Sunroc Building Materials – a leader in building supplies and services in Utah and Idaho –announced it is the recipient of a Wood Innovation Grant from the United States Forest Service. The $250,000 grant has been awarded for the creation and production of wall and floor panels to be used in single family and midrise multi-family home construction.
Photo: Jared Campbell, Clyde Companies
Unlike standard stick framing, wall and floor panels are constructed per architectural plans on an assembly line at the manufacturing plant. They arrive at the project site ready to be hoisted into place and matched together like a 20-piece puzzle. The wall and floor panels can be assembled on the jobsite quickly, reducing framing time by weeks and shortening the entire building schedule. Pre-fabrication methods & technology, when fully utilized, have proven to reduce total build times by as much as 50 percent.
“This opportunity to delve into the unchartered territory of panel framing is really exciting for the state of Utah,” said Jeremy Hafen, President of Sunroc Building Materials. “This project could truly open the doors for re-envisioning the capabilities of vertical building. We’re talking shorter construction schedules, reduction in material waste and the ability to provide safer working conditions for framers.”
The awarded proposal includes a three-year research and education initiative with the University of Utah’s Integrated Technology in Architecture Center (ITAC).
Photo: Jared Campbell, Clyde Companies
“Partnering with Sunroc Building Materials on this grant allows the university to measure and analyze the effectiveness, cost and ultimate value of panel framing for both the manufacturer and the end users,” said Ryan Smith, ITAC Director. “We want to know how these advancements in technology will change the building process for framers, designers and owners.”
Per the awarded proposal, years one and two of the program will focus on start-up of the production plant, capacity building, supply chain optimization, and pilot project execution of panelized construction. Year three will leverage a partnership with WoodWorks and American Institute of Architects (AIA) Utah to develop and disseminate an education program on the new products for design, detail and specification in commercial projects.
To be considered for the Wood Innovation Grant, proposals were required to substantially expand and accelerate wood energy and wood products markets throughout the United States.
About Sunroc Building Materials
Sunroc Building Materials (www.sunroc.com) is a leading building material supply company serving the Utah and Idaho markets. Seventy-five years of experience allows us to provide our customers with prompt, reliable service and the highest quality lumber, trusses, doors, windows, insulation, garage doors, decking, and hardware in the Intermountain West. We are proud to say our age-old reputation of ‘getting it right the first time’ stands firm today. Sunroc Building Materials is a proud member of the Clyde Companies family.
SOURCE Sunroc Building Materials
