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At Mighty Buildings , we ’ re tackling construction inefficiency by focusing on a critical element : walls . With an outsized impact on structural integrity , energy efficiency , material usage , and trade scheduling , walls heavily impact the speed , sustainability , and cost-effectiveness of projects . So we use material science and 3D printing to manufacture panelized kits , known as the Mighty Kit System ( MKS ), that help our partners build more resilient homes faster .
But the envelope is just one piece of a building , so how can we seamlessly integrate our technology with existing processes , components , and systems to ensure an entire project is improved ? The question for us isn ’ t if we should collaborate ; it ’ s how , when , and with whom ?
Consider any home or building . Our wall panel system features clear rules and standard details for interfacing with , for example , windows and doors . We have options for sealants between panels , varying panel sizes ( height , width ), and different exterior surface appearances ( parametric panels ) to make adoption and execution as easy as possible . But ultimately , the engineer and architect carry the liability for their particular building , the vision for exactly what the building will look like , and responsibility for delivering a finished product to the customer . If they want to incorporate a particular window product or unique detailing , we need to account for it . That requires early coordination with multiple stakeholders . And of course , this is not just true for windows and doors ,
The question for us isn ’ t if we should collaborate ; it ’ s how , when , and with whom ?
but for all aspects of the building , from the structural system to MEP to wind loading and fire rating requirements .
A recent project with the Buckminster Fuller Center provides an illustrative example . Our customer wanted to use our system to build a Visitors ’ Center that would sit next to the original historic dome , and feature parametrically designed panels that would nod to the geodesic dome ’ s unique triangulated pattern . Our approach shifts the bulk of collaboration to the pre-construction phase . We collaborated early and often with the client and designers of record , external contractors , roof , and windows suppliers , as well as our own internal design , manufacturing and supply chain teams . In a matter of hours , we translated our client ’ s designs into our system , schematically determining panel layouts , locations , and sizes of structural members . And then we coordinated with the client to ensure the adapted design met their needs , ultimately saving weeks of work onsite . Much of this is enabled by digital collaboration tools : we use Autodesk Construction Cloud ( ACC ) and Revit blocks , we meet constantly via Zoom to review , and we scan the site with Matterport as we progress through each phase .
The result is that we needed significantly less collaboration when the project was in its riskiest phase – onsite construction . On a uniquely designed project for a historic landmark , we assembled all structural components and 3D-printed panels in four days , with a team of three , no special equipment ,
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