FRAMECAD was the best fit for our market, and with the machine we have, we can produce many different gauges to cover the broadest range of buildings.
BîldTEK’s Federico Amador and Andres Riggioni thrive on a challenge. This includes changing deep-seated regional attitudes about construction. “We’re planting seeds now. If we don’t get the contract, that’s ok, we’re educating people and they’ll recognise the benefits for future projects. We’re in it for the long haul.”
One of BildTEK’s first defining projects was the Los Arcos apartment complex in Cariari, Heredia. “It’s the first multi-story development in Central America built with smart steel framing and manufactured right here,” says Andres, BîldTEK’s commercial director. “The first part of this project (four two-story apartments) took us three months, because we were getting used to the technology and wanted to do everything slowly and carefully until we became confident. The next stage we completed in a fraction of the time, about two weeks. Compared to traditional masonry construction we can build a more precise structure in less than half the time. Also, we have two distinct seasons here: dry and sunny, wet and cloudy. This technology means we no longer have to plan around wet weather, we can build all year round.”
While efficiency and cost are key benefits to the BîldTEK model, Andres and Federico don’t simply push the savings. “The numbers clearly show that we can build locally at a much lower cost than traditional masonry,” remarks Andres. “But we concentrate on the other advantages, the strength to weight ratio, the precision of construction, the seismic safety. Usually the first question we get asked is ‘Is this up to code?’ Costa Rican seismic seismic code refers to the US AISI S100 code but requires significantly more load consideration, which is very strict. We stack up particularly well. “
Solid concrete-masonry construction is the default form of building in Costa Rica, but Andres is keen to prove the benefits of more advanced materials and methodology. “The biggest challenge for us is to educate and demonstrate that there’s a much better way, a faster way and the buildings are strong and much safer. People here go up to a wall and knock with their hands to see if it’s solid. If it doesn’t feel solid, they are put off. They don’t understand ‘framing and cladding’ because to them, masonry is both.”
Despite this resistance, a number of leading local architects and developers are excited by the FRAMECAD System. BîldTEK is working on several significant projects, and has many new orders coming in. “It’s been incredible,” says Andres. “We haven’t even launched our marketing campaign, but there’s been a constant stream of requests for quotes and information.”
Andres is optimistic about BîldTEK’s future with FRAMECAD.
“The construction sector is definitely ramping up. We have lots of new contracts and a steady pipeline of new work, more apartment buildings, and commercial work on the horizon as well. It looks like a promising year.”
Geared to attract local residents, Sagebrush is a 90-unit building nestled in the foothills of East Gros Ventre Butte and overlooking Flat Creek. Perfectly situated near downtown Jackson, Sagebrush aims to be one of the most popular complexes in the area — and a project Douglass Colony was proud to work on.
When FrameTech Systems outgrew their existing manufacturing facility, they knew it was time for a bigger, more flexible space. As experts in cold formed steel (CFS) construction, they also knew exactly which method they would use to bring that space to life. So how did their award-winning CFS facility come to fruition?
Having made the switch to FRAMECAD’s automated construction system in April 2016, prefabricated steel framing experts SBS Group have used their FRAMECAD system to make significant savings for their customers whilst delivering an accelerated construction process.
SBS Group are continuously working to deliver exceptional results for their customers in a fast and effective manner. The Langdon Apartments are another great example of their dedication to providing accurate, high quality Cold Formed Steel solutions.