Another concern is that panelized structures will be cookie-cutter, boxy and unattractive. On the contrary, the finish and variety of floor plans that can be delivered using the CBS system are only limited by cost and the architect’s imagination. There will be new constraints and opportunities, but limitations to the visual vocabulary will not be one of them. Remodelers in the housing industry will have standard ways in which to tie the new material into existing materials based on the kind of hangers and ties that currently exist.
The most notable drawback might be the difficulties that have always existed in penetrating the construction market by small, upstart companies with new ideas. But one of the most exciting aspects of the current construction industry is the rapid decrease in barriers for new ideas and solutions to remain competitive.
Composite-framed buildings may well become a leap-frog technology for other parts of the world for housing in the same way that cellphones leap-frogged hardwire phone systems. And, for buildings in the emerging or developed world, CBS hasn’t even begun to scratch the surface of all the possible applications. The vast opportunities for international markets are very tempting but present their own unique difficulties for first-stage start-ups concerned about intellectual property.
As with any disruptive technology with systemic applications, the market will find new uses for the technology in many unforeseen ways. For example, composite framing members may become useful in hybrid applications with other current building materials and modular housing advancements, such as cross-laminated timber.
The technology development, manufacturing and prefabrication processes, onsite building processes and regulatory compliance have all been achieved by CBS. Hurdles still remain, but the hard-edged disposition of its founder regarding economic and business viability bodes well for a company deeply committed to sustainable solutions. The retrofitting community is full of innovators and this new material may prove an apt way to imagine new solutions not currently considered by CBS.
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Innovation is inevitable construction materials will change architecture. Elements in design will not relate to location. Buildings will reflect technology.