Ray Faulkner

1. Wallpaper Characteristics:

Plain Colors: Resemble paint but offer varied textures.

Textural Patterns: Active and pronounced, good for concealing minor

damage. Light-reflecting papers emphasize wall blemishes.

Abstract Patterns: Timeless, especially stripes and geometrics, ideal for walls.

Scenic Wallpapers: Create a mural-like effect, broadening or deepening

space through horizontal lines and perspective.

Bold Patterns: Reduce visual importance of furniture and people but create
focal points.

Isolated Motifs: Can make walls appear spotty.

2. Measuring and Estimating Wallpaper:

Wallpaper is sold in single rolls, though packaged in double, triple, or

quadruple bolts to reduce waste.

A single roll covers ~30 square feet, with ~6 square feet allowed for
cutting/matching.

To estimate: Measure total square feet (length × height of each wall).

Divide the total by 30, rounding up.

Adjust for irregular walls and subtract one roll per two standard openings
(e.g., doors/windows).

Large patterns may need up to 20% extra to align properly.

3. Vinyl Wallcoverings:

Similar to wallpaper but easier to apply and more durable. Vinyl:

Doesn’t stretch or tear easily.

Can be removed quickly, sometimes reusable.

Better for large, unbroken walls due to easier seam matching.

Available in commercial sizes (52 inches or wider), suitable for kitchens,

baths, and utility rooms.

Maintenance:

More durable but initially costlier.

Vinyl is scrubbable with soap and a soft brush, while vinyl-coated paper is
only washable with a damp sponge.

Can hide wall defects and provide sound insulation.

Often used as upholstery to match interior elements.

4. Wall Fabrics and Fibers:

Various fabrics have been used on walls historically, from nomadic tent
coverings to heavy tapestries.

Fabrics can be applied directly, using adhesives, Velcro, or by tacking.

Options:

Grass Cloth: Adds texture, glued to a paper backing.

Carpet: Provides sound/heat insulation and durability, with limited

color/texture options.

Hanging Panels: Heavy woven/stitchery panels act as partial walls or space

dividers.
 5. Cleaning and Maintenance:

Rough textures catch more dust but show less soil than smooth textures.

Removable fabrics can be washed or dry-cleaned, and soil-repellants reduce

cleaning effort.

Home Today and tomorrow

1. Wall Structure:

Interior walls in wood construction consist of studs spaced at intervals, with a

finish applied to both sides.

Load-bearing walls support the floors or roof above and should never be
removed unless a beam replaces it to support the upper structure. This is
crucial when remodeling or altering room size and shape.

2. Finishing:

A wide variety of wall materials are available, each with unique qualities like
color, texture, pattern, maintenance ease, sound absorption, installation
ease, and cost.

Plaster on lath is considered one of the best materials for interior wall and
ceiling finishes.
Plaster: Made of lime or gypsum, sand, and water, giving a smooth, hard,
white finish.

Lath: Nailed to studs, providing the base for the plaster. It can be made of
different materials.

3. Drywall Construction:

Since plaster on lath is costly, gypsum wallboard can be nailed directly to

studs, known as drywall construction.

Joints between wallboard layers are concealed with tape, and the surface is
either painted or papered.

After applying the wall finish, a cornice (trim around the top of the room
where the ceiling and wall join) is added.

4. Interior Wall Coverings (Table 8-A):

A comparison of materials with their characteristics, advantages, and

disadvantages:

Brick: Warm, earthy look; durable and fire-resistant but a poor insulator.

Concrete: Durable and fireproof, though colorless and a poor insulator.

Plaster: Smooth with no joints; durable but may crack.

Plastic: Comes in various textures and colors; easy to clean and install, but
new types aren’t fully tested.

Tile: Available in different sizes, shapes, and colors; durable, easy to clean,
and moisture-resistant but needs a strong base.

Wallboard: Smooth finish with taped joints; durable and moderately priced,
with fire resistance.

Solid Wood Panels: Offers natural wood color and grain; durable and easy to
maintain but costly.

Veneered Plywood: Provides the beauty of wood at a lower cost, reducing the
need for rare woods.

Inside Design

Report on Architectural Backgrounds and Walls

Introduction:

The successful design of interior spaces relies heavily on the integration of

visual elements such as walls, ceilings, doors, and woodwork. These
components collectively provide architectural character and contribute to the
overall atmosphere. Walls, in particular, play a crucial role in shaping the
perception and functionality of a space, serving as both structural supports
and visual backdrops.

Role of Walls in Interior Design:

1. Structural and Functional Purpose:

Walls provide protection from the elements and ensure privacy.

They define the shape, size, and character of interior spaces, influencing
household activities.

2. Visual and Aesthetic Impact:

Walls can act as either a neutral background or a bold statement piece,

depending on the design choices.

Active walls with dynamic patterns, bold colors, or textured surfaces create
focal points, while smooth, neutral-colored walls recede into the background.

3. Influence on Mood and Atmosphere:

Walls set the mood of a room by establishing a backdrop for furniture and
accessories.

Smooth surfaces reflect more light, creating a formal ambiance, while rough
textures provide a rustic, informal feel.

Wall Composition and Coverings:

1. Material Selection:

Durable materials like masonry, tile, wood, and plastic are ideal for high-
activity spaces or homes with children and pets.

Softer materials, such as fabric or cork, absorb sound, making them suitable
for noise control.

2. Sound and Light Absorption:

Hard surfaces like wood, metal, plastic, and glass reflect sound, making
noises more pronounced.
Smooth, light-reflecting walls brighten dim areas, while dark-colored, rough-
textured walls absorb light, reducing glare in bright spaces.

3. Active vs. Passive Walls:

Active walls use vibrant colors, bold patterns, or noticeable textures to

command attention.

Passive walls are painted in soft, neutral colors and serve as subtle
backdrops, allowing furniture or artwork to take center stage.

Flexibility and Mobility:

1. Movable Walls and Screens:

Mobile storage modules or screens offer flexible space division, especially in

large open areas like barns or lofts.

While they promote openness and fluidity, they may reduce privacy
compared to traditional floor-to-ceiling walls.
 2. Adaptability to Lifestyle:

Movable walls suit individuals who value flexibility and adaptability in their
living spaces, while others may feel they compromise security and
permanence.

Durability and Maintenance:

1. Material Durability:

High-traffic areas benefit from walls made of resilient materials, ensuring

longevity and easy maintenance.

Maintenance considerations should align with household activities and the

desired aesthetic.
Conclusion:

Walls are more than mere structural elements; they shape the character of a
space, influence mood, and reflect the lifestyle of the occupants. The choice
between active and passive designs, material selection, and attention to
sound and light absorption all contribute to creating a cohesive and
functional environment. Understanding the interplay of these factors is
essential for crafting personalized and harmonious interior spaces.

Home with character

Report on Wall Finishes and Paints

1. Importance of Wall Finishes in Interior Design:

Walls play a crucial role in interior design as they provide the background for
other furnishings.

The design of wall finishes should align with the room’s character, decorating
theme, and size/shape.

Wall finishes impact the atmosphere, making a room appear:

Spacious or crowded.

Formal or informal.

Exciting or relaxing.
Additionally, wall finishes can hide architectural defects or emphasize
attractive features.

2. Paint as a Wall Finish:

Paint is one of the most popular wall finishes due to its ease of application
and maintenance.

It offers unlimited color choices, with both ready-mixed and formula-mixed

options available.

Formula-mixed paint offers greater customization through paint-mixing

machines.

Paint cards help select colors by providing exact proportions for hundreds of
shades.

Colors take about 20 minutes to mix thoroughly.

3. Color Matching Tips:

When matching wall paint to furnishings like draperies or slipcovers, choose

a slightly lighter shade than the target color.
This compensates for the paint appearing darker once applied to the wall.

4. Types of Paints:

There are three major types of paints, each with distinct properties:

1. Latex Paint:

Preferred by DIY painters due to its ease of application.

Typically requires only one coat, has little odor, and dries quickly.

Water-soluble — brushes and rollers can be cleaned with water and

detergent.

Available in various finishes: flat, semigloss, or enamel.

Suitable for both interior and exterior use and applicable on surfaces like
plaster, wallboard, acoustic tile, masonry, and wood siding.

Special note: If applying latex over oil-based paint, a special undercoat is

required.

2. Oil-Base Paint:
Not discussed in detail, but known for its durability and smooth finish.

Requires special solvents for cleaning brushes and rollers.

3. Epoxy Paint:

Also not detailed but generally valued for its strength and resistance to
chemicals, making it ideal for high-traffic or industrial areas.

4. Recommended Paint Finishes for Different Rooms:

Flat Finish: Ideal for most rooms, except the kitchen and bathroom.

Semigloss or High-Gloss Finish: Recommended for rooms with steam or

grease, like kitchens and bathrooms, as they are easier to clean.

High-gloss paints are also used to cover wood trim.

5. Reasons for Paint’s Popularity:

Cost-Effectiveness: Painting is one of the least expensive ways to refresh

walls.
Accessibility: Almost anyone can successfully paint with the right tools and
minimal experience.

DIY Boom: The introduction of paint rollers and water-soluble paints

contributed to a rise in amateur painting, with over three-fourths of paint
purchases made by DIY enthusiasts.

Residential Housing – kick Lighter

Types of Walls: A Comprehensive Report

Walls are a fundamental part of any architectural structure, providing not only structural support
but also defining space, ensuring privacy, and enhancing aesthetic appeal. This report categorizes
walls into different types based on their function and construction, offering insights into their
significance in building design.

Definition of Walls
A wall is a solid structure that defines and protects an area. It most commonly supports a
building’s superstructure, separates spaces within buildings into rooms, or protects and
delineates spaces in the open air. Walls are essential elements in shaping the ambiance and
functionality of any space.

Types of Walls
Walls can be classified into several categories based on their purpose, structural characteristics,
and construction methods. The major types are:
1. Bearing and Nonbearing Walls

 Bearing Walls:
These walls support weight from the ceiling or roof, transferring the
load to the foundation. They are crucial for the stability of a structure.
 Nonbearing Walls:
Nonbearing walls do not carry any structural load other than their own
weight. They primarily serve to partition spaces within a building.

2. Structural Walls

Structural walls hold up the roof and provide stability to the structure. Common materials used
include stone, brick, wood, cement, and concrete blocks. These walls may also serve an aesthetic
purpose when left exposed indoors, enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship with their natural
textures.

3. Shared Walls

Shared walls are common walls between two neighboring properties, such as apartments or hotel
rooms. Special laws govern these walls to ensure alterations by one party do not affect the
structure or safety of the other side.

4. Portable Walls

Portable walls, like room dividers or cubicle panels, are movable partitions used to divide large
open spaces into smaller areas. They are commonly found in schools, churches, hotels, and
corporate facilities, offering flexibility in space management.

5. Ashlar Walls

Ashlar walls consist of dressed stones meticulously cut into rectangular cuboids with square
edges and even faces. These walls are typically used as alternatives to brick construction in
historic structures. When the height of ashlar blocks is less than 30 cm, they are referred to as
"small ashlars."

6. Separation Walls

Separation walls are designed to divide populations or areas, often for historical or political
reasons. A notable example is the Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Berlin during the
Cold War.
7. Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are built to hold back soil or water, providing support on sloped landscapes.
These walls prevent erosion and manage water flow. Examples include levees, load-bearing
foundation walls, and sea walls.

Principal Types of Structural Walls

Structural walls can be classified into three main types:

 Building Walls:
These walls support roofs and ceilings while also accommodating insulation, electrical
wiring, and plumbing. They can serve decorative purposes, with designs incorporating
mosaic work, murals, and various finishes.
 Boundary Walls:
Boundary walls mark property lines or ensure privacy. They differ from fences in
thickness and opacity, with walls being thicker and more solid.
 Retaining Walls:
As discussed earlier, these walls counteract the pressure from soil or water, ensuring
stability on uneven terrain.

Conclusion
Walls are indispensable components of architecture, serving both structural and aesthetic
purposes. From bearing the weight of a building to enhancing interior decor, they shape the
spaces we inhabit. Understanding the different types of walls enriches our appreciation of
architectural design and construction methods.

Walls – Construction Techniques and Types

Introduction

Walls form one of the three basic elements of any room, along with floors
and ceilings. They serve aesthetic, structural, and functional purposes, such
as providing privacy, defining space, and offering protection from external
elements. Their size and material influence the character of a home or room.

This report examines the construction techniques of various wall types and
offers insight into selecting appropriate wall treatments for both function and
decoration.

Wall Types

The two main types of walls in residential housing are:

Frame Walls

Masonry Walls

These walls have distinct characteristics, each with its own set of advantages
and disadvantages.

Bearing vs. Nonbearing Walls

Bearing Walls: Support weight from above, such as the ceiling or roof.

Nonbearing Walls: Do not support any additional weight beyond their own.
Frame Walls

Frame walls are constructed from regularly spaced studs attached to a sole
plate at the bottom and a top plate at the top. Most studs are made of 2x4-
inch wood boards, though aluminum and steel studs are also used. The
typical frame wall is 8 feet high, with studs spaced 16 inches apart—though
12, 16, or 24-inch spacings are possible.

Materials

Frame walls commonly use kiln-dried lumber with 15–19% moisture content
to prevent shrinking and warping. Popular types of construction-grade
lumber include:

Douglas Fir

Southern Yellow Pine

Hemlock

Spruce

Larch

Types of Frame Walls

Interior Frame Walls: Called partitions, they are typically nonbearing.

Exterior Frame Walls: Usually bearing walls, providing structural support and
weather protection.

Covering Materials

The most widely used material for covering frame partitions is gypsum
wallboard (drywall), consisting of a chalk-like gypsum core sandwiched
between heavy paper surfaces. Drywall comes in sheets measuring:

4x7 ft to 4x14 ft

Thicknesses: ¼, 3/8, ½, and 5/8 inches

When single thickness drywall is used, interior frame walls are about 4 ½
inches thick—the thickness of the stud plus two layers of ½-inch drywall.

Windows and Doors in Frame Walls

Openings for windows and doors require reinforcement to handle the weight
above them. This is done using:

Lintel: A horizontal support beam above openings.

Cripple Studs: Short studs placed below window openings for added support.
Masonry Walls

Masonry walls are constructed from durable materials like concrete blocks,
bricks, and stone. They offer high compressive strength, sound insulation,
and weather resistance, making them popular for both interior and exterior
applications.

Materials

Concrete Blocks: Standard size is 8x8x16 inches.

Bricks: Vary in size but commonly measure 3 5/8 x 2 ¼ x 8 inches.

Stone: Used for specialized applications, offering unique aesthetics and

durability.

Construction Techniques

Masonry units are bound with mortar.

Openings require lintels for structural support.

Veneer Walls: A thin layer of brick or stone attached to a frame wall using
metal ties every 2 square feet. Veneers provide aesthetic appeal without
contributing to structural integrity.

Advantages of Masonry Walls

High durability and load-bearing capacity.

Excellent sound and thermal insulation.

Resistance to fire, pests, and moisture.

Limitations of Masonry Walls

Higher construction cost and time.

Requires skilled labor.

Limited flexibility for future modifications.

Insulation and Moisture Control

Proper insulation is essential for energy efficiency and comfort. Insulation
options for walls include:

Blanket Insulation: Typically 3 ½ inches thick.

Rigid Foam Insulation: Provides moisture resistance and added thermal

performance.

In masonry walls, measures like building felt and flashing prevent moisture
penetration.

Foundation Types

Two common foundation types for walls include:

Wood Foundations: Cost-effective but prone to moisture issues.

Slab Type Foundations: Concrete slabs provide stability and are common in
homes without basements.

Conclusion
Frame walls offer versatility and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for
interior and exterior applications. Masonry walls, on the other hand, provide
exceptional durability, insulation, and fire resistance but come with higher
construction costs.

Choosing the appropriate wall type depends on factors such as climate,

budget, and desired aesthetics. Proper insulation and moisture control
measures enhance performance, ensuring structural integrity and occupant
comfort.