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Showing posts from September, 2023

Floors

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 Floors September 29, 2023 One of the most important components when talking about buildings systems is flooring. Flooring not only impacts the way the buildings are insulated, but also the different types of floorings have different types of purposes. For example, carpet flooring is used for cozy and comfortable spaces, while tile is used for rooms that require more durability and easy clean-up. There is also more to flooring than just the finishes used. For instance, the support and insulation that is below the floor plays an important role in the construction of a building.  The picture to the left is a depiction of what wood floor framing systems look like in the process of being built. There are three different materials that can be used for floor framing such as; wood, steel, and concrete. The type of wood framing seen to the left is called "light frame." This framing essentially uses small wood joist to support the load, however other methods use columns and beams to s...

Walls

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 Walls September 22, 2023 One of the most important components of interior design is walls. What framing systems we use, what materials we use for the exterior and interior, and what kind of windows and doors we use all play a crucial role in the design and efficiency of a house. Walls help organize and interior space and depending on how you do that can effect the interior space greatly. There are many factors that go into wall placement and how they look once a house or building is finished, and today we will talk about some of those factors.  The first steps to building a wall is called the framing systems. These systems help stablize the wall and give the wall "bones" before they start building the rest. There are three specific different types of framing systems. The first one is stud walls which are walls held up by either wood or steel by 2 by 4s or 2 by 6. The next framing system is the one pictured to the left called concrete and masonry bearing walls. These walls ar...
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 Structural Systems  September 15, 2023 The idea of Structural Systems and Interior Designers may see like there is no relation between the two because often times Architects take care of all the Structural Systems. This is true, however, it is important for interior designers to understand and keep in mind the structural systems that come into play when designing and building. Structural systems do not only effect the exterior of a building but the interior as well. Architects and interior designers work together to achieve the same goal, which is providing designs, plans, analysis, and management for a clients building.   Structural systems are important for setting up a building for success. What I mean by this is the purpose for structural systems to be put in place is to carry the loads of the building. Specific types used for structural systems are bearing walls, structural wall, and stud walls. The different types of load that need to be supported from the structur...
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 A Holistic Approach to Building Design and Construction When it comes to designing a space, Interior designers need to focus on ethical, moral and legal responsibilities. One critical part of interior design is the responsibility to have a sustainable building design. There are several inspections and tests that need to be passed in order to achieve a specific rating for the building.  One of these processes of sustainable design is called Natural Step. Natural Step is just to process to decrease an environmental footprint by reducing our waste, how we treat the earth, and make intentional decisions on how we build and what we use.  Hannover Principles is another well known theories of sustainable design. Hannover Principles just explain the steps designer must take to keep the world healthy and sustainable. We must accept resposiblity that when it comes to designing and building we must always keep in mind that it is our responsible to create sustainable designs and to ...

site considerations and the building enclosures

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 Site Considerations and the Building Enclosures When considering where to place a building on your given site, there are several things to consider such as, where the sun will hit, rain, wind, interior lighting, and so much more. The placement of a building in relation to the site in crucial for not only exterior purposes but interior as well. The process of creating a building starts with the Architect and a design that will help the energy use of the interior. The sun has a huge role to play when in come to choosing the correct placement on the site plan. When the building is placed in an efficient place in relation to the sun this can help not only the interior lighting but also the energy levels in the interior as well. Another key factor to keep in mind when planning out a buildings position is; what view are you going to be giving to the people inside? The view that you give in the interior of the building can impact the way your interior space can feel because when you choo...