Techniques & methods

A fundamental modern method combining concrete in compression with reinforcing steel in tension to form beams, columns, slabs, and walls.

High-strength tendons introduce compression in advance, reducing tensile cracking and enabling long spans.

Rolled sections and tubes create spans and story heights, while connections, fireproofing, and corrosion protection define the method.

Membranes and cables are prestressed into forms that remain in tension, covering wide areas with little weight.

A thin curved surface distributes load through membrane action and covers large spaces without deep beams.

Short members form a lightweight three-dimensional grid for broad prefabricated roofs.

A family of structural timber methods ranging from traditional frames to cross-laminated timber panels.

Vertical posts support horizontal lintels, the oldest skeletal principle for making openings and spans.

Shear connectors make steel and concrete act together, combining bending strength, stiffness, fire resistance, and construction speed.

Steel plates, pins, screws, and concealed slots connect CLT, glulam, and LVL for mid-rise and tall timber structures.

A diagonal structural grid carries gravity and lateral loads, making the facade part of the primary frame.

A non-load-bearing envelope is hung from the frame as stick-built or unitized panels to meet water, air, and thermal requirements.

Glass acts beyond infill, using point supports, bending, silicone, or spider fittings to minimize framing.

Multilayer ETFE film cushions form lightweight translucent roofs and facades.

Thin stone panels hang from anchors or rails so that the frame carries loads while the facade retains a stone appearance.

An outer brick leaf is separated from an inner wall by a drained and insulated cavity.

Glass fins or point fixings let glass itself resist lateral loads, minimizing conventional mullions.

Prestressed cable grids point-fix glass to create large lobby walls with minimal structural sections.

Temporary works, prestressing, and staged erection safely create structures fixed at only one side.

Brick and stone work in compression to form arches, vaults, and domes.

Low-processed, high-mass construction compacts local earth or assembles stone by weight and fit.

Foundations transfer building loads to competent soil or improve ground to control settlement.

Mechanical, electrical, data, and plumbing systems are integrated into structure, ceilings, shafts, and raised floors.

A raised-floor plenum integrates conditioned air outlets and cabling below removable panels.

CAD/CAM, CNC, robotics, and scanning cut, verify, and assemble nonstandard components.

Factory-made components or volumetric units are assembled on site to control schedule and quality.

Seismic systems resist earthquake energy, isolate the building from it, or dissipate vibration.

Laminated glass, frames, and anchors work as one system to absorb blast, impact, or forced-entry energy.

Layered control of water, air, and vapor prevents leakage, condensation, and heat loss.

Waterproofing, protection, drainage, filtration, soil, and planting turn a flat roof into an ecological water-control system.

Continuous insulation across balconies, parapets, frames, and fasteners prevents heat loss, condensation, and mold.

Temporary molds and supports carry wet concrete until it gains strength, and determine exposed-concrete quality.

Rising formwork casts cores, silos, piers, and towers continuously or story by story.

Basement excavation proceeds downward while the superstructure rises, controlling schedule and ground movement on constrained urban sites.

Soil nails, anchors, shotcrete, or retaining walls stabilize excavations and slopes around foundations.

Lime-based mortar repairs historic masonry in ways compatible with original permeability and movement.