthen supply chain resilience, control costs, and foster innovation amidst global economic uncertainties.

The article evaluates the Raypak XVers snow-melt solutions from Raypak, which efficiently addresses snow removal challenges at The Pass Life and The Summit at Snoqualmie by integrating high-efficiency hydronic heating systems, resulting in operational cost savings.

The article evaluates the installation of Noritz's 17-unit tankless water heater system at Wedgworth's fertilizer blending facility in Lake Placid, Florida. It also discusses the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of tankless technology in meeting the high-demand needs of fertilizer blending processes, underscoring its reliability and significant cost savings compared to traditional boiler systems.

The article discusses the design considerations for biomass boilers, focusing on the challenge of preventing flue gas condensation in wood-based biomass systems due to varying fuel types and combustion conditions. It also explores practical solutions such as thermal decoupling strategies using injection circulators and 3-way mixing valves to maintain operational efficiency and mitigate corrosion risks from acidic condensate.

The article discusses the renovation and adaptive reuse of the former U.S. Embassy in Norway, which was designed by architect Eero Saarinen. The U.S. government has been selling off its valuable city-center embassies and building new, more secure structures in outer locations. The Oslo embassy, opened in 1959, was one of two designed by Saarinen and has been converted into a mixed-use complex by a team of architects. The renovation involved excavating the plot to create a new basement, restoring the landmarked areas, and updating the office floors with modern accommodations. The project aimed to respect the building's volumes and restore its original appearance. [Extracted from the article]

From innovations in materials and manufacturing processes to the growing emphasis on environmental sustainabiiity and digital transformation, the pipe, valves and fittings (PVF) industry is undergoing significant changes. As we [...]

While polymer piping systems have been specified and designed into commercial structures for domestic water and hydronic heating and cooling for many years now, there is still a misconception in [...]

The article highlights Mid-Continent's success as PM Engineer's 2024 Manufacturers' Rep of the Year, emphasizing their commitment to customer value through extensive product knowledge and training. It also discusses the company's history and growth, focusing on leadership development and adaptation to industry changes, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article defines plumbing as encompassing the installation and maintenance of systems for conveying fluids like potable water, wastewater, and rainwater, vital for public health. It highlights global variations in plumbing practices, noting differences in equipment like the "caixa sifonada" in Brazil and discussing challenges with outdated plumbing components such as drum traps, emphasizing their potential issues with clogging and odor.

The article emphasizes the implementation of a district heating model where a central plant efficiently distributes heating and cooling energy between two schools via underground piping. This approach minimizes energy loss and allows for flexible energy management between the buildings, utilizing water source heat pumps and electric boilers as needed. It also highlights the use of REHAU INSULPEX pre-insulated PEXa pipe, crucial for maintaining temperature integrity during energy transfer.

The article explores the applications of 3-way diverter valves in hydronic systems, emphasizing their role in preventing freezing in floor heating systems and facilitating efficient heat pump operation. It also discusses challenges such as the cost and maintenance associated with using antifreeze solutions, proposing continuous water circulation as an alternative to ensure system reliability and performance.

The article details the latest proposals for modifications to the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). It highlights the substantial number of proposals received for both codes, focusing on chapters and appendices that are likely to undergo changes, especially impacting those involved in building design and product compliance.

The article emphasizes the growing importance of energy-efficient plumbing solutions in commercial buildings due to sustainability concerns. Smart pump technology is highlighted for its energy-saving capabilities, with topics including efficiency, motor innovation, and the integration of high-tech controls for optimal system performance and reduced environmental impact.

The article delves into solving challenges with a two-pipe hydronic system's slow changeover between heating and cooling, focusing on lowering costs and enhancing efficiency. Topics include the limitations of non-condensing boilers, advantages of hybrid heating systems, and a creative solution using combination boilers to manage dead band temperatures effectively.

The article delves into the International Code Council's initial proposals for modifications to various Group A Codes, with a focus on the top codes generating proposals: IFC, IPC, IBC-Egress, IBC-Fire Safety, and IMC. Major themes include Fire topics leading with 50 percent of proposals, followed by plumbing and mechanical topics, signaling potential impacts on commercial construction by 2027.

The article explores how modern hydronics technology, utilizing solid thermal energy storage with an air-to-water heat pump and an electric boiler, can optimize energy usage based on time-of-use electrical rates. Topics include the system's five operating modes, emphasizing direct heat supply, thermal storage charging, space heating prioritization, and variable speed injection mixing for optimal comfort and efficiency in hydronic heating systems.

The double-height atrium, which contained a large portion of the library's collection and later evolved into a study space, is topped by a waffle slab ceiling. BUILDING TYPE STUDY 1,058 COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES FOR MUCH of its first 100 years, the University of Western Ontario, in London, was a relatively small outpost of Canada's public university system. The building's almost entirely poured-in-place concrete structure has stairs and mechanical shafts housed within oblong towers at the exterior corners and post-tensioned floor slabs supported by precast single tees. [Extracted from the article]

But a new 54-unit social housing complex on Carrer de Lluís Borrassà, designed by local firm Peris+Toral, shows that apartment buildings can be far more dignified, even on a budget. BUILDING TYPE STUDY 1,057 MULTIFAMILY HOUSING MULTIFAMILY HOUSING BORRASSÀ|BARCELONA|PERIS+TORAL ARQUITECTES EL BESÒS I EL MARESME is not what most people envision when they think of Barcelona. GROUND-FLOOR PLAN SECOND-FLOOR PLAN 1 SIDEWALK ENTRY 2 ELEVATOR 3 CHANGING ROOM 4 FIELD ENTRY 5 GARAGE RAMP 6 APARTMENT 7 ATRIUM 8 GARAGE 9 TERRACE 10 ROOF TERRACE 11 ATRIUM INLET 12 ATRIUM OUTLET AIR ENTERS the atrium through an inlet (right), rises toward polycarbonate roof panels (above, right) and vents at the top (above). [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the U.S. EPA's revisions to WaterSense specifications for high-efficiency faucets and toilets, aimed at reducing water consumption and enhancing product performance to meet evolving market demands and regulatory pressures. It also explores the challenges these changes pose for manufacturers and the building construction industry, including increased R&D costs, third-party certification expenses and potential disruptions to supply chains.

An interview with Bert Warner is presented. Topics include his strategic goals to increase propane awareness in commercial applications, his extensive experience in expanding market presence for energy-efficient technologies, and his insights into propane's role in achieving sustainability and reliability in building operations.

The article explores the history and significance of Teflon tape, originally developed by Roy J. Plunkett in 1938 as an accidental invention at DuPont's laboratory. It details how Teflon tape, now a ubiquitous product in plumbing and other industries, ensures leak-free connections by providing a durable, chemical-resistant seal on pipe threads.It reflects on its evolution from a tightly controlled material in the 1970s to a staple in every mechanical contractor's toolbox today.

The foyer, its floor, walls, and ceiling all clad in oak paneling, introduces the visitor to the long horizontal lines that Kogan values in his projects. BUILDING TYPE STUDY 1,056 RECORD INTERIORS WHEN A YOUNG COUPLE approached São Paulo architect Marcio Kogan to renovate an apartment in one of the city's most exclusive residential buildings, a rare opportunity presented itself. The other hallway connects to the apartment's four bedrooms, the doors to which are hidden in the corridor's oak-paneled walls in order to maintain Kogan's long, clean lines. [Extracted from the article]

De Korbeel means "corbel", and, although there are no corbels in the building, the name constitutes an apt metaphor for the building's role as social support. BUILDING TYPE STUDY 1,054 HEALTH CARE ENSURING THAT children with behavioral and mental health challenges are cared for within a community is an admirable ambition, but not one that is easily achieved. At night, in the secure unit, individual room doors in the wing can be opened so that residents can use the restrooms - but when one door is opened, the others are automatically locked to prevent residents from gathering in the corridor. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses solutions offered by modern hydronics technology for renewable heating design. Topics discussed include the use of thermal energy storage tanks to stabilize the difference between heat generation and demand, a solid thermal storage concept in the form of a heated slab, and a system piping concept for shuttling heat into and out of the solid thermal mass.

The article discusses the smart hydronics system at Amish hardware store Keystone Air Power in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Topics discussed include the history of Keystone Air Power, the installation of natural gas-powered electric generators to serve as the primary source of heat, and backup offered by natural gas-fired Alpine commercial boilers when the generators fail to provide sufficient heat to the store.

The article discusses trends in the commercial heat pump market in the U.S. Topics discussed include the growth of the size and capacity of the heat pump market, the move towards decarbonization and electrification which drives the adoption of commercial heat pumps, and the offering of financial incentives which encourages builders and developers to select heat pumps during the construction phase.

The article discusses the aim of NorthPointe Christian Schools in Michigan to promote student safety by installing anti-scald faucets from Chicago Faucets in the boys' and girls' restrooms. Topics discussed include the design of Chicago Faucets' E-Tronic 80 touchless faucets which features user-adjustable temperature control, how E-Tronic 80 makes handwashing easy and hygienic for students, and the installation and maintenance of the thermostatically protected faucets.

The article discusses the highlights of the Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration (AHR) Expo held in Chicago, Illinois which showcased several products including water heaters, heat pumps, and low-temperature radiant and flat panel radiators.

The article discusses the growing adoption of water reuse systems in the U.S. due to the increasing number of sustainable products and technologies being introduced in the market. According to Water Reuse Association executive director Patricia Sinicropi, water reuse and rainwater capture solutions are being adopted to manage and provide access to water across the country. Also cited is the comment of Epic Clentec's Aaron Tartakovsky on the developments.

The article reviews several products including the Triton Supre and Light Duty commercial gas water heaters from Rheem, the ultra-low NOx commercial water heater from American Standard, and the heat pump water heater sizing tool from Intellihot.

In the article, the author discusses the proper design of heating systems by citing the proposed addition of two electric boilers to a school's system as example. Also cited are the recommended components of a proper system like the correct hydraulic separation of circulators, provisions for air and dirt separation, and appropriate pipe and circulator sizes.

The article focuses on the ongoing debate between electrification and fossil fuels in heating and cooling systems, driven by government regulations and political agendas. Topics include the increasing governmental support for electrification, the divisive nature of the debate, and the practical considerations for integrating electric heat pumps with existing fossil fuel boilers to optimize efficiency and reliability.

The article reviews various products including Smart end-suction pump from Bell & Gossett, Watertube boiler from Mestek, and MegaPressG large diameter ball valve from Viega.

The article focuses on the beginning of the code development cycle for building and safety codes in the U.S. set to be published in 2027. Topics include the significance of understanding jurisdictional codes for market access, the process of code development through organizations like the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials and the International Code Council, and the key dates for the 2027 code development cycles for different code groups.

The article focuses on the integration of water heating into heat pump systems, highlighting their energy efficiency benefits. It discusses the synergy achieved by combining space heating and water heating through heat pumps, the flexibility in equipment selection, and the role of design creativity in optimizing efficiency.

The article focuses on the resurgence of in-person conferences and trade shows, with the 2024 AHR Expo and ASHRAE Winter Conference in Chicago being prominent examples. It highlights the increasing importance of face-to-face networking and learning opportunities in the HVACR industry with sold-out exhibitor space and a wide range of educational sessions covering topics such as decarbonization, climate change, and sustainable solutions.

Adhesives are used to assemble a variety of products, including automotive and aerospace parts, appliances, consumer goods, electronics, furniture and medical devices. Among other attributes, adhesive bonding is ideal for [...]

In January 2024. Caleffi North America's long-serving CEO Mark Olson announced his retirement. Olson was instrumental in guiding the company through nearly two decades of continuous growth to establish a [...]

The article underscores the critical threat of corrosion in fire sprinkler systems, which can lead to severe consequences It discusses how traditional Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) protocols, while essential, can inadvertently accelerate corrosion rates by introducing oxygen into the system. It also mentions strategies for corrosion prevention, including the use of air vents in wet systems, recirculation systems during testing, and advanced corrosion monitoring technologies.