Architecture

You may not quite realize it, but every time you've made use of a simple sheet of plywood, you have experimented with an engineered wood product, or EWP. Come along as this architect explains more...

We've come a long way from the split timber used to clad early woodland cabins, the sod clumps stacked to build plains homesteads, and the adobe baked in the sun as the exterior walls of a...

Sure, we've all heard of the Bronze Age of long ago in our high school history class. Why not let this architect take you back to the Bronze Age, to address some of the sustainability issues of...

Maybe you've only encountered architectural wire mesh in a banging screen door. Or perhaps, like many others, you've noticed the increasing use of wire meshes, screens and perforated metal panels...

Many of us can contribute to an environmentally sounder world by selecting sustainable resilient, wood, concrete or carpet flooring the next time we want to redo our kitchen, bath, basement or...

The green sustainability movement cherishes what is natural, durable and sustainable. And what could be more natural, durable and sustainable than the very stone that comprises much of our Earth's...

Have you ever considered making use of solar energy? Unsure how to get started? Let this architect show you the way.

If you're like millions of other office or store workers, you look up to see an acoustic tile ceiling. And like millions of others, you may be looking up at a ratty, dirty, stained acoustic tile...

We've come a long way from the split timber used to clad early woodland cabins, the sod clumps stacked to build plains homesteads, and the adobe baked in the sun as the exterior walls of a...

Tired of that really smelly enamel you last used on the lawn furniture? Wish there was a better environmental solution to those leftover paint cans in your garage? Let this architect show you why...

With virtual seas of asphalt seeming to stretch from horizon to horizon, some would say we have sacrificed far too much of our world to the automobile. But the effective design of parking lots is...

We all feel safer and better able to move about after dark if good outdoor lighting is provided along streets, sidewalks and bike paths, as well as in parking lots, parks, shopping centers,...

You like the look of crown molding. You have a room you want to put it in. With the proper equipment it is not that hard.

A perhaps little known, but widely used, construction product in the U.S. is the insulated concrete form (ICF). An ICF is a single-piece concrete form and insulating unit that is used to contain...

Green roofs — roofs that consist in part of plant material —are considered environmentally friendly and a vital component of our planet's striving for sustainability. Let this architect explain...

We’ve all heard how important it is to use double-glazed or even triple-glazed windows in our homes and offices to reduce energy demand and improve interior comfort. But how many of us have...

Consider this: no matter how modern, high-tech or appealing our commercial buildings are, there may be far better ways to construct them, for us, for the planet, and for long-term profitability....

Have you heard of Building Information Modeling? Let this architect explain how it's changing design, architecture and construction.

Perhaps you recognize the name of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s greatest architects of the past. Or maybe you’ve heard of that other Frank — Frank Gehry, one of today’s hottest architects....

These guidelines will assist you in adding rental residential units within your compound.

Perhaps you have heard of the ‘urban heat island effect’ and how it exacerbates global warming. Let this architect explain the effect and what you can do about it by pursuing really cool roofing!

Who hasn’t enjoyed the cooling breeze across a sunny veranda? Or the chilling effect of the stiff winds breaking at the prow of a motorboat? Let this architect show you how moving air can move...

Maybe you’ve only encountered architectural wire mesh in a banging screen door. Or perhaps, like many others, you’ve noticed the increasing use of wire meshes, screens and perforated metal panels...

You’ve probably always assumed that lighting is just lighting. But the healthcare environment has particular lighting needs, and patients, staff and visitors can all benefit from improved lighting...

If you live in snow country it is really nice when you don't have to scrape the snow off your vehicle each morning. I built my carport in three days and the only thing I bought were the nails. ...

Want to put new siding on your house or other building. Cedar is a good choice. Cedar lap siding is ery long lasting but needs upkeep. This should help you get the job done.

Believe it or not, only Burma, Liberia, and the United States have not officially adopted the Metric System unit of measurement! Since the 1960s the International System of Units...

The term "cubic feet" seem to be a complicated subject for some people who would think it is too technical for them. It is simply measuring a box on 3 sides: length, width and height! ...

I've been building a tiny house from mostly scrap wood and shipping pallets. The idea is that when it's done it will cost nothing. All expenses will be offset by selling free stuff I find on...

You will learn how to read architectural pl;ans and interpret dimensions.

We all have an impact on our environment. Our energy consumption, pollution, and garbage that we make all impacts the world we live in. Many of us would love to be more green, and keep our impact...

Have you ever wondered how to figure how much concrete is needed for, lets say, a small deck patio? Well, if you know your math conversions, it can be rather simple. If you don't know your...

You can create How To articles on just about anything, but why not publish one that’s in demand? Here you can find the articles most frequently requested by the eHow community. If your article...

In 2003 our family out-grew our existing house. Henceforth we sold it and purchased a couple of acres and acquired a contractor to build a larger house with move-in date Spring of 2004. At the...

How to make a super sleek, hygienic high end euro/contemporary ultra modern kitchen backsplash for cheap!

As the year quickly draws to a close people across the country are making major decisions concerning their life and where to live it. With the state of our economy many are packing up and moving...

Lumber doesn't fare well unprotected. The sun's ultraviolet rays are always on the attack, breaking down lignin, the polymer in wood that gives it rigidity. Rain and sun swell and dry wood,...

You want to build a new home or a small commercial project. You’ll learn which standard contract is appropriate and insight into its use. The recommended contract is the AIA Document A105-2007...

You want to build a new home or a small commercial project. You’ll learn which standard contract is appropriate and insight into its use. The recommended contract is the AIA Document A105-2007...

You want to build a new home or a small commercial project. You’ll learn which standard contract is appropriate and insight into its use. The recommended contract is the AIA Document A105-2007...

There are many math formulas for computing the areas of simple geometric shapes, such as circles, triangles, and rectangles. But for most irregular shapes, there are no simple formulas to...

Moving to a smaller house can have benefits: at the very least, a smaller house is less expensive to heat and cool, easier to clean, and requires less furniture. But is it really that...

Do you live in a ranch but need more space? Adding a 2nd floor to your ranch may be just the answer. It's typically less costly than a side addition and doesn't take any yard away. But make sure...

Sometimes your house is just a little too small. A large addition may be too expensive and a bit of over doing things. So we have, at times, built a cantilever to create the extra space we want...

From your initial thoughts to your completed project, getting the home you want can be daunting. But it really is just following a few simple rules and steps that will take you through the process.

Making a brick raised bed involves: -getting it level at the start (see How to use a line level) -determining measurements ( how many bricks per level; how high to go) -Getting the first layer...

Most of us live in generic, cookie cutter houses that were built without regard to site characteristics nor a particular family's needs. On the positive side, these houses were built to minimize...

Architects love to make models. It gives us a chance to explore design solutions while crafting a three dimensional object. So ask your architect to make a model of your project. Or make one...

Many people dream of having their own custom home; a place they design specifically to meet their needs and wants. Building a home can be intimidating for many people and there are many codes and...

Do you live in Suffolk County and need to get a copy of your deed? If so, follow these instructions.