What if buildings could make us healthier?

What if buildings could make us healthier? We track steps, calories, heart rates—so why not architecture? When we talk about improving buildings, the conversation is usually cosmetic or mechanical: add a plant here, throw in some double glazing, maybe upgrade the……

Beat the Pennsylvania 2021 IECC Update Deadlines

The construction landscape across Pennsylvania is undergoing a massive shift. As of January 1, 2026, the entire state officially adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). However, project teams are currently operating in a temporary grace period. That leniency……

The compactness ratio or Form Factor of a building

When addressing the energy efficiency of a building, one of the most important players in the game is the compactness of its thermal envelope. Is there a way to measure the compactness of a building? Yes: it’s the compactness ratio.