Week 5- Walls

 Week 5 blog - Walls 

Framing Systems are intricate parts of a wall. Framing systems include Stud walls, Concrete and Masonry Bearing walls and Structural frame walls. Stud Walls are built from wood or light-gauge steel. Standard sizes for stud walls are 2x4 or 2x6. Standard spacing for studs is 12", 16"' or 24" on center. After framing sheathing plywood or OSB is added. OSB is less expensive than plywood. Both products contain adhesives and formaldehyde that are toxic. Concrete and Masonry Bearing Walls are made from brick, stone or reinforced cement. Challenges of concrete and masonry bearing walls include placement of electrical wiring, boxes and switches, penetrations of plumbing and HVAC, and attachment of interior finish materials and artwork. 

Insulation is important when considering walls. Traditional materials used for insulation include cellulose, batt, and rigid. Alternative materials used for insulation include recycled paper, recycled blue jeans, natural fibers like lamb's wool, icynene-castor oil spray. Vapor Retarders help with condensation within walls which occurs when there is a substantial difference between inside and outside temperatures. A vapor barrier is installed closer to the warmer side- this depends on the climate. 

Exterior and interior materials

Exterior materials include certified wood shingles or boards, concrete, stucco, and siding. Interior Wall Substrate Materials are gypsum Wallboard (also called dry wall or sheet rock), which is the most

commonly used product. Plaster is more sustainable but more labor intensive. 

Wall Finish- Interior

There are many methods to finishing an interior wall: Paint is almost always used on the interior surfaces of a building. Tile is typically installed in a wet area, over cement board to avoid water penetration. Tile has different sizes and shapes. They can add beauty and texture to a room and create direction depending on the shape. Tiles can dictate the style of an interior and create a sense of culture. Wood paneling can be applied to the wall studs or directly over gypsum board. Wood finishes include wall panels, wainscot, shiplap, board and batten. Brick and stone can be a continuation of the exterior wall or a decorative applied finish. They bring warmth and a natural element to the interior and create a focal stunning point. Wall textiles including fabric, paper or carpeting.

Interior detailing includes moldings. Moldings are referred to as trim and used to conceal the transition between perpendicular surfaces and changes in material. Cornice or Crown molding is used in ceiling to wall connection. Casework (Built-in Furniture) is another common interior detailing. Designers should be aware of joinery types; materials used for casework and hardware options. 

Doors and windows

Doors are mostly made from wood or steel materials. There are many different configurations and styles of doors in design. Windows are very similar to doors and generally made from wood or metal and interior windows are made from aluminum and steel. Windows and doors represent one of the most important components of the building envelope. Most air leakage occurs around window and door openings, but they are an integral part of a sustainable design solution. 

Steelcase in a company that designs furniture. This assignment I got familiar with their commercial products. On their website I went to the Research 360 tab and looked at the Case study of The Possibility of Privacy through different partitions. There were a lot of interesting examples, and it helped me understand how I can use partitions in my own ensign to create privacy. I also looked at a case study called the Hybrid Privacy Crisis that used different types of partitions in their office designs to give a private setting to their staff.