by Greg Higgins / October 19, 2020

Design Flexibility is a Core Feature of the HabiTek System

It may be difficult to imagine that a pre-engineered and pre-fabricated steel framing system can be highly flexible when it comes to design choices. In general, pre-fabricated building systems only provide limited design variations.

The steel shear panels are in place, awaiting install of the fiber cement board exterior wall panels, and windows and doors.
The steel shear panels are in place, awaiting install of the fiber cement board exterior wall panels, and windows and doors.
The Bunkhouse was HabiTek’s first full-scale prototype project. This structure is located in a flood plain near the Coeur d’Alene River. Indeed, note in this photo dated spring 2008, flood waters have reached the top of the concrete piers. This small project brought the system concept to life, and explored the ability of laypersons to participate in a kind of barn-raising event. The community of family, friends, and neighbors that assembled the structure proved, at least for smaller projects, the DIY approach works using HabiTek’s steel components.
The Bunkhouse was HabiTek’s first full-scale prototype project. This structure is located in a flood plain near the Coeur d’Alene River. Indeed, note in this photo dated spring 2008, flood waters have reached the top of the concrete piers. This small project brought the system concept to life, and explored the ability of laypersons to participate in a kind of barn-raising event. The community of family, friends, and neighbors that assembled the structure proved, at least for smaller projects, the DIY approach works using HabiTek’s steel components.
Designed by Rafi Samizay AIA, Professor of Architecture at WSU, this masterfully executed summer home steps up the basalt river bank on 12 concrete piers. The County Cottage was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the flexibility of steel, and the ability of the HabiTek system to receive “off-module” steel components, such as the projecting bay windows. Three main levels are arranged to create a spectacular interior, along with three platforms that hang off the main steel structure.
Designed by Rafi Samizay AIA, Professor of Architecture at WSU, this masterfully executed summer home steps up the basalt river bank on 12 concrete piers. The County Cottage was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the flexibility of steel, and the ability of the HabiTek system to receive “off-module” steel components, such as the projecting bay windows. Three main levels are arranged to create a spectacular interior, along with three platforms that hang off the main steel structure.

HabiTek, on the other hand, uses pre-fabricated components, but the way in which we deploy and combine them is effectively limitless. Our System Schematics page illustrates the inherent design flexibility when building with the HabiTek system.

Here’s a bit of what’s possible:

  • The framework can be readily elevated above the ground (to combat localized flooding for instance), set on a conventional concrete slab, or built atop a basement foundation wall.
  • All roof types are possible: shed, hip, gable end, and flat.
  • Depending on various factors, infill panels can be framed with wood studs (hybrid approach) or using steel studs, which would be beneficial in areas prone to wildfires. We are also exploring the use of MASS TIMBER panels, which includes cross laminated timber (CLT) and MASS PLYWOOD (MPP).
  • Also beneficial in areas prone to wildfires, the floor and roof substrates can be made with composite slabs – steel pan decking plus concrete.
  • In areas prone to hurricane force winds, or even earthquakes, a HabiTek framework can be pre-engineered to resist these forces. This is possible because the framework is comprised of bolted-together STEEL components.
  • Last, but not least, in many cases the framework can be assembled DIY. Even when this might not be feasible, the framework can be erected in much less time and with much less effort than other methods, greatly reducing labor costs. In any case, HabiTek’s approach is cost competitive with most methods of construction, including platform wood framing.

No matter your structural or design requirements, HabiTek has you covered.