A good construction manual is a must have for any architect’s library.
The Modern Construction Handbook by Andrew Watts is in my opinion one of the best construction manuals these days, covering construction systems in an extensive way. The best of this book are the details: good quality of the drawings and 3D sections that help you understand the details in a better way.
Construction manuals tend to be very outdated, even if they are brand new. On the contrary, this book includes a whole section on energy and alternative materials, along with a section called “Future” which helps us resolve complex geometries, twisted facades, new glazing systems and more.
The book has 500 pages printed in good quality paper, something very important for a book that you will be constantly flipping when needing help on a project.
More images about the book, along with the full index so you can see if it fits you after the break:
The Modern Construction Handbook has become a building construction classic. Its systematic approach with chapters on materials, walls, roofs, construction and environment offers clear and efficient orientation.
The second edition underwent a considerable expansion and has been thoroughly updated:
Digital fabrication techniques are included and presented in an instructional book for the first time, in addition to traditional production processes - Constructive building principles are shown with new, color 3D drawings and illustrated with photos of built examples of the work of renown architects - More and densely packed information provided by 3D drawings of the individual components and structures - Glossary following every chapter containing explanations of terminology and related information - Environmental aspects and properties of the different materials - New design and rendering methods such as parametrical design, CAD/CAM and 3D Modeler are explained, shown and integrated in the respective chapters.
- SpringerWienNewYork
Publisher: SpringerWienNewYork Author: Andrew Watts Layout and Cover Design: Yasmin Watts
Language: English Cover: Hardcover Pages: 504 Illustrations: 1000 color illustrations Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.5 x 1.6 inches ISBN: 978-3-211-99195-4
Index
Introduction
Introduction to Second Edition Changes from the First Edition Structure of this book
1. Materials
Taxonomy of material systems Structure and envelope Digital tectonics Parametric design
Tectonics in metal Steel Aluminium Copper, zinc and lead
Tectonics in glass Glass
Tectonics in concrete Concrete
Tectonics in masonry Masonry Concrete block Stone Brick
Tectonics in plastics Plastics and composites
Tectonics in timber Timber Fabrics and membranes
Internal walls Fixed and demountable Plaster systems Wallboard systems
Floors Ceilings
2. Walls
Trends in facade design Generic wall types
Metal Sheet metal Profiled cladding Composite panels Rainscreens Mesh screens Louvre screens
Glass systems Stick systems Unitised glazing Clamped glazing Bolt fixed glazing Glass blocks and channels Steel windows Aluminium windows Timber windows
Concrete Cast in situ Storey height precast Small precast panels
Masonry loadbearing walls
Masonry cavity walls Brick Stone and block Masonry cladding Masonry rainscreens
Plastic Plastic-based cladding Plastic rainscreens
Timber Timber frame Cladding panels
3. Roofs
Trends in roof design
Metal roofs Metal standing seam Profiled metal sheet Composite panels Rainscreens Metal louvres
Glass roofs Greenhouse glazing and capped systems Silicone-sealed glazing and rooflights Bolt fixed glazing Bonded glass rooflights
Concrete Concealed membranes Exposed membranes Planted roof
Timber roofs Flat roof: mastic asphalt coverings Flat roof: bitumen-based sheet membranes Pitched roof: tiles
Plastic roofs GRP rooflights GRP panels and shells
Fabric systems ETFE cushions Single membrane: cone-shaped roof Single membrane: barrel-shaped roof
4. Structure
Material systems for structures
Braced frames Reinforced concrete Steel Timber
Portal frames
Loadbearing boxes Reinforced concrete Brick Glass
Trusses
Arches and shells
Space grids
Floor structures Cast in situ / cast-in-place concrete Precast concrete Steel and steel mesh Timber Glass
Stairs Concrete Steel Timber Glass
5. Environment
Energy and the building envelope
Double skin facades Environmental studies for envelopes
Analysis for design Solar radiation Daylight Embodied energy
Passive design Natural ventilation Solar shading and daylight controls Solar power Solar heating
Low energy material systems Straw bales and hemp Rammed earth, cob and adobe bricks Green oak and bamboo Green walls
Active design Liquid based heating/cooling systems Mechanical heating/cooling systems Electrical lighting Fuel and water supply
Support services Sanitation and drainage Fire control Maintenance and cleaning Lifts
6. Future
A future for building construction Folded glazing Metal solar shading: louvres and mesh Triangular panels for twisted facades Twisted panels with flat glass for twisted facades Moving shading panels Precast concrete panels for facades of complex geometry Glazing systems with integral solar shading Stick glazing for double facades Shingled glazing for facades of complex geometry Variable concrete panels for solar shading Structural facades of complex geometry Facade with integrated furniture
References
Glossary of terms Authorship Photo credits Index
