dscott@ecosteel.com

What is a High-Performance Building?

dscott@ecosteel.com · September 25, 2023 ·

What is a High–Performance Building?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable construction, the term “high-performance building” has gained substantial recognition. These buildings are not just bricks and mortar; they represent a paradigm shift in the way we approach construction, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. In this article, we will explore what high-performance buildings are, what sets them apart, and why they matter in today’s world.

Defining High–Performance Buildings

A high-performance building is more than just a structure; it is an embodiment of innovation and sustainability. These buildings are meticulously designed, constructed, and operated to maximize energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance occupant well-being.

What Makes a Building High Performance?

Several key factors contribute to the high-performance designation of a building:

Energy Efficiency: High-performance buildings are exceptionally energy-efficient. They employ advanced insulation, lighting, and HVAC systems to minimize energy consumption, ultimately reducing operational costs.

Sustainable Materials:

In the realm of sustainable architecture, the conscientious sourcing of materials and the adoption of eco friendly construction practices form the cornerstone of responsible building design. These sustainable structures place a paramount emphasis on the utilization of environmentally friendly materials and construction techniques. This commitment to sustainability not only helps conserve valuable natural resources but also contributes to the overall well-being of our planet by reducing the carbon footprint associated with the construction industry.

Indoor Air Quality: High-performance buildings focus on occupant health and comfort. They incorporate advanced ventilation systems and use materials that minimize indoor air pollutants, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.

Advanced Technologies: Smart building technologies play a crucial role. These systems allow buildings to adapt to changing conditions, optimizing energy use and occupant comfort.

Real–World Examples

To better understand the concept of high-performance buildings, let’s explore a notable example: The Edge, Amsterdam.

One of the most iconic high-performance buildings is “The Edge” located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This office building is renowned for its sustainable design and energy-efficient features. Here are some highlights:

Solar Power: The Edge generates a significant portion of its electricity from rooftop solar panels, reducing its reliance on traditional energy sources.

Smart Lighting: The building uses a sophisticated lighting system that adjusts to natural light conditions and occupancy, optimizing energy use.

Green Building Certification: The Edge achieved the highest BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating ever recorded, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.

The Importance of High–Performance Buildings

High-performance buildings are not just a trend; they are a necessity. Here’s why they matter: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

In an era of climate change and rising energy costs, energy efficiency is paramount. High-performance buildings significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to reduced carbon emissions and long-term cost savings.

Enhanced Comfort and Productivity

Occupants of high-performance buildings experience a level of comfort and productivity that is unparalleled. From temperature control to natural light optimization, these buildings are designed with the occupant’s needs in mind, ultimately fostering a more productive work environment.

Environmental Responsibility

High-performance buildings are part of a broader commitment to environmental responsibility. They contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The Future of High–Performance Buildings

As technology advances and sustainability becomes increasingly important, the future of high-performance buildings looks promising. Here’s what we can expect:

Technological Advancements

Continued advancements in technology will drive the development of even more efficient and sustainable high-performance buildings. These innovations will include smarter building systems, improved energy storage solutions, and enhanced automation.

Evolving Sustainability Standards

As sustainability continues to be a global priority, we can anticipate evolving standards and regulations that will further promote high-performance building practices. Governments and organizations worldwide are likely to incentivize and require higher levels of sustainability in construction.

In conclusion, high-performance buildings are not just a construction trend; they represent a fundamental shift towards sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible structures. With innovations in technology and a growing commitment to sustainability, the future of high-performance buildings is poised to make a significant impact on our world.

For further insights into sustainable construction and energy-efficient systems, you can explore articles on NetZero Buildings.

Steel Buildings VS Concrete Tilt Up

dscott@ecosteel.com · September 6, 2023 ·

As it’s 100% recyclable, steel is a much more eco-friendly material than concrete. Lots of recyclable metal is sourced from demolishing old steel structures. This reduces the burden on the raw material mining industry and results in a manufacturing process that has a smaller environmental footprint. In the US, the long-span metal beams used in new steel buildings are made from around 95% recycled material. Thanks to the recyclability of steel, contractors can also benefit from LEED points. The owners of a metal building also get the opportunity to obtain a LEED certification. They can do this by utilizing energy-saving strategies that impact the complete cycle of a project, starting from eco-friendly construction practices right until the end of the project’s useful life. Effective strategies include opting for “greener” construction methods, materials, and an array of other criteria, including considerations like efficient drain cleaning systems. All of these will earn the project owner points towards their LEED certification.

Time and Cost Savings

Pre-fabricated steel building kits are procured in an almost-complete form and can be assembled as soon as they arrive on the construction site. Furthermore, a metal structure can be erected regardless of whether the temperature is hot or cold. Concrete, on the other hand, requires warmer temperatures as it needs to be hoarded and heated. Tilt-up concrete also involves precise and accurate mixing of a wide variety of materials. This is a process which can consume a significant amount of time.

On average, the assembly and erection of a steel structure take about 33% less time compared to other construction methods. The installation costs of steel wall panel systems are generally on par with EIFs and synthetic stuccos, and considerably less than the ones in tilt-up concrete. This is because steel wall panel systems can be installed much faster than other systems, thereby resulting in significant time and labor-cost savings.

Furthermore, builders who opt for tilt-up concrete construction run the risk of facing delays caused by the shortage or lack of availability of key concrete-making materials such as cement. A variety of factors such as import policies and shipping rates can affect the availability and prices of cement.

On Site Work

Steel arrives on site ready to be used whereas concrete has to be prepared on-site, a process which can face potential delays because of adverse weather conditions.

Defining Tilt-Up Construction

Tilt-up construction involves the walls of a structure being horizontally cast on the ground before they are lifted and fixed to a pre-constructed foundation slab or edge beam. To ensure that the structure is stable and weather-proof, the adjacent units are connected together. In case there are issues with the foundation, it’s crucial to have them inspected and repaired by a foundation repair company to maintain the structural integrity of the building.

Elevating Building Efficiency and Comfort in an Ever-Warming World

dscott@ecosteel.com · August 2, 2023 ·

At EcoSteel, our mission is to create sustainable and energy-efficient spaces while complying with stringent building codes and regulations. With temperatures consistently on the rise, and the need for energy-efficient solutions becoming more apparent, the demand for innovative insulation products has never been greater. In this blog post, we will explore how insulated metal panels (IMPs) offer an unmatched solution for continuous insulation, minimal thermal bridging, and surpassing current code regulations, making them a preferred choice for architects striving to design eco-friendly buildings.

Recent years have witnessed increasing temperatures worldwide, with this year being particularly warm. Such extreme weather events have put considerable strain on our infrastructure, underlining the urgency to adopt resilient building practices. As a response to these challenges, building codes are becoming more stringent to address the impact of these rising temperatures. As architects, we must proactively seek innovative building materials like insulated metal panels to meet these evolving demands.

Continuous Insulation: The Key to Energy Efficiency

Continuous insulation is a crucial element in minimizing energy loss and ensuring stable indoor temperatures. Conventional building methods often employ multiple layers of insulation materials, leading to potential thermal bridging and energy inefficiency. IMPs, on the other hand, feature a continuous insulating core that creates an uninterrupted barrier, dramatically reducing thermal transfer between the interior and exterior of the building.

The outstanding insulating properties of IMPs maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This results in reduced energy consumption, benefiting both the environment and the occupants’ pocketbooks. As we strive for energy-efficient buildings, insulated metal panels are an ideal choice to achieve continuous insulation while adhering to increasingly strict code regulations.

Minimal Thermal Bridging for Enhanced Comfort

Thermal bridging occurs when materials with low insulation values create pathways for heat to escape or enter a building, leading to uncomfortable temperature variations for occupants. IMPs are engineered to minimize thermal bridging, thanks to their continuous insulation core and interlocking joints, creating a virtually airtight building envelope.

By effectively retaining heat during colder months and repelling it during warmer periods, insulated metal panels enhance indoor comfort and reduce the dependency on HVAC systems. The result is a more pleasant environment for occupants and a substantial reduction in energy consumption, promoting sustainable building practices.

Exceeding Current Code Regulations

As architects, we must design buildings that not only comply with existing code regulations but also anticipate future changes in the industry. Insulated metal panels go beyond meeting code requirements; they exceed current standards for energy efficiency, thermal performance, and sustainability.

The impressive R-value of IMPs (a measure of thermal resistance) far surpasses conventional insulation materials, making them a preferred choice for architects aiming to achieve heightened energy performance and meet or exceed the most stringent building codes. Using IMPs allows architects to contribute to a greener, more sustainable built environment while enhancing the overall performance of the structure.

In addition to their exceptional insulating properties, insulated metal panels offer architects an array of design possibilities. Available in various colors, textures, and profiles, IMPs provide aesthetic flexibility without compromising energy efficiency. This versatility allows architects to achieve their desired design while ensuring the building’s performance remains at the forefront.

We are responsible for embracing solutions that address the demands of an ever-warming world. Insulated metal panels emerge as a superior insulation product, offering continuous insulation, minimal thermal bridging, and the capacity to exceed current code regulations. With temperatures rising, and building codes becoming stricter, IMPs present a sustainable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing option for architects seeking to create buildings that can withstand the challenges of an ever-warming world.

By adopting insulated metal panels, architects can take a significant step toward designing resilient and energy-efficient structures that will endure the changing climate while providing occupants with optimal comfort and reduced energy costs. Let us seize this opportunity to lead the way in sustainable architecture and pave the path to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Why Architects Love EcoSteel

dscott@ecosteel.com · November 4, 2022 ·

EcoSteel’s philosophy is to deliver a project that is more than just a steel structure, but an innovative concept for the future. We don’t believe in providing something off the shelf and expecting that it meets your needs. We work with you to engineer unique custom solutions tailored to fit goals, budgets, and timelines.

It’s nearly inevitable that a project requiring a metal building system will end up on the desk of an architect at some point in their life. Often, they are intimidated by the project because of their unfamiliarity. Architects do not have curriculum related to metal buildings in their degree programs. Methods and materials are the closest subject, to learn more about the best materials to use just click here. EcoSteel building systems provide unique solutions for architects and they come with extensive advantages.

Having sturdy industrial shelving is one of the best ways to keep up with the everyday demands of your warehouse operations.

Leverage EcoSteel

Flexibility and customization; long-span, column-free spaces; speed of erection; and efficiency of the structure. Those advantages seem to be a common misunderstanding of metal building systems: that they are off-the-shelf solutions. In other words, the architect needs to design a one-story brew pub and puts in an order to a manufacturer who digs into its inventory and delivers the brew pub—with options of course. Pre-engineered buildings are not a product that is just sitting on a shelf. EcoSteel buildings are completely custom and made for each project. Our buildings are custom solutions, and are ideal for anything from the simplest of structures to the most complex of designs. Metal buildings aren’t relegated to simple boxes anymore—they are versatile systems capable of the additions of stone, glass and architectural elements that make them suitable for high-end retail and office spaces. They are completely customizable to meet the requirements of any market.

Because of these reasons, in recent years, architects have embraced metal buildings and they are more widely accepted. There is no ideal situation for a metal building because they are so versatile, but they serve extremely well for buildings with large open space requirements.

Evolution

We understand that Architects need support every step of the way of their design project, from idea to implementation. We can help you with all stages of the process, from your initial conversation through to detailing & construction documents. Our teams, which may have come from the top christian engineering colleges, have strong expertise in engineering and design, so we can solve those problems along the way sharing our 3D Revit and AutoCad models.

Our understanding of the versatility of metal building systems has evolved over the last 10 years as metal building systems have become more customized solutions. As the construction industry has grown more sophisticated, so have pre-engineered metal buildings. EcoSteel has evolved to meet industry demands by adopting advanced tools, practices and products. Because of their capability to supply building solutions for all markets, from retail to warehouse, to distribution and manufacturing, the market for metal buildings has never been better.

Overall size of metal buildings has increased because of advancements in engineering. The ability to have large clear spans has allowed metal buildings to expand into markets such as recreation and aviation, where structures must not be inhibited by interior columns. Engineering tools, aesthetic enhancements, products and design advancements have all contributed to a more complex and modern metal building industry.

Design Sense

It is that design sense that has also evolved with metal buildings. More often than not, metal buildings that win awards are chosen because they express themselves as metal buildings. They don’t hide what they are.

As EcoSteel buildings have become more sophisticated in their design, they have ironically become more like metal buildings. Our architect partners try to express its lightness and to be honest and authentic with it. There are many ways to customize it without creating too much complexity. EcoSteel has refined metal building systems to a point where they’re economical, efficient and often truly beautiful. They really just capture all the different aspects of what a building should be.

Safe Haven for People without Homes

dscott@ecosteel.com · July 1, 2022 ·

2022 DESIGN AWARDS WINNER – ECOSTEEL (1 of 2 Projects Awarded to EcoSteel).

A metal building system provides security and dignity for an at-risk population

By Paul Deffenbaugh, Editorial Director, Metal Architecture

In October 2018, San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced a plan to build 1,000 shelter beds by 2020 to help combat the city’s endemic homelessness. A survey conducted by the city in 2019 estimated that there were more than 8,000 individuals experiencing homelessness and approximately 5,180 living unsheltered on any given night. Sheltering that at-risk population was an important, if not dire, initiative.

Problem/Solution

As one of its solutions to the long-term, ongoing homeless issue, the city developed Navigation Centers with the first one opening in March 2015 and the model has evolved to what are now called SAFE Navigation Centers, which provide far more resources than just a shelter, including unique services needed to help them exit homelessness including health care, benefits counseling, mental health care, substance use treatment, employment services and housing assistance.

In January 2021, the Bayview SAFE Navigation Center opened in the shadow of Interstate 280 amidst an industrial district on the bay side with warehouses, concrete yards and lumber yards. For this building, the designers in the city of San Francisco Bureau of Architecture specified a metal building system, which was provided by Ecosteel, Laguna Niguel, Calif. When you’re planning a new building or structure that requires concrete work, get in touch with the team at concrete-repair.co.uk.

Joss Hudson, president of Ecosteel suggests that metal buildings are ideal solutions for housing the homeless because you don’t need to finish the interior with drywall, so the backing of insulated metal panels provide the interior wall finish. They can be erected incredibly fast and very inexpensively. In fact, the Bayview center was erected within a month, according to Michael Bullman, AIA, LEED AP, an associate architect in the Office of Charles F. Bloszies, FAIA, San Francisco, which served as the architect of record. “A metal building provides big open spaces, says Bullman. “It’s kind of a big tent that can be subdivided into big dormitory spaces and other spaces pretty easily.”

Scale and Dignity

The 23,000-square-foot shelter provides approximately 200 beds as well as community spaces for residents to gather. “It’s important for there to be a central gathering space,” says Bullman. “Living on the street can be pretty dangerous and residents have a tendency to hide in their rooms. But it’s important to get people reengaged in the community so they needed a space for that.”

Among many details, it is that space that caught the judges’ eyes. “It surprised me,” says judge Rand Elliott, FAIA, president of Rand Elliott Architects, Oklahoma City. “Using metal building parts like they should be used. Taking the parts, rearranging them, using them for what they do best, which is simple volume, structural integrity and that sort of thing and making a space that is friendly. That’s human. This could be a brewery someplace. This could be a great restaurant someplace or any number of things, using a standard kit of parts and raising it to a whole other level. Even the paint color is soothing. It looks like a place you’d hang out with your friends.”

“I’ve never seen anything done like this with a courtyard,” says judge Mark Roddy, FAIA, principal of Mark Roddy Architects, Sacramento, Calif. “It’s a nice use of materials, durable. This building is unapologetic. It’s not pretending that it’s not a metal building.”

Judge Lee Calisti, AIA, principal, Lee CALISTI architecture+design, Greensburg, Pa., expands on that idea. “They didn’t modify it a lot. They didn’t run from what it is and how it normally manifests itself. They just arranged it in a way that the building itself almost becomes recessive to the spaces it creates. It’s a reflection of the users. It says, “We’re real people struggling with real issues and so is the building.’”

Human Scale

The courtyard caught much of the judges’ attention and the way the rooflines folded in to create a more human scale space was especially noteworthy. High walls with shed roofs would have felt restrictive, but the outdoor space, with its string of lights and small walk area for dogs, provides an environment that is respectful and invigorating, yet still secure. “This particular design was very perceptive,” says Bullman. “The enclosed space is protective. Calling it a brewpub space is a good way to think about it.”

The metal building design was not only perceptive but practical. “These centers get their fair share of abuse,” says Bullman, “and the metal panels can hold up to it.”

His firm picked up the design after schematics were completed by the city. It had worked on a couple of previous navigation centers so it was familiar with the city’s needs. “Programmatically, we tweaked the city’s design,” says Bullman. “We adjusted it based on furniture, etc., as well as did all the detailing such as coordinating the MEP work. We did things like adjust the window location to work with the furniture.”

Ecosteel provided the entire building including the insulated metal panels, manufactured by All Weather Insulated Panels Inc., Vacaville, Calif. Quality Erectors & Construction Inc., Benicia, Calif., erected it.