Building & Architecture Guides
Practical, calculation-backed guides for architects, builders and homeowners. Every guide explains key principles, presents step-by-step formulas, and links directly to a matching browser-based tool.
Residential building codes (IRC): practical guide and standards
Comprehensive guide to the International Residential Code (IRC): habitable room dimensions, egress clearances, stair geometry, energy envelope requirements, and inspection tools.
Window-to-wall ratio: how to measure it and what the number tells you
A design guide to window-to-wall ratio (WWR): step-by-step measuring method, worked facade examples, ASHRAE 90.1 benchmarks, and the trade-offs between daylight, heat loss, and solar gain.
U-value and R-value: how to convert U-factor to R-value (and RSI)
Complete guide to converting thermal resistance and transmittance (R = 1/U). Includes step-by-step manual formulas, quick lookup tables, ASHRAE conversion standards, and worked building assemblies.
How to estimate flooring quantity for a room
Step-by-step instructions for measuring rooms, breaking L-shapes into rectangles, choosing realistic waste allowances, and converting net area into whole box counts.
Frequently asked questions
What topics do the XayDung US architectural guides cover?
Our guides provide technical education on building envelope physics, window-to-wall ratios (WWR), thermal insulation metrics (R-value, RSI, and U-factor), and accurate material takeoff methods for construction and remodeling.
How do the guides connect with the interactive tools?
Each guide provides transparent mathematical formulas, engineering standards (such as ASHRAE 90.1), and worked examples that can be loaded directly into our free browser-based calculators with a single click.
Are the architectural and building guides compliance advice?
No. The guides and calculators are educational tools designed for early planning and conceptual design. Real-world construction projects require verified calculations from licensed architects, professional engineers, and local code officials.
What energy codes and standards are referenced in the guides?
Our content references authoritative industry standards including ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, and NFRC window testing ratings.
Interactive tools: Looking to calculate directly? Explore our full suite of free browser-based tools on the Calculators & Tools page.