Alternative home building systems

[deaner]

Just wondering if anyone knows anything about alternative building products. Recently met with an architect that was a big fan of the system show below. I really like the idea of it. There is a company in edmonton that makes a similar product, but instead of a corrugated metal insert, it basically has galvanized studs built into the foam. Read a bit about SIPS but not a big fan of OSB.

My wife and I are building in the next year and just looking at every alternative. I really like the look of the tekr system.

tekR | System

Polycore Canada

 

[lilduke]

You can do some different things with precast concrete. Might be worth looking at.

Heres a few different precast homes:

 

[52weekbreak]

Lots of products out there. I am not too keen on expanded polystyrene as it breaks down very quickly when exposed to fire. I believe the polyurethane based systems are a better choice as they are fire resistant and are themselves used as adhesives.

Why the aversion to OSB?

 

[deaner]

Mainly because of how poorly it handles moisture. Thats one of the things I like about the tekr system is that it is basically airproof, waterproof, and insulated as soon as it is up.

Im curious if any of these products are gaining traction. You would think with all of the technology out there that we wouldnt still be building homes the same way we did 100 years ago (obviously there have been some changes).

 

[arff]

A few rows of houses in Leduc have foam walls.

 

[john s]

Wy don't you use containers I would.




Sent from my iPhone while wishing the snow was gone so I can go dirt biking.

 

[52weekbreak]

Well, I think the main reason we are still building houses substantially like we have for years is one of cost and familiarity. The other is that the wood frame approach is still cost competitive and produces a good product. There are a number of panel systems and a good place to start is SIPA | Structural Insulated Panel Association This gives you a bit of background and links to various manufacturers of products.

Also see EPS Vs. Polyurethane SIPS - EPS Panels versus SIPS - Learn the Differences which gives a good comparison between EPD and P-urethane.

Personally I like the OSB/polyurethane as it is easy to work with and I am completely confident I can protect OSB from weather. Another product is . There is one of these in our neighborhood and it really is a great product. The downside was that he could not get anyone to finish the exterior. He wound up using artificial stone panels and glueing them on with an adhesive.

The one thing all of these have in common is that they are all comparatively expensive compared to conventional materials and the labour savings that are the big attraction are immediately lost if you cannot find an experienced contractor.

Have fun.

 

[LennyR]

Have been in a few different systems, as said above costs, finding available qualified contractors, resistance to issues caused by frost, meeting existing covenants in different municipalities, plus the little things like how to hide the wiring , switch boxes, vac system outlets ,TV inlets, light fixtures. As much as a lot of the new systems are cool and chic, it seems to me when it comes to practicality for things like open beam or vaulted ceilings, windows doors and patio doors capable of handling our winters, the cost of using a lot of these alternative options ends up exceeding the mainstream boring ways of doing it. Take the metal panel or precast tip up style used in a lot of commercial applications and apply it to a residential job, most often the costs are far greater with additional challenges. If younwanna be different or maybe live on a beach with consistent warm temperatures, no need for resistance to frost heaving, and are not at all concerned with resale ability or longevity it might make sense for a few. Another thing we have found with the foam injected or pressed panels covered with metal, the R value can be easily made quite high but the ability to block out noise both from within and without is very low compared to traditional construction, standing outside or inside these structures you hear everything , very annoying.

 

[deaner]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Some good info there. Im definitely not trying to be different just for the sake of being different. Just interesting to discuss the different options out there to see if any new ones are gaining traction.

Just curious for any of you involved in residential construction......are ICF basements the new norm? Or are some contractors going back to a traditional formed basement? Ive heard really mixed reviews on this. Seems alot of the best contractors around here have went back to traditional concrete forms.

 

[deaner]

And any other building tips or ideas are appreciated. One thing a local building inspector recommended was definitely paying the extra money to have spray foam done instead of traditional bat insulation.

 

[FernieHawk]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Some good info there. Im definitely not trying to be different just for the sake of being different. Just interesting to discuss the different options out there to see if any new ones are gaining traction.

Just curious for any of you involved in residential construction......are ICF basements the new norm? Or are some contractors going back to a traditional formed basement? Ive heard really mixed reviews on this. Seems alot of the best contractors around here have went back to traditional concrete forms.

Just curious, do you have any links to bad reviews of ICF?

I have built two principal residences in the last 12 years...the first with an ICF basement and the second as all ICF. The second was a Santa Fe style 6" slab on grade single story with 10' ICF walls and a flat roof located in the Okanagan area. Although we no longer own either home, I just love the soundproofing and warmth the ICF provided...I have never heard any negative reviews.

 

[deaner]

Just curious, do you have any links to bad reviews of ICF?

I have built two principal residences in the last 12 years...the first with an ICF basement and the second as all ICF. The second was a Sata Fe style 6" slab on grade single story with 10' ICF walls and a flat roof located in the Okanagan area. Although we no longer own either home, I just love the soundproofing and warmth the ICF provided...I have never heard any negative reviews.

The main negative review I heard was from our architect. He says he doesnt like concrete because it is porous, heavy, and expensive. He felt that the Tekr product offered all of the advantages with none of the drawbacks.

I havent made any decisions yet. Just really trying to look at all products with an open mind.

 

[ippielb]

Derek McIlwaine, from Balgonie Saskatchewan, sells the MagWall Building Systems, PM me i'll give you his phone number if your interested. Made in Edmonton i believe.
https://youtu.be/amJmqRcP1N4