The Construction Specifier

By Stephen Holland, P.E. and Josh Aisenberg, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB Photos courtesy Annum Architects Windows are an essential component of historic building facades. They define both the building’s exterior character and the relationship between occupants and the outside world. Eventually, a replacement project becomes necessary when the windows no longer perform their core functions. They may be leaking water, thermally inefficient, or too drafty for comfort.

By Tom Tietz Photo courtesy National Ready Mixed Concrete Association In the aftermath of the 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires, California has a pivotal opportunity to redefine fire resilience, not just for single-family homes, but for the full spectrum of community structures.

By Madison L. Di Vico and Kevin M. Black, P.E. Photo © Albert Vecerka/Esto Atriums are among the most compelling architectural elements in modern design. They invite daylight into buildings, connect levels with openness, and create a sense of spaciousness that is hard to match. Whether it is a soaring lobby, a central gathering space, or a featured staircase linking floors together, atriums have become a preferred design solution.

By The Construction Specifier The expansion adds an annual capacity of 35 million passengers. Photographs by Hufton+Crow Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in China has opened a new satellite terminal that ranks as the world’s largest by passenger traffic. Terminal 3B, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), doubles the airport’s capacity. A satellite terminal is a standalone building detached from the main airport complex. It is surrounded entirely by aircraft parking.

By The Construction Specifier Construction of the new campus is scheduled to finish in late 2026. Images courtesy HOK Construction has topped out on the Royal Caribbean Group’s expanded campus in Miami. The design for the 3,251 m2 (350,000 sf) building draws inspiration from the group’s cruise ships. The project, designed by HOK, is on the southwest corner of the Port of Miami. Construction will finish late this year.

By The Construction Specifier The desalter will boost water supply to Los Angeles County. Images courtesy WRD Officials in Torrance, Calif., have launched a major expansion of groundwater desalination to increase local drinking water supplies and reduce reliance on imported water. On June 10, the Water Replenishment District (WRD) and the City of Torrance held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Torrance Groundwater Desalter Expansion Project. The project will expand the Robert W.

This week’s quiz is from Towards a zero-waste future: Sustainability and design benefits of composite cladding. Composite cladding is helping architects and builders reduce waste while improving durability, aesthetics, and long-term performance. Test your knowledge of how sustainable cladding materials are shaping the future of building design.

This week’s quiz is from Stretching roofing budgets further: The case for silicone coatings in 2026. Rising material costs, tighter budgets, and aging roof systems are reshaping how contractors approach restoration projects. Test your knowledge of silicone roof coatings—from lifespan and energy savings to ROI and best-use scenarios—and see if you’re up to speed on one of commercial roofing’s fastest-growing restoration solutions.

QuietRock sound-reducing drywall gives today’s building professionals a powerful way to meet Sound Transmission Class (STC) expectations without compromising fire safety. With acoustic performance standards tightening, specifiers need solutions that deliver proven sound and fire resistance, code‑ready compliance, and fast, easy installation.

This week’s quiz is from Optimizing sustainability in building and design: Exploring low-impact furnishings. Sustainability in building design extends far beyond energy-efficient structures. From durable materials and healthy indoor air quality to responsible manufacturing and product transparency, low-impact furnishings play a critical role in creating greener spaces.