Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction [Hardcover]

I have been an architect for many years, but most of my work has been on large scale commercial projects, so I approached this book as someone that knows about construction, but also as one wanting a refresher on residential construction.

The introductory notes to Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction (AGS Res) set high expectations. The Publisher says that the book "captures the best practices and current standard of care in residential construction." The AIA's notes state that the second edition "becomes the new authoritative source on residential construction." and the Editor-in-Chief says "every page is rich with graphics to represent how residential structures are built and text to describe why they are built that way." Hyperbole aside, with over 666 pages dense with information, the book is impressive. But can you find what you need, and how easy is it to find?

Reading through the book I found a wealth of information, but found it a challenge to coax information from the book when searching for something specific. I found the AGS Res Index somewhat pedantic and oddly unhelpful. Looking for green roofs or specifications? They are not in the index, but try "vegetated roof or project manual" and you will find that information.

There is no bibliography. Contributors of information and references are noted in the body of the book, but a comprehensive bibliography would have been a nice addition. In fact, the book would have done well to emulate the listing of website resources and Professional and Trade Associations categorized by CSI Divisions that are included in the 3rd edition of Building Construction Illustrated, by Ching and Adams. A listing of the CSI master format divisions would also be handy.

The new references to the International Residential Code (IRC) are a great addition to the book, but are missing a few items that would make them more useful. First, I could not find what edition of the IRC was used until a discussion of energy codes in the electrical section, halfway through the book. Second, where is the fire sprinkler requirement (R313) referenced? Finally, a note indicating that the IRC is available online for free would be useful.

Prior to opening the book, I came up with 3 specific construction types related to colder climates that I wanted to know more about - a concrete/insulation sandwich (Thermomass) wall, a wall with a majority of the insulation on the outside of the sheathing (a REMOTE wall), and double stud walls. I could find none of these in AGS Res. The book does have sections on ICFs, SIPs, straw bale construction and log construction. I also found some information on the r-values of glass block that I had not been able to find anywhere else.

Construction details are often vetted by ease of construction, cost and performance over time, so change slowly. This is reflected in AGS Res. Most of the details in the book are very familiar, but newer information seems under-represented and often handled by notes rather than drawings. For example, I was concerned about the vast number of wall section details that seemed to have no concern for thermal bridging, insulation, air barriers and vapor barriers. This information was not covered in the details, but rather in notes later on in the section. As a result, unless you already know what to do, or are very familiar with AGS Res, you would probably be missing some key parts of a successful detail.

The drawings themselves are in general quite good, but vary in consistency. Sometimes the details are complete and easily understood, while at other times the line weight concept is inconsistent and does not add clarity to what is going on. The drawing style is similar to the standard edition of Architectural Graphic Standards (or at least to the 7th edition that I own), but with lighter line weights.

In order to determine whether a wall will work in a certain climate zone it is often helpful to do some quick calculations. This is another area that is underrepresented in AGS Res. I miss the heat flow calculations that my older Architectural Graphic Standards has. Also, the newer Climate Zones of the International Energy Conservation Code are not to be found. AGS Res has the older heating degree days map. AGS Res does, however, include useful weather data from many US and Canadian cities, with average monthly heating degree days and winter design temperatures.

The short section on BIM versus CAD covers the basic concepts, but one would need to do a lot more research to be up and running with BIM

The sample project at the back of the book is also a good addition, although a paragraph extolling the benefits of the project manual style of material callouts would have been good, along with some explanation of how the specifications link to the products listed.

If I had to summarize my impressions of the book it would be this. Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction fits very well into the Architectural Graphic Standards family of books. It provides one with a huge amount of helpful information and a little knowledge. Whether it is little enough knowledge to be dangerous depends on the user.

Whether you're designing a new residential structure or renovating an existing one, this book is a must-have. Found exactly what I needed, including a reference to the building code--what a time-saver! Also have the CD-ROM version so that I could have the details to work with(Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction 1.0 CD-ROM (Ramsey/Sleeper Architectural Graphic Standards Series)

And, as I delve deeper into Building Information Modeling (BIM), I can really appreciate the organization. BIM needs you to think in terms of building elements, and that is exactly how this book is organized.

The code references that are included in the graphics make a great shortcut to being able to compare with my local code requirements. The contemporary issues is really a great guide for issues that are relevant to the residential designer and architect.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 5 reviews  4.6 out of 5 stars