New California courthouse a real Butte

Chico, California’s picturesque buttes served as inspiration for the city’s new courthouse, complete with a cupola that pays tribute to the nearby rock formations. Creating a comfortable space in the entry, though, required overcoming several challenges in the design of the building’s steel curtain wall system.
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Blocking exterior noise sources

Whether at work or home, indoor acoustic comfort requires freedom from unwanted sound. Exposure to elevated noise levels may disrupt sleep and interfere with activities requiring concentration. Left uncontrolled, long-term exposure to noise levels not otherwise considered hazardous can lead to stress.
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Holding back the waters

Retention, detention, and groundwater recharge are at the heart of a stormwater management system installed at a new medical office building that is part of an assisted living facility in Newtown, Connecticut.
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The future of roofing insulation

When it comes to insulating a facility, insulation addresses two important goals—maintaining a consistent interior temperature and preventing moisture from forming and collecting via condensation. There are several different materials and ways to protect a roof, including fiberglass, rigid board, and insulated metal panels (IMPs).
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An exercise in juxtaposition

Irregularly sized zinc-colored metal panels provide an interesting visual feature on the new Cedar Rapids Public Library. Comprising aluminum composite material (ACM) panels with a zinc patina finish, the panels juxtapose with smooth-surface materials to bring a complexity and depth to the Iowa building’s façade.
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