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You’re probably sick of it – delays in the supply chain and elongated build times that you have to explain to unhappy clients. To find a solution, many builders and architects are looking to the future to streamline their builds, minimize delays, and save on labor costs. Innovation in manufacturing has opened the door to a new generation of sustainably crafted, high-performance materials and products that save both time and money.
We’ve highlighted nine standout building materials engineered and tested for real-world efficiency to help you avoid delays. From modular wall systems and quick-setting concrete to click-and-lock panels and pre-wired pods, these innovations will streamline sequencing, and empower you to build uniquely designed homes with greater precision, quality, and speed.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Structurally insulated panels are pre-fabricated wall, roof, and floor panels made of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings (often oriented strand boards).
Why they save time:
SIP’s combine framing, insulating, and sheathing into a single step. They come pre-cut, reducing the amount of work required on the job site. They can be installed in days rather than weeks and very little training is required to work with them.
Featured Brand
Premier SIPS: Structural Insulated Panels
Puyallup, Washington
- High energy efficiency and fewer thermal breaks
- 2/3 stronger than dimensional lumber
- Approved for seismic and hurricane prone regions
- Virtually airtight structures cut heating and cooling costs by up to 50%
- Produce 30% less job-site waste
- Made from renewable, recyclable resources
Modular Building – Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF’s)
ICF’s are stackable foam blocks, connected by plastic webs, which are then filled with poured concrete. The layers of foam “sandwich” the concrete, providing additional structure and insulation.
Why they save time: ICF’s allow builders to combine the steps of framing, insulation, and air barriers into one step. They’re quick to install with small crews. ICF’s allow concrete to cure in a wider range of conditions, resulting in fewer weather delays.
BuildBlock Building Systems
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- Fire- and disaster-resistant
- Energy-efficient
- Last for up to a century
- Sound transmission class of 50 or higher, resulting in 70% more noise reduction than traditionally built homes
- Non-toxic, with no VOC emissions
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
Cross-laminated timbers are engineered wood panels made by layering boards crosswise for increased structural strength. They are suitable for applications in flooring, roofing, and walls.
Why they save time: CLT’s are produced and cut off-site to project specifications, including pre-cut openings for doors, windows, mechanical apertures which allow for increased accuracy and fewer build errors. They can be quickly and easily assembled on-site, like a kit.
SmartLam North America
Columbia Falls, Montana- High strength to weight ratio, resulting in a superior capacity to bear compressive and tension stress and extreme static loads
- Structural strength allows designers to create long, open, and attractive expanses – impossible with other materials
- Lighter and thinner, but just as strong as steel or concrete
- Lateral stability against wind and seismic forces, tested 2-hour fire rating, and acoustic optimization
Prefabricated Metal Roof and Wall Panel Systems
Metal roofing and wall panel systems are highly resistant to weather damage, fire, and pests, with superior durability and longevity. Steel requires minimal maintenance and will need to be replaced less frequently. Pre-fabricating metal systems allows for greater attention to detail and customization.
Why they save time: Prefabricated metal roofing and wall systems are delivered pre-finished and ready to install, reducing framing and rough-in timelines. Precision manufacturing minimizes onsite reworks.
American Architectural Metal Manufacturers, Inc.
Allentown, Pennsylvania- Cost-effective for any size project
- Suitable for historic preservation projects and restorations that require field measurement and recreations
Self-Healing or High-Performance Concrete
High-performance concrete contains admixtures which improve setting time, expand the conditions under which concrete can be poured, and increase durability. Self-healing formulations are infused with bacteria that produce limestone, naturally filling cracks as they occur.
Why they save time: With some admixtures, no curing, fibers, water reducers or plasticizers are required, cutting down the number of steps needed, and cutting down on setting time.
Kalmatron Corporation
South San Francisco, California- Dramatically cuts costs
- They provide admixtures, protective and waterproofing coatings, primers, concrete regenerative sprays, and radiation shielding materials, suitable for a wide variety of project environments
- Insulation and protection from heat, noise, moisture, and severe weather activity
Click-and-Lock Flooring, Cladding, Walls & Ceilings
Click-and-lock systems demonstrate how sometimes the best innovative building materials employ simple ideas. Fasteners are integrated into flooring, cladding, walls, and ceiling panels, allowing all components to snap together securely with no additional hardware.
Why they save time: Materials click together with no glue or nails required; ideal for fast-paced installs. Materials are created to specifications before arriving at the job-site.
Longboard Architectural Products
Abbotsford, Canada- Easy to replace individual pieces if damaged
- Combines special wood finishes with the durability and longevity of extruded aluminum
- Coated with AAMA 2604/2605 certified powder that protects against corrosion and UV rays
- VOC free, created with chrome-free processes, and 100% non-combustible
Pre-Wired & Pre-Plumbed Assemblies
Walls or pods that arrive with electrical and plumbing already installed can save a huge amount of time on job sites. These solutions include ceiling panels with built-in wiring, bathroom and kitchen pods, and more.
Why they save time: Pre-wired and -plumbed assemblies can be build at a central location in much less time than it takes to distribute various materials (hardware, tile, plumbing, accessories, etc.) to job sites and assemble them individually.
NeoPod Systems
New Braunfels, Texas- Pods leave the factory as complete and sealed units with all fixtures and finishes installed
- Cutting-edge manufacturing processes result in higher quality at lower costs
- Exceed local code requirements, with multiple levels of quality testing and inspection
Reusable Formwork Systems
Modular formwork systems are often made of lightweight aluminum or plastic and are designed to be filled with concrete. Once the concrete sets, they can be removed and reused for longer than traditional forms.
Why they save time: They are easier to transport and assemble than traditional wood forms and are more durable – they do not need to be replaced as often, cutting down on lead times for new projects.
Ellis Formwork Manufacturing
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- A wide variety of sizes – including columns and round tanks
- Made of high-carbon steel and polyurethane-coated plywood – lasts 30 years
- Can be hand-set or gang formed, allowing crews to finish walls and columns easily, safely, and quickly
- Easily join plywood sections to create custom forms for all of your projects
3D-Printed Components
3-D printing is one of the most influential inventions of the past century, transforming the building industry. 3-D printers can affordably produce customized architectural elements, modified features on a standard CAD design, and even full buildings.
Why they save time: Complex shapes are printed in one piece, reducing labor and waste. It’s unnecessary to find an artisan to produce each custom element when with a single digital file, most designs can be printed in a matter of days.
Shapeways
New York, New York- Materials ranging from SLS, MJF to steel, aluminum and precious metals
- Powered by green energy and with processes in place to reclaim and recycle powder to reduce waste
- Unlimited customization
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