Zonda - Resource Library

With the fluid nature of almost all industries today, partly due to societal disruptions caused by the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for businesses to be able to pivot their models and accommodate future changes with ease. Flexible design is imperative for adaptable commercial interiors, as is being able to divide space for different uses down the line.

This course will discuss how modular shelving and storage systems can help meet these important objectives. We will explore the components and design options for flexible shelving and storage systems and how they can help future-proof offices, retail stores, and hospitality facilities.

Sustainability, the ability to maintain a certain level of performance, for a determined amount of time. In this course, we will examine the 3 pillars of sustainability including the impact on the planet or environment, economic impact, and social acceptance. In addition, the course will explore the concept of resiliency and how building materials must be resilient to be sustainable.

Finally, the course will look at how cladding plays a role in these concepts by considering whether or note the material supports a minimal impact to the environment and a defense against elements - such as wind, rain, moisture, and UV rays - that could leave the structure intact with minimal maintenance.

Terra cotta is an ancient building material that has stood the test of time and is still being manufactured today for traditional roof tiles and innovative rainscreen wall cladding and sunscreen systems. Terra cotta's strengths in terms of thermal insulation, ease of installation, and aesthetic quality provide new scope for architectural creativity. This course will explore how architectural terra cotta products are sustainably manufactured, their key performance benefits, and the many design opportunities and applications available to architects who choose to design with sustainable and durable terra cotta building products..

High-quality architectural stone veneer is a lower-cost, easier to install, sustainable alternative to natural stone. Though traditionally more often used in exterior applications, stone veneer is making its way into more interior applications across a wide variety of industries.

This course will review performance and aesthetic characteristics of stone veneer and how it’s used in different applications. Learners will also explore how stone veneer contributes to biophilic design principles and helps architects specify for changing residential building trends.

Creating spaces that embrace nature have both physical and mental health benefits. These benefits enhance the occupants experience in an indoor space creating the ambiance of outdoor living. In this course, we will discuss how the exposure to nature through living green walls contribute to LEED, WELL, and other green rating systems. We will cover common places where you might find living green walls, and where exposure to nature can make a dramatic difference, including offices, hotels, retail shops, and healthcare. This course will examine different types of living green walls available, how systems are designed, installed, and maintained. In addition, the course will look at the latest large scale green wall technology and how it can be applicable to a variety of applications.

The proliferation of mid-rise, multi-family buildings in urban and suburban areas has prompted the need for greater scrutiny in how these buildings can resist lateral forces, particularly as they become taller and more complex in shape. This course will explore traditional construction solutions for multi-family projects, including mass timber framing and wood shear walls, and how alternative steel lateral systems can expand design capabilities and optimize projects by using off-site construction components.

Mitigating the intrusion of water and air through a structure is a primary concern for designers and contractors. By assessing the differences between traditional air- and water-resistive barriers and comparing them to newer technologies, specifiers can better avoid issues that lead to moisture concerns. Being aware of challenges to jobsite conditions and installation will further enable specifiers to choose the best weather-resistant barrier solution for their project’s building type.

PVC wall cladding is a superior option for interior surfaces in a wide variety of applications, including healthcare, hospitality, commercial and public facilities, and more. It’s a lightweight, customizable, sustainable solution that outperforms other cladding options. This course will explore different types of interior wall cladding and explain the benefits of PVC, including an active antimicrobial panel system. Learners will also explore specific applications for interior PVC cladding and review installation best practices to ensure a successful project.

Natural slate is long–lived, durable, fire resistant and waterproof. This revolution in cladding applications offers a modern, sustainable and easy to install alternative with unique character.

The University of North Dakota’s Wilkerson Commons, set to reopen this year, incorporates a terra cotta rain screen system integrated with a Hunter Xci Polyiso-based continuous insulation solution. Learn more about the university’s $29 million renovation.