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Managing Code Compliance With Modern Architectural Home Designs – California’s Title 24 Codes and Beyond

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The changes to  California’s Title 24 codes  which came into effect on January 1st 2018 have had a noticeable impact on architecture, particularly on modern homes with large expanses of glass. At 60% glass in the envelope, you almost need to be a Chess Grand Master to plot the moves in advance to successfully achieve compliance. Whether you’re using the Prescriptive approach or the Performance model, it’s trickier now than ever before with modern designs. Here’s a look at managing code compliance in California and other states with similar requirements, including a reference list of fenestration considerations to address during the schematic design and design development of your project. Prescriptive Approach Prescriptive calculations are more straightforward  – every aspect of the envelope involving energy – fenestration, lighting, insulation, electrical systems – all have to meet a  minimum energy performance value  that, as a whole, guarantee compliance. The downside is
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FDEPFAA: How “Factory Direct” Made An Architect Happy

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Once upon a time, there was an architect. He dreamed and he drew. First, he designed a small addition for a house down the street (actually his Mum’s but that’s largely irrelevant). Then he designed a cabin on a lake. Life was good. He was asked to design a house for the Mayor, then the Judge. Before long, his fame spread far beyond his hometown. Dukes, Princes, Kings, Queens and  Rupert Murdoch  all wanted him to design their houses. Yes, life was good indeed. And yet, a small voice in his head kept whispering, “You can still do better.” (As it happened, he was mildly schizophrenic but his doctor didn’t want to tell him until he had finished designing the doctor’s sun-room extension.) One night, as he sat in his favorite bar as architects do, he found himself sitting next to a little old man in a pointy hat with a black cat whose name was Morris. (It was that kind of bar.) He had a glass of water with what looked like a pickled worm in the bottom. (Apparently, the
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Give a Classy Edge to Your Construction Project with Bronze Clad Windows and Doors

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Among the best additions to a luxury residential construction are bronze clad windows and doors. Providing strength, weather resistance and aesthetic beauty, they are available in a wide variety of configuration options and finishes to complement both traditional and contemporary architecture. Aesthetic and Functional Bronze clad windows and doors use extruded bronze cladding to produce remarkable solutions that are beautiful yet durable. The results are excellent if the bronze clad is of heavy gauge and the construction is artisanal. When well-crafted and well-engineered, bronze clad windows and doors can create a sense of permanence and cater to the design flexibility required in luxury residential construction. Custom solutions open up possibilities in terms of dimensions, jamb depths, profiles and finishes. Wide Array of Door Options Bronze and aluminum clad doors are available in a variety of configurations including lift and slide doors , bi-fold doors and
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Custom Windows and Doors for your Luxury Home

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A luxury custom home calls for custom windows and doors.   While it used to be believed that luxury custom windows and doors were the exclusive products of custom millwork shops, the huge advances in computer numerical control and computer-aided manufacturing have enabled the production of custom windows and doors with shorter delivery times and higher levels of quality. Mass Production with Millwork Features Some of the important features of custom wood windows can have a tremendous bearing on their performance in luxury custom homes, significantly affecting their longevity.   With custom windows and doors, some of the millwork features that one can expect are rain-screen contours, cope and dowel join, stress-relieving jambs, and solid-edged veneers.   This is what enables custom windows and doors to be incorporated into some of the best luxury custom homes across the world.   In addition, modern advances in testing mean that custom windows and doors can now be manuf
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Alternatives to Traditional Wooden Doors and Windows for your Home

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Modern windows are made of different materials such as aluminum, UPVC, bronze, and steel. The advantage of using modern aluminum windows is that they provide energy efficient insulation, both of heat and sound. They are low maintenance besides being extremely durable and hence are perfect for use in difficult environment conditions. They are also resistant to corrosion and will not warp or crack over time. Budget friendly homes use aluminum windows as they are strong and affordable. Narrow profile aluminum windows also ensure that minimum space is occupied and the occupant of the home is given the maximum views of the exteriors. The flexibility of aluminum allows it to be made to any specifications and any type of finishes. It can be painted to match the décor of your home. Cladding is done to windows to protect the exterior of windows from the effects of the environment. It is possible to clad windows with different materials such as aluminum and bronze. Cladding ensures durabil
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Customized Doors and Windows at Economical Prices Available Now

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Thanks to the hard work and innovative ideas of some engineers and manufacturers, today architects and clients are able to design all kinds of doors and windows when they design homes or offices. Designers do not have to worry about not being able to procure the design they have in mind. The bronze clad series of doors and windows are used in the construction of luxurious residential structures as they meet the demands of design flexibility. Bronze windows and doors are not as expensive as stainless steel but almost as good. Another kind of door that is really lovely to have especially if the building is surrounded by beautiful scenery is the lift and slide doors. They are used to create glazed openings that are large or entire walls of glass that can be opened. Since this means that it catches a lot of wind, they have to be tested thoroughly in the laboratory for strength and if any engineering problems are found, they will be rectified. They are available in wood, bronze, alu
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Tips To Choose the Perfect Windows and Doors

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Selecting the right kind of Steel Windows and Doors is an important step in the building or renovation of your home. There are so many different types of windows and doors available to suit all your needs, from soundproofing your home to saving energy. Here are some tips to help you decide which doors and Custom Wood Windows are perfectly suited for your precious home. Tip#1: Decide the Purpose of the Installation There are many reasons why you would be looking to purchase Luxury Custom Windows and Doors in your home. Are you building a new house and looking for windows and doors that suit the design of your new building? Or are you looking to upgrade your existing doors and windows by installing soundproof or energy efficient Bronze Windows and Doors? Whatever the purpose may be, make it clear right from the start. Tip#2: Go With the Design of the House Once you know what kind of style or design your home is going to have, it is easy to match your Steel Windows a
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