The Ultimate Guide to Construction Processes and Sustainability
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
Definitions
BIDS: a proposal for construction including costs and materials
CONTRACTS: a legally binding document detailing costs and responsibilities
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS: the paperwork containing the details of a construction project
FRAMING: the process of building the underlying structure of the building
WIRING: the system by which electricity is distributed through a building
WALK-THROUGH: an inspection done by a client prior to moving in
INSTALLATION: the process of putting fixtures into a building
FINISHING: the process of covering rough surfaces and installing hardware
Key Concepts
Bidding is the first phase of the construction process.
The inspection ensures the safety and quality of the building.
During excavation, the builders discovered that the ground was too soft for building.
The architect changed the plans for the plumbing in the bathroom.
To break ground at a site is to begin construction.
To grade a site is to level the soil for the foundation.
Example Conversation
LISTENING: TRUE, FALSE, FALSE
Architect: Hi, Angela. I want to give you an update on the construction process.
Client: That would be great, Ben. Did they break ground on schedule?
Architect: Yes, they did. They’re in the excavation process now.
Client: Okay. When will that be finished?
Architect: I think they’ll be ready to grade and pour the foundation next week.
Client: All right. And when will they start framing?
Architect: My best guess would be in about two weeks.
Client: That seems slow. Can we ask her to hurry up?
Architect: Well, I’d prefer that she work at her own pace. I’ve worked with this contractor before. She isn’t fast, but she gets everything right the first time.
Client: All right, I guess that’s a good thing, then. Keep me updated if the timeline changes.
Architect: I will. I’ll also send you some of the construction documents.
Client: I’d appreciate that. Thank you.
PREFABRICATION
Definitions
PREFABRICATED: The city decided to use factory-made elements for the new housing project.
OPTION: For some people, traditional construction is not a(n) choice.
MASS-PRODUCED: made in very large quantities
ELEMENTS: a component of a larger whole
UNIFORM: Inspectors at the factory make sure their products are all the same.
ON-SITE: done at a final location
TRANSPORT: The contractor hired a shipping company to move the building elements.
ASSEMBLE: The parts turned out to be difficult to put together.
OFF-SITE: done somewhere other than the final location.
HOUSING UNITS: a space intended as a private residence.
PREFORMED: made in advance.
QUALITY CONTROL: a process of ensuring manufactured goods meet certain standards.
LIMITS: to put restrictions on something.
Example Conversation
READING: TRUE, TRUE, FALSE
LISTENING: 1D, 2A
Engineer: Hi, I’m Lucy from the city engineering department. I’m here to talk about the Georgetown housing project.
Architect: Hi Lucy, I’m Keith. So the city is considering prefabricated housing?
Engineer: Yes, that’s right. I was hoping you could give me some insight about mass-produced housing.
Architect: Sure, I’d be happy to. What’s your main concern?
Engineer: Well, we’re just not sure if on-site assembly is going to be as fast as we want it to be.
Architect: Well, it’s definitely fast. In my opinion, it’s the quickest way to build a large number of housing units.
Engineer: That’s encouraging.
Architect: But, on the other hand, the city will have to set a high standard of quality control.
Engineer: I see. Will prefabrication limit our layout options?
Architect: There aren’t many options to choose from, but for this project, I don’t think it’ll be an issue.
Engineer: All right. Thanks for your input, Keith.
PORTFOLIOS
Definitions
COLLECTION: a number of items grouped together
WORK: something produced as part of someone’s job
PORTRAIT: a layout that is taller than it is wide
LANDSCAPE: a layout that is wider than it is tall
A1: a 23.39 by 33.11 inch page size
A3: an 11.69 by 16.54 inch page size
ON SCREEN: displayed on a computer or other digital display
DOUBLE PAGE SPREADS: a layout that continues across two pages
Key Concepts
A page with golden section dimensions is more visually appealing.
I saved my electronic portfolio onto a flash drive so I can display it on a computer.
The architectural firm liked the layout of my portfolio.
I used a projector to display my designs on a larger screen.
If images have low resolution, they might be blurry.
The ISO makes sure that page sizes are the same in different countries.
Example Conversation
READING: FALSE, FALSE, TRUE
LISTENING: 1B, 2C
Representative: Hello, you’ve reached Anderson Design. How may I help you?
Applicant: Hi. I have an interview next week, and I have a few questions.
Representative: Of course. I’ll try to answer them.
Applicant: Okay. First off, what portfolio size does your firm prefer?
Representative: Well, if you bring a physical portfolio, we request that it fits the A1 ISO layout. However, we actually prefer electronic portfolios.
Applicant: Oh, that’s great. If I bring an electronic portfolio, will it be shown on-screen or projected?
Representative: We’ll probably project it in one of our conference rooms.
Applicant: In that case, should I bring any equipment?
Representative: No. We have computers, projectors, and screens. All you need is your portfolio.
Applicant: What sort of media should I bring it on?
Representative: A CD or USB drive will do. Or we can access your online web portfolio. I’d bring two formats though.
Applicant: Why is that?
Representative: So you’ll have a backup if something goes wrong.
Applicant: That’s a great idea. Thanks. You’ve answered all my questions.
Representative: No problem. Good luck on your interview.
SUSTAINABILITY 1
Definitions
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: the effect that something has on the natural world
SUSTAINABLE: continuing for a long time without destroying resources
GREEN CONSTRUCTION: the act of building in a way that minimizes harm to the natural world
RAMMED EARTH: a building material made with gravel, clay, and sand
STRAW BALES: a building material made with dried, compressed plant stems
COB: a building material made with clay and straw
TIMBER FRAME: the process of creating structures with wooden beams
RECYCLED MATERIALS: an object or substance that is used and then processed for use again
Key Concepts
Cordwood construction uses both wood and masonry.
The architects took a pledge to minimize their ecological footprint.
The reclaimed lumber is from a barn that was recently demolished.
A(n) earthbag is made mostly of dirt.
An environmental group praised the architect for using various methods of natural building.
The city promises to reduce the use of new materials and use recycled products instead.
Adobe is mostly made of clay, sometimes with no other ingredients.
Example Conversation
LISTENING: FALSE, TRUE, TRUE
Architect: Hi, Kevin. Come on in and have a seat. Let’s talk about your new house.
Client: Thanks. So, I’ve been reading a lot lately about sustainable building. Is that something you do?
Architect: Absolutely. We’re always looking for ways to reduce our ecological footprint.
Client: I’m glad to hear it. What materials do you recommend?
Architect: There are lots of options. Most people prefer traditional methods like timber frame.
Client: But that’s not sustainable, is it?
Architect: It can be. That is, if you use recycled materials, like reclaimed lumber.
Client: Oh, I see. What other materials are available?
Architect: Well, we’ve built a few local homes using straw bales. They provide excellent insulation in this climate.
Client: Hmm. I don’t know about that. That doesn’t sound very durable.
Architect: It does have its drawbacks. By themselves, straw bales can easily retain too much moisture and rot.
Client: That doesn’t sound good at all. There must be a better way.
Architect: Well, we could look at adobe. But we’ll need to add an additional material for insulation.
Client: That sounds better. Let’s explore that option.
SUSTAINABILITY 2
Definitions
REPURPOSE: to use something again after it is no longer needed for its original purpose
HEAT FLOW: the movement of warmth from one area to another
THERMAL MASS: the quality that affects how well something prevents temperature fluctuations
BOTTLE WALLS: a structure built with reused glass containers
OFF THE GRID: existing without a connection to public utilities
PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGNS: a heat regulation system that depends on the seasonal position of the sun
CONVECTION: the movement of gases or fluids from one area to another
Key Concepts
The architect created walls made of scrap tires and rammed earth.
The builders installed energy-efficient windows in the new house.
Lots of skylights will reduce the need for artificial light.
The building is earth-bermed, so it’s partly underground.
Electric lights can run on energy from the photovoltaic panel.
The rainwater harvesting system is connected to the bathroom shower.
Gray water must be filtered before it can be used again.
Thick walls create a heat sink and keep the house cool.
Example Conversation
READING: FALSE, TRUE, FALSE
LISTENING: 1D, 2C
Architect: Okay, Ms. Gellar. I scheduled you for the model home tour tomorrow.
Client: I’m looking forward to it. These energy-efficient NatraHomes sound really interesting.
Architect: They are. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can live off the grid.
Client: So what features will I see tomorrow?
Architect: This particular model has a passive solar design.
Client: That sounds fancy. What does that mean?
Architect: It’s actually very simple. Its roof and windows are designed to maximize energy from the sun. It works in the summer and the winter.
Client: Wow. That sounds like a great idea.
Architect: It sure is. And the electricity comes from photovoltaic panels.
Client: Oh, I like those. So this house really runs off the sun, doesn’t it?
Architect: That’s a good way to put it. But it also has a great system for processing water.
Client: Oh, I hadn’t thought of that. How does that work?
Architect: It’s a rainwater harvesting system. It turns rainwater into drinkable water.
Client: Really? Well, this just keeps sounding better and better. I definitely want my next home to have those features.
QUALITIES OF AN ARCHITECT
Definitions
DEDICATED: committed to an idea or purpose
COMPUTER SAVVY: educated and skilled in the use of current technology
ORGANIZED: skilled with planning and arranging in an orderly manner
PATIENT: able to handle situations calmly and without rushing
ATTENTION TO DETAIL: ability to identify and appreciate small aspects of the overall whole
ARTISTIC: having a strong aesthetic sense
OUTSIDE THE BOX: done in an atypical or unconventional way
LOGICAL: able to solve problems rationally
Key Concepts
A persistent person will not give up easily.
Creative people come up with unique ideas.
Hardworking people put a lot of effort into their work.
Enthusiastic people are very passionate about what they do.
Example Conversation
READING: 1B, 2A, 3D
LISTENING: TRUE, FALSE, FALSE
Interviewer: Hi. I’m Kathryn Stevens. Are you here for an interview?
Applicant: Yes, I am. I’m Rob Lewis. It’s nice to meet you.
Interviewer: Let’s get started. First off, we’re looking for someone who can use the new drafting software. Are you pretty computer savvy?
Applicant: Yes. I’m familiar with all the latest design software.
Interviewer: Great. And would you say you’re a creative thinker?
Applicant: Yeah, I try to think outside the box as much as possible.
Interviewer: Could you give me an example of a time you solved a problem creatively?
Applicant: Well, my client’s kitchen was small, but she wanted lots of counter space. So, I designed a drop-leaf kitchen island.
Interviewer: Fantastic. And what makes you the ideal candidate for our firm?
Applicant: Well, I try to be both creative and logical. I’m also very organized. A lot of artistic people aren’t very organized.
Interviewer: That’s definitely true. Well, I can’t offer you the job until I talk to my partners. But we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Applicant: Great.
DESCRIBING MATERIALS
Definitions
DURABLE: not easily broken
OPAQUE: not able to be seen through
HARDNESS: the quality of how firm or solid something is
RIGID: maintaining a form and not stretching easily
ELASTIC: able to stretch easily
HEAVY: having a great weight
Key Concepts
The wall was brittle, so it cracked easily.
The architect installed a(n) transparent panel to let in more light.
The flexible sealant can be squeezed into small spaces.
The door is lightweight, so one person can easily carry it.
Example Conversation
READING: 1A, 2D, 3A
LISTENING: TRUE, FALSE, TRUE
Architect 1: Are you working on the airport storage sheds?
Architect 2: Yes. I can’t decide on the building material. What would you use?
Architect 1: Hmm. Well, it certainly needs to be durable.
Architect 2: Oh, definitely. There’s a lot of nasty weather out there.
Architect 1: I’d probably go with something lightweight, though.
Architect 2: That’s a good point. These sheds are supposed to be portable.
Architect 1: Yeah, I think a newer material is the way to go.
Architect 2: You’re probably right. I’ll check out some strong, rigid plastics.rong, rigid plastics.