Contemporary architecture and design
Designing a building encompasses more than just addressing a single objective. Architects are asked to consider a multitude of overlapping demands, including aesthetics, durability, sustainability, wellness, resilience, affordability, constructability, life safety, acoustics, and moisture control.
Enhance your practice with established insights from a seasoned building science specialist
Moreover, the variety of ways to achieve these objectives has increased with the availability of numerous material choices and combinations. This presents both opportunities and challenges. So, how do you design architecture that remains relevant over time and ensures a consistent stream of commissions for your practice?
Practical Benefits
Lucas Hamilton, the applied building sciences manager at CertainTeed/Saint-Gobain North America, spends a lot of time contemplating this question. He assists architects in making intelligent material choices that provide excellent occupant comfort without compromising the structural integrity.
“Two or three decades ago, our industry faced challenges as we couldn’t provide architects, contractors, and builders with sufficient information to assess the implications of material selections,” says Hamilton, a 25-year veteran in building science. “That has changed. Now, we have a range of precise measuring tools. We can quantify. We can guide people in making great decisions.”
This improved understanding helps design professionals steer a safe course between rapidly advancing material science and the realities of building science. For Hamilton, a key principle for all climates is to “keep the skin cool and dry.” He also offers five additional pointers for architects looking towards the future:
1. High Performance, not High Cost
“Construction is context-specific, climates are unique, and requirements are distinct. Therefore, solutions have to be tailor-made,” states Hamilton. “In the past decade, these solutions have become more affordable, often being cost-neutral. High-performance construction can yield a tangible ROI, simplifying decision-making.”
2. People are #1. Yes, indeed they are
In the rush to achieve sustainability targets like net-zero, it’s important not to overlook the main aim—occupant comfort. “We create buildings for people,” Hamilton reiterates. “Buildings need to work for people. Success is measured by how well people thrive.” He mentions airflow, acoustics, thermal comfort, and visual appeal as factors that CertainTeed, a Saint-Gobain company, addresses as a leading building products manufacturer.
3. Systems, not Products
Hamilton advises against focusing too much on a single building product at the expense of the system it supports—for instance, an exterior wall component. “Understanding all the components and how they interact is crucial,” he warns. These systems will vary based on the local climate, so a bespoke approach is recommended.
4. No Accidental Air
Buildings need to breathe, but the air that enters should be managed and fresh. Superior indoor air quality is not achieved by a negative fan drawing air from an unknown source, notes Hamilton. Make-up air should be intentionally filtered and controlled.
5. Reach Out
Hamilton acknowledges that making building decisions today is not something that can be easily researched online. Instead of wasting time, he suggests engaging a trustworthy partner that emphasizes testing and measurement. He highlights the Futurebuilt initiative from CertainTeed as an instance of science and industry collaborating. “Online research can only provide partial answers. CertainTeed’s building science experts and technical service team often convene to discuss best practices and solutions. They assist architects in confidently integrating everything,” says Hamilton.