Insulsteel: Standing the Test of Time
Written by: Brian Sherman
Michael and Nancy Platz were seeking a contractor who could build them a new home that would stand up to the test of time, be energy- efficient and protect them from the hurricanes that occasionally threaten the Carolina coast. They found what they were looking for at a home show in Charleston.
Steve Bostic, owner of Insulsteel, had a booth at the show and a company with the experience, expertise and innovative attitude to help them out.
“We had a building plan in mind, but it needed to be modified to suit our particular needs, so we were looking for a contractor who could not only build us an efficient, sound home but one who would support us in modifying the plan,” Michael Platz explained.
Since that day, Insulsteel has reached a major landmark. The company now designs and fabricates its EcoShell buildings off-site at its new light-gauge steel factory in the Charleston area. The EcoShell is a state-of-the-art panelized steel and expanded polystyrene composite building system that is used for exterior walls, foundations and roofing systems for residential as well as commercial buildings…. Read More
EcoShell panel and ExoSkeleton Renderings
Insulsteel’s 3D building information modeling technologies software integrates seamlessly into precision manufacturing equipment.
Off-site manufacturing increases productivity and lowers costs.
Precise engineering increases quality and structural integrity.
Light-gauge steel structures can withstand hurricane-force winds.
Composite steel and panels lower energy bills by 75 percent.
Solar battery storage lowers energy costs to net zero.
Termites and other insects and animals cannot damage the steel structure.
Light Gauge Steel Trusses in place to support EcoShell roofing System
INSULSTEEL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Insulsteel’s light-gauge steel and composite panelized building system is uniquely designed and engineered to build everything from workforce housing to large, multi-story commercial buildings, according to Tim Mays, Ph.D, a certified professional engineer and principal engineer with Insulsteel Design Group.
“Our panelized system is designed and tested to meet coastal winds and seismic forces in Charleston,” he explained.
Insulsteel’s commercial panelized building materials are cost-competitive with traditional building materials but excel in many building quality standards not found in traditional wood or concrete construction.
EcoShell enhancements include:
Zero energy design;
Structural strength;
Sound transmission;
Indoor air quality;
Lower insurance costs;
Solar storage battery technology;
Faster completion schedules;
No on-site saws or nail guns;
70-percent reduction in labor framing costs;
Lower total cost of building ownership;
Virtually no construction material waste;
USGBC LEED certification.
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COMING SOON: STRATFORD OAKS POCKET COMMUNITIES
Over two decades ago, innovative Seattle architect Ross Chapin, AIA, “invented” the pocket neighborhood concept, creating small-scale communities in a large-scale world. For more information about his pocket neighborhoods, visit www.RossChapin.com.
Today, building on Chapin’s pocket neighborhood concept, Insulsteel is planning to develop Stratford Oaks Communities, designing and building “Small Spaces in Great Places.” Stratford Oaks’ EcoShell homes will range from 800 to 1,200 square feet. Based on an open-plan style, the homes will be built in green spaces near major work destinations. They will have the same high-quality and energy-efficient standards of million-dollar EcoShell homes but with mortgage payments equal to the cost of renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment in Charleston.
These features include:
Zero energy design;
Solar battery technology;
EPA AirPLUS indoor air quality;
12 homes per neighborhood;
Greenspace landscaping;
Able to withstand hurricane-force winds;
20-year exterior warranty;
Custom quality finishes.
For information about the first two Stratford Oaks pocket neighborhoods, call 843-637-4311. Or fill out the Contact Form to the right.
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