Customer Reviews

Facade Construction Manual (Construction Manuals (englisch))

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I guess this is another Birkhauser "manual" series that are
indispensable for architects who's interests lie in
exterior detailing.

20% of the book pays attention to the dry stuff
(basic physics, structural issues, thermal & moisture
performances, etc) of exterior principles .

60%, obviously main body of book, introduces
different types of envelope systems based on materials.
Starting from stone, it covers clay, concrete, timber, metal,
glass, and plastics.

Last 20% of the book covers special facade systems that are
more relevant to recent sustainable consciousness.
Double-glass and solar manipulators are covered in addition to
solar energy concepts.

Contents of each section are typically covered in the order of
historical overview, material properties, and case studies.
If the prospect reader owns any of the "Construction Manual"
series by Birkhauser, then there is definitely many overlaps.
(Both in writings and case images provided)

One plus point is that the book can serve diverse audience group.
Depending on the years of experience in the profession,
projects provided are inspirational enough for students at school,
and at the same time, informative enough for project architects in
the office.

The real juicy part of the book is that the case studies provided are
very recent and experimental, hence eye-riveting. The detail drawings
are just enough to, not overburden us, but make us engaging. And there
are plenty of in-depth discussion on recent finds on preventive treatment
of each materials.

One caution. If the prospect reader is not good at reading dry
physics-like book (as is often the case with architects...),
I highly recommend skipping first 20% of the book for later read.

A valuable book enough to consider buying, however it is a little bit expensive....
Technical descriptions are valuable, very nice schematic drawings and example figures included.
Again, a little bit expensive book for its massive content (but not for technical content)...

excellent reference manual as all the books from the DETAIL series,... very recommended