Using Natural Stone in Today’s Architecture: Stone Formation to Fabrication

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES), American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES) and .1 LU by the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC).

This course is an introduction to commercially available natural stones (Granite, Limestone, Sandstone, and Marble) as used in dimension stone production. Geology as it relates to each stone type will be provided to aid in understanding each stone type’s physical properties. Stone harvesting and fabrication will be discussed to educate and provide insight into quarry and production techniques that contribute to successful architectural projects (understanding quarries, color and natural markings as they relate to natural stone, etc). ASTM Testing procedures and relative values will be discussed in relation to the stone categories considered. Also discussed will be piece size and thickness as it relates to the use of each stone type and the effect of quarry type and technique.

Using Natural Stone in Today’s Architecture: Stone Design and Architecture

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES) and .1 LU by the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC). 

This course will focus on the architect’s sampling process, surface finishes, graphics, basic stone detailing, BIM object libraries, and will touch lightly on anchoring systems. The objective is to provide an understanding of available finishes, and design tools available to architects as they begin the design process and progress toward contract drawings. Consideration will also be given to budget pricing and cost implications of various design options.

Stone in Design: A Collaboration: Working with Stone Firms in the Early Design Phases

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES).

This course is intended to instruct attendees about the use of stone in projects as well as defining the key elements in the design process.

How to incorporate natural stone in modern campus design

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES).

In recent years, campuses across the country have experienced a rebirth in design. Designers are experimenting with traditional materials such as natural stone and incorporating them in modern applications. Buildings and hardscapes must present a timeless, iconic elegance designed with durability and longevity in mind. Beautiful plazas and natural settings bring students outside, while thoughtfully designed hardscapes connect multiple buildings and provide opportunities for students to connect and share ideas. At the same time, walking surfaces are tasked with handling the elements and wear and tear of high-traffic areas. Through case study examples, we’ll discuss how to incorporate natural stone into campus design for iconic, durable, low-maintenance and creative solutions.

PAVING WITH NATURAL STONE: WHY SETTING BED METHOD MATTERS

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES).

Natural stone offers one of the most durable and creative options for landscape paving. To ensure natural stone paving holds up to the projects demands such as location’s climate, intended use, it’s important to select the proper setting bed method for the project. This course will examine the advantages of four primary types of setting bed methods, environmental considerations and intended applications for each method. In addition, finish treatments for paving will be examined, especially for preventing slipping in wet or icy conditions.

How to Create Value for Owners using Natural Stone in Landscape Applications

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES).

In this course, participants will receive education through case study examples on creating value for owners of landscape projects using natural stone. Participants will lean how to bring their vision to reality with the selection and specification of stone that maximizes the material’s benefits. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to identify opportunities for incorporating stone into a project, while keeping budget in mind and providing owners with an enduring, environmentally sustainable solution.

DEMYSTIFYING NATURAL STONE: INCREASING PROJECT CREATIVITY THROUGH DESIGN/MANUFACTURING COLLABORATION

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES).

Innovative landscape architects are constantly looking for new ways to push the envelope of creativity. In this course we will examine built case studies that describe how collaboration at the different stages of design, fabrication and installation can lead to innovative design solutions.

wHAT MAKES STONE SUSTAINABLE?

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES), Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC), American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES), and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).

In this course, design teams will learn how to specify stone for sustainable projects and how certified stone aligns with leading green building certifications such as LEED v.4 and the Living Building Challenge.

WATER FEATURES AND NATURAL STONE: CONSIDERATIONS FOR DESIGN AND FABRICATION

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES) and .1 LU by the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC).

When set against a backdrop of natural stone, water features can take a variety of creative directions. Whether the goal is to create a design that’s tranquil, playful or dramatic, stone and water pair up beautifully and are natural complements to each other. When considering a stone-water combination, it’s important to understand which stones perform the best with water and how different fabrication techniques and finishes accomplish the designer’s vision. Precision fabrication techniques are an important consideration that allow designers to extend the limits creativity. This course will examine the elements of fabrication and stone selection to ensure a beautiful outcome with a stone-water design.

Achieving Stunning Results with Exterior Cladding

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES).

Natural stone has been the building material of choice since the beginning of time due to its strength and durability. With seemingly endless possibilities that can create a unique and dramatic exterior, natural stone cladding also delivers a striking aesthetic to projects big and small. By fully understanding natural stone cladding’s capabilities, design teams can push the limits of imagination and design a stunning project that will be an inspiration for years to come. This course will examine stone selection and fabrication, external forces affecting natural stone cladding, and the different cladding techniques used today.

Tour: Quarrying Natural Stone – Selection to Extraction

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES).

This course is to observe an operating quarry with an overview of granite geology and composition. Understand fundamentals of quarrying granite by viewing an extraction operation that results in commonly used material. Witness how employing industry best practices support sustainable operation goals toward social, economic and environmental responsibility.

Tour: Fabrication of Natural Stone – Processing that Meets Design Specifications

Program approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES).

This course is an overview of the equipment and sequence of fabrication processes used to create cuts and finishes per the design specifications for natural stone building products. Participants will recognize how architectural drawings translate into shop tickets and apply to the fabrication process. Illustrative examples of natural stone fabrication standards and how finished products are prepared for shipping and installation will convey realistic expectations in specifying design requirements for building and landscape projects.