Walsh Construction Co.’s Post

In our '10 Ways to Build Multifamily Housing Better and More Affordably', Way #8 addresses the need for efficient, economical structures. Light wood framing is utilized for the primary structure at most multifamily housing up to five stories in height, due to its cost efficiency relative to other options, such as concrete and steel. To achieve the highest level of efficiency through a reduction in structural complexity, stack the walls and unit plans in the building as much as possible and align door and window openings within walls from floor to floor. Laying out unit plans and building plans on two-foot modules will help to rationalize work on the building during both design and construction, optimize material use, reduce waste, and increase productivity with framing, drywall and other trades. Also, incorporating advanced framing measures (i.e. wall studs and floor joists spaced at 24” o.c.) whenever possible will not only reduce cost and improve productivity, but result in considerably higher thermal performance at exterior walls. It is generally advantageous to orient floor framing with joists spanning across the unit from party wall to party wall, running parallel to the exterior wall. With windows stacked at the exterior wall, this allows for dramatically reducing the amount of header framing at the exterior walls, reducing cost and improving thermal performance. In addition: • Design lower level common spaces with minimal structural spans. • Avoid steel whenever possible. • Avoid structural cantilevers in wood framing. • Coordinate the location of structural steel members when used at a building's lower levels with the layout of plumbing and other systems. As always, reach out if you have questions. We are more than happy to share more information. #cedc #efficientconstruction #economicconstruction

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D. Scott Nyseth

Founder and President at Stonewood Structural Engineers

1mo

Love to see great companies teaching/reminding their development partners and communities, simple and effective tools to drive more affordable and higher quality housing.

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