The construction industry is not typically known for its speed and flexibility. Traditionally, the goal is to finish on time and under budget, but this is contingent on extensive planning and minimal last-minute changes—every contractor's dream. In reality, perfect planning and circumstances are always a goal, but seldom achieved. Modification requests from clients, supply chain delays, and environmental factors like weather can significantly impact project efficiency. To thrive in today's competitive landscape and meet client expectations, construction companies must prioritize learning opportunities that involve developing new technologies and models that revolutionize their business operations. This is precisely what EDA has done with hybrid panelization.
Hybrid panelization strikes a balance between off-site prefabrication and the flexibility of stick building on-site. Instead of fully prefabricating building panels in the shop, EDA's hybrid approach involves fabricating back up wall components such as studs, sheathing, and weather barriers off-site and then installing them in the field. Once the back up wall is installed, the AVB joints are taped to create a monolithic air barrier system. This allows the building to be “dried in” quickly while the remaining exterior work is completed onsite. The architectural façade components are then installed to complete the installation. This method allows greater flexibility in project design, accommodating last-minute changes like color and design modifications.
In addition to its flexibility, hybrid panelization also improves a building’s watertightness by addressing critical issues with caulk joints. Caulk joints are one of the main causes for water intrusion on a building because of their limited lifespan. To address this, EDA believes that installing the AVB tape at the building panel joints before the façade panels are installed, creates a monolithic weather barrier that enhances building durability and airtightness, benefiting clients for years to come.
While hybrid panelization is not suitable for every project, its benefits on specific projects, such as Live! Casino and Hotel are unparalleled. Beyond its practical application, the development of this concept underscores opportunities for subcontractors, like EDA Contractors, to thrive by adapting to changing industry schedule demands and delivering enhanced value to clients.
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