CAD CAM and Pre-Cut Construction
By utilizing the latest design and manufacturing technology, CAD CAM construction allows the architectural, engineering and build team the ability to completely model every structural component, whether wood or steel, for the house in a virtual environment, eliminating onsite construction errors prior to pre-cutting any materials. From the framing of the walls to the roofing, almost every aspect of a home can be factory pre-cut. Pre-cut homes are more cost effective, as they can be constructed much faster, sometimes in a matter of days, and all the necessary materials are built into the original price, leaving little room for human error or surprise costs. Factory pre-cut and fabrication also minimizes onsite waste and results in a tighter, more precise and efficient building.
CLTs & ICLTs
Cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) and interlocking cross-laminated timbers (ICLTs) are exciting new products that are engineered as solid wood walls. CLTs and ICLTs are as strong as concrete, though much lighter. These panels are fire resistant and exhibit tremendous seismic performance and thermal mass heating storage; they have even been shown to have positive health benefits. Taken a step further, ICLTs utilize tongue and groove and dove-tailed joinery rather than chemical-heavy glues and adhesives, which eliminates any potential off-gassing. ICLTs are being produced from sustainably harvested forests as well as from dead-standing trees; the building material sequesters carbon that would normally be released, resulting in an extremely low environmental footprint.
Additional Initiatives
Material choices also include the use of manufactured lumber as well as reclaimed timbers, siding and stone, all sourced from within 500 miles. Other green building initiatives include over-insulating buildings, installing dual-pane windows and using a Life Finish exterior stain that never needs reapplied.