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Architects designing projects in coastal regions or high-humidity climates face unique challenges. Salt air, moisture, and temperature fluctuations can dramatically impact material performance and longevity. Traditional materials like natural stone, precast concrete, and wood each react differently to coastal environments. Many architects don’t realize how significantly these conditions accelerate deterioration — or how alternatives like […]

Most multi-unit residential developments have a problem. The architect designs a beautiful facade with columns flanking each entryway, cornice details along the roofline, and window surrounds that give the building character. Then the estimator runs the numbers. Precast concrete for 40 identical column covers means extended lead times, serious shipping costs, and installation crews that

Keystones hold a special place in architectural history. These wedge-shaped stones sit at the apex of an arch, traditionally serving as the final piece that locks all other stones into place and allows the arch to bear weight. For centuries, keystones were essential structural components — without them, arches would collapse. But keystones also became

Historic buildings need to be preserved. But they’re also just that: historic. They’re older, which means that they are more likely to have issues and, eventually, require repair. We want to preserve these buildings, but we also want to make sure that the materials that we use to replace damaged parts is going to last.

Architectural stone is one of the most popular materials in architecture. It is highly durable, beautiful, and highly appreciated option for many architectural products. It is also a constant challenge. These days, architects and contractors are looking for anything they can to save money and time, and stone provides none of those things. As many

Architects choose architectural EPS for a variety of reasons. It is less expensive to install. It is weather resistant. It offers soundproofing and energy efficiency benefits. But one of the main concerns that people have about using a product like architectural EPS – even though our architectural EPS is cement coated – is durability. EPS

One thing that we say to builders that have never used architectural cement coated EPS before is that as soon as you try it, you’re going to find that it’s your favorite material – one that compares favorably to nearly any other product that you’ve used in the past. It is especially popular as an

Fire resistance has always been an important part of the construction process. But building codes are also becoming stricter. Before, the biggest fire risk to the building was the kitchen. Yet we’re now experiencing situations where it’s getting hotter and dryer than ever, which means that buildings have a greater risk of fire coming from

Terra cotta has historically been a common material used to create historical properties. This material is also fragile. At some point, it will need to be replaced. Unfortunately, replacing terra cotta with new terra cotta is not ideal. Terra cotta is heavy. It is expensive. It is equally as fragile now as it was in

Exterior soffits play both an aesthetic AND functional role in building design. While their primary purpose is to cover the underside of roof eaves, overhangs, balconies, and entryways (protecting structural components from moisture and debris) it is their architectural qualities that often matter most in architectural design. Interior soffits often rely on gypsum based materials.