Final answer:
In building construction, work starts with the foundation and progresses upwards. Techniques like pier and beam construction were used to elevate buildings for environmental and structural benefits, such as preventing decay. Builders utilize different methods and materials based on climate and structural requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Building construction starts with laying a strong foundation, essential for supporting the weight of the structure. The build progresses in stages, from the subfloor upwards. Walls are placed onto the subfloor, ensuring the construction can support subsequent floors and the roof. Notably, various construction methods address environmental challenges, such as the pier and beam construction in the Deep South tailored to combat heat, humidity, and pests. This technique elevates the floor above the ground, preventing wood rot and termite infestation. Likewise, builders create strong walls and piers necessary to carry the weight of heavy materials like stone vaulting. In areas like New England and the Deep South, different materials and techniques like bousillage and wattle and daub were traditionally used.
For instance, in pier and beam construction, piers made of stone or brick raise the structure off the ground. This not only helps with ventilation and preventing decay but also provides structural stability. Other building techniques, such as the use of vertical timbers or concrete poured into wooden molds, illustrate the various ways buildings have historically evolved to meet specific environmental and structural needs.