Facade apertures represent the realm of the exterior wall or facade, which establishes the connection between inside and out and makes it possible to illuminate and ventilate the spaces behind it. This volume deals with the various forms of openings, such as doors, windows, ventilation elements, and fixed glass panes, and their materialization, which also varies according to function; special attention is given to the subject of edges. Themes: Types and positions of openings Technical requirements Construction types Connections/edges

Glass construction is one of the most varied and innovative areas of structural design. Glass connects exterior and interior spaces; at the same time, it protects the interior space from the outside world. Its constructional possibilities go far beyond classical window constructions. Special glasses possess astonishing physical characteristics and can thus be used in varied and creative ways. Topics: Glass as building material Processing and finishing Applications Construction types Connections / Mountings

Successful project management of construction projects is largely dependant on the confident handling of construction costs and schedules. For contractors, the ability to reliably plan costs is an essential quality feature of a good architect, and hence one of the most important basics of project preparation. Cost estimation is also vital in preparing project budgets, and it particularly requires an efficient methodology that can immediately reveal possible planning-related cost overruns. Central key concepts such as cost variables or life-cycle costs, costing methods, and cost control methods form an essential repertoire for all practicing architects. Basics Budgeting explains cost planning processes during the planning and construction phase step-by-step and on a practical level, and describes in a clear and structured manner how to estimate and evaluate cost impacts and risks. Supported by practical tips, examples, and illustrations, the inexperienced planner learns the tools of the trade in order to enter the field of budget management informed and in step with actual practice

Once the design has been completed, the architects prepare the tender documents for the contractors, and provide support during the tender procedure. For the purpose of commissioning various building works it is necessary to set up building contracts which contain standard content as well as very individual provisions. The building contract and its extensive drawings and specifications are the basis for the building work; they must be understood by the supervising architect and implemented to create the building. The complexity and diversity of building contracts is increased by the fact that there is hardly a building contract that does not have to be modified after it has been signed. Basics Building Contract offers the typical structures and explanations, as well as the tools for creating project-specific contracts and understanding the inherent complexity.

Timber is one of the most elementary and oldest building materials used by mankind, and has still not lost any of its attractiveness and topicality. In many cultural spheres and climate zones, the primary construction methods of domestic architecture include both masonry construction and timber construction. However, this living, lightweight, and easy-to-work material has specific characteristics that impact on the way it is used in construction in different ways compared to other building materials. In order to develop high-quality designs that suit the material, architects need to be familiar with the specific characteristics of this building material and with the rules governing timber construction. The new edition of the successful Basics Timber Construction volume lists the most common solid timber construction systems, including that using solid timber wall elements, as well as the rules, applications, and the relevant details.

Buildings with wide spans, such as industrial plants and warehouses, are usually built with steel. The architect must understand the specific material properties and requirements of steel as a construction material, including its static properties, which influence dimensioning and profile selection. Step by step, Basics Steel Construction imparts the basic understanding needed for planning with steel as a building material.

A roof over one’s head is a basic need – it provides shelter from rain, wind and the cold. In addition to these requirements, the structure must be load bearing and stable. Out of traditional craftsmanship, roof shapes and typologies have developed that fulfill these tasks and endure to this day. Basics Roof Construction describes the different kinds of roofs and which advantages and disadvantages each of them has. It explains which tasks are performed by the structural elements and layers and how to account for these in planning construction. The objective is to provide students with the principles, properties and technical terms of construction so that they can implement this knowledge in concrete design plans: from building, to insulation and sealing, all the way to the basics of drainage.