Architectural Materials Course

Lesson 1 • Physical and Mechanical Properties

Covers strength, elasticity, hardness, and density as measurable material attributes. These properties directly determine suitability for structural and finish applications.

Lesson 2 • Thermal and Acoustic Properties

Examines how materials conduct, store, and resist heat and sound. Understanding these properties links material selection to occupant comfort and energy performance.

Lesson 3 • Material Categories and Classification

Introduces the primary families of building materials and their defining characteristics. Classification provides the framework for all subsequent material analysis in the course.

Lesson 4 • Reading Material Data Sheets

Teaches interpretation of manufacturer technical data sheets and standardised test reports. Accurate data reading is essential for comparing materials and verifying specification compliance.

Lesson 1 • Precast and Tilt-Up Concrete

Introduces factory-produced and site-cast panel systems for walls and structural elements. These methods offer speed and quality control advantages over cast-in-place concrete.

Lesson 2 • Masonry Wall Assembly and Detailing

Addresses cavity walls, veneer systems, and reinforced masonry construction details. Proper assembly prevents moisture infiltration and ensures structural continuity.

Lesson 3 • Concrete Mix Design Principles

Explains the role of cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures in determining concrete performance. Mix design choices directly affect strength, workability, and durability.

Lesson 4 • Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete

Covers rebar placement, prestressing techniques, and their effect on structural behaviour. These systems extend concrete's capacity to span and resist tension.

Lesson 1 • Architectural Metal Cladding

Covers aluminium, zinc, copper, and steel panel systems used as exterior and interior cladding. Finish, jointing, and substrate compatibility determine longevity and visual quality.

Lesson 2 • Structural Steel Shapes and Sections

Covers wide-flange, hollow structural, and built-up sections and their load-carrying behaviour. Section geometry determines moment of inertia, weight efficiency, and connection options.

Lesson 3 • Light-Gauge Steel Framing

Addresses cold-formed steel studs, joists, and track systems used in non-structural and load-bearing partitions. Gauge selection and bracing details determine wall performance and fire rating.

Lesson 4 • Steel Fabrication and Connections

Examines welding, bolting, and shop fabrication processes that translate design into physical assemblies. Connection type affects load transfer, ductility, and field erection sequence.

Lesson 1 • Wood Preservation and Finishing

Covers pressure treatment, natural durability ratings, and surface finishes that extend wood service life. Treatment selection depends on exposure conditions and occupant health considerations.

Lesson 2 • Light Wood Frame Construction

Examines platform and balloon framing systems, stud layouts, and sheathing integration. Framing geometry and sheathing type determine lateral resistance and thermal performance.

Lesson 3 • Wood Species and Grading

Introduces softwood and hardwood species, their growth characteristics, and visual and mechanical grading systems. Species and grade together determine allowable design values for structural use.

Lesson 4 • Heavy Timber and Mass Timber

Addresses post-and-beam, timber frame, and mass timber systems including CLT and NLT assemblies. These systems offer exposed structural aesthetics and favourable fire char behaviour.

Lesson 1 • Insulating Glass Units

Covers double- and triple-pane IGU construction, spacer types, and gas fills for thermal performance. IGU design directly affects U-value, condensation resistance, and acoustic performance.

Lesson 2 • Solar Control and Coatings

Examines low-emissivity coatings, solar control films, and fritted glass for managing solar heat gain. Coating position and type determine visible light transmittance and shading coefficient.

Lesson 3 • Curtain Wall and Window Systems

Addresses stick-built, unitised, and window wall systems as primary glazed envelope assemblies. System selection affects water management, thermal bridging, and installation sequence.

Lesson 4 • Structural Glazing and Point-Fixed Systems

Covers silicone structural glazing, spider fittings, and cable-net facades as frameless glazing solutions. These systems maximise transparency but require precise structural and sealant design.

Lesson 1 • Steep-Slope Roofing Materials

Examines asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tile, slate, and metal roofing for pitched applications. Slope, weight, and underlayment requirements vary significantly across steep-slope materials.

Lesson 2 • Below-Grade Waterproofing

Examines sheet-applied, fluid-applied, and crystalline waterproofing systems for foundations and below-grade walls. Hydrostatic pressure and soil conditions govern system selection and drainage design.

Lesson 3 • Roof Insulation and Thermal Control

Addresses polyisocyanurate, EPS, XPS, and mineral wool insulation boards used in roofing assemblies. Insulation placement relative to the deck determines vapour drive and condensation risk.

Lesson 4 • Low-Slope Roofing Membranes

Covers built-up roofing, modified bitumen, and single-ply membranes for flat and low-slope applications. Membrane type determines installation method, maintenance needs, and service life.

Lesson 1 • Paints, Coatings, and Adhesives

Examines latex, alkyd, and specialty coatings alongside flooring and tile adhesives for interior use. VOC content, sheen level, and substrate compatibility govern product selection.

Lesson 2 • Ceiling Systems and Acoustics

Addresses suspended acoustic tile, gypsum board, and specialty ceiling systems and their acoustic roles. Ceiling material and plenum depth together determine noise reduction and reverberation control.

Lesson 3 • Flooring Systems and Selection

Covers resilient, ceramic, stone, wood, and carpet flooring systems and their substrate requirements. Slip resistance, wear rating, and moisture tolerance determine fitness for each occupancy.

Lesson 4 • Millwork and Casework Materials

Covers solid wood, MDF, particleboard, and high-pressure laminate as substrates and surfaces for millwork. Material choice affects dimensional stability, machinability, and finish adhesion.

Lesson 1 • Material Compatibility and Interfaces

Addresses chemical, galvanic, and dimensional compatibility issues at material transitions and connections. Incompatible material pairings cause premature failure that specification must prevent.

Lesson 2 • Building Envelope Assembly Design

Integrates cladding, insulation, air barrier, and vapour control layers into a coordinated wall assembly. Each layer's position and continuity determines overall hygrothermal and energy performance.

Lesson 3 • Writing Construction Specifications

Teaches the three-part specification format covering products, execution, and quality control requirements. Precise specification language reduces substitution risk and field interpretation errors.

Lesson 4 • Life-Cycle Cost and Maintenance Planning

Applies life-cycle cost analysis to compare initial cost, maintenance, and replacement cycles across material options. Long-term cost modelling shifts material decisions beyond first-cost comparisons.