Newly formed group challenges Florida building code

A new group, the Impact Window Affordability and Safety Association (IWASA), is fighting the implementation of part of the Florida Building Code.

The organization, consisting of seven door and window companies in Florida, objects to provisions of the latest version of the code, which increases energy efficiency requirements for impact doors and windows. The group says this will have a major impact on businesses.

The association filed a motion with the Florida Building Commission to oppose a provision that would have all replacement fenestration in existing buildings comply with U-factor and SHGC requirements consistent with the state code. The provision would include renovations.

Opponents claim that because a significant portion of their work consists of replacing fenestration in existing buildings that are not being renovated, they will be required to “incur substantial costs in connection with testing and retooling for new windows.”

New Horizon Urban Mining, a demolition firm in the Netherlands, has hitched its business model to construction materials recycling. It's plan: deconstruct buildings and infrastructure and sell the building products for reuse in new construction. New Horizon and its Founder Michel Baars have been named 2023 AEC Innovators by Building Design+Construction editors.

After Congressional resistance, federal agency head says no plans to ban gas stoves

Standards | Jan 19, 2023

Fenestration Alliance updates liquid applied flashing standard

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) published an update to its Liquid Applied Flashing Standard. The document contains minimum performance requirements for liquid applied flashing used to provide water-resistive seals around exterior wall openings in buildings.

High-rise glass building with solar R100 glass

Products and Materials | Jan 18, 2023

6 innovative products for multifamily developments

Here are six innovative products for various multifamily developments, including a condominium-wide smart electrical system, heavy-duty aluminum doors, and prefabricated panels.

Ballistic Glazing: Windows and Doors Designed for Security and Protection

For building teams choosing and applying bullet-resistant glass systems, understanding test criteria and ballistics attack types is essential

75 Top Products for 2022, Building Design and Construction

75 Top Building Products | Nov 30, 2022

75 top building products for 2022

Each year, the Building Design+Construction editorial team evaluates the vast universe of new and updated products, materials, and systems for the U.S. building design and construction market. The best-of-the-best products make up our annual 75 Top Products report.

K-12 Schools | Nov 30, 2022

School districts are prioritizing federal funds for air filtration, HVAC upgrades

U.S. school districts are widely planning to use funds from last year’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) to upgrade or improve air filtration and heating/cooling systems, according to a report from the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council. The report, “School Facilities Funding in the Pandemic,” says air filtration and HVAC upgrades are the top facility improvement choice for the 5,004 school districts included in the analysis.

Building Materials | Nov 2, 2022

Design for Freedom: Ending slavery and child labor in the global building materials sector

Sharon Prince, Founder and CEO of Grace Farms and Design for Freedom, discusses DFF's report on slavery and enforced child labor in building products and materials.

Coping with a Shaky Supply Chain, with Les Hiscoe, Shawmut

Building Materials | Aug 3, 2022

Shawmut CEO Les Hiscoe on coping with a shaky supply chain in construction

BD+C's John Caulfield interviews Les Hiscoe, CEO of Shawmut Design and Construction, about how his firm keeps projects on schedule and budget in the face of shortages, delays, and price volatility.

For glass openings, how big is too big?

Advances in glazing materials and glass building systems offer a seemingly unlimited horizon for not only glass performance, but also for the size and extent of these light, transparent forms. Both for enclosures and for indoor environments, novel products and assemblies allow for more glass and less opaque structure—often in places that previously limited their use.