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Building Enclosures

Offsite construction for building professionals.

Higher quality, lower risk.

Traditional construction takes place on-site where unprotected materials are custom cut and assembled, a risk-inherent process that hasn’t changed much in the past one hundred years. The panelized build system from Tektoniks standardizes the construction process and offers contractors a higher level of control over the final product. Our off-site construction system moves the building process inside, where we can prevent moisture exposure and virtually eliminate the risk of costly damage to materials. Our climate-controlled manufacturing facility runs rain or shine, eradicating weather-related construction delays and keeping your project on time and budget.

Panelized Building

Envelope Systems

Air-Tight Structural Shell

The Tektoniks building envelope system is designed to deliver maximum control over interior air conditions. Our standard engineered systems control condensation through layers, positioning the vapor control and air barrier layers so that the wall is vapor open and can dry in both directions. Once assembled, Tektoniks panelized buildings are weather-proof and virtually air-tight, drastically reducing indoor/outdoor heat transfer and increasing thermal efficiency. An air exchange system filters and scrubs fresh air as it enters the building while recovering heat or cold from stale air as it exits.

Engineered Functional Layers

In traditional building, individual elements are tangled, with plumbing and electrical components often running through studs and insulation. The Tektoniks building envelope system assigns each component its own unique layer, ensuring structural integrity and air-tightness in the finished product. All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) runs are notched and cut out in the factory. Once the shell is assembled, MEP systems are easily installed onsite. The systems are easy to access and update through the building's life without impacting the integrity of the air barrier or structure.

Every Tektoniks building envelope follows a similar structural model, with varying materials and dimensions depending on your build requirements. For more building envelope examples, download our Building Enclosure Guide.

OpenBuilt Wall System

A. Exterior Cladding

Finish may vary*

B. Rainscreen

¼″ drainage plane* on the OB and OB+ wall assemblies; 1x4 vertical drainage plane on the WFB wall assemblies

C. Weather Resistant Barrier

ZIP sheathing on the OB and OB+ wall and roof assemblies; Continuous R-5 wood fiber insulation on the WFB & PHlex assemblies with SIGA Majvest; High-performance WRB air sealing tape on all assemblies

D. Structural Framing and Insulation Assembly**

Dense pack cellulose insulation; Structural I-Joist framing at 24″ OC on the OB+ wall and roof assemblies; Structural 2x framing at 24″ OC on the OB, WFB, and PHlex wall assemblies

E. Interior Air/Vapor Control and Structural Layer

7/16″ OSB sheathing on all OB, OB+, PHlex wall and roof assemblies; High-performance air sealing tape on all assemblies; Recommended ⅝″ interior finish*

F. Structural Service Layer

Concealed mechanical service run and structural connections layer; 2x framing at 24″ OC on the OB, OB+, WFB, and PHlex wall assemblies**; Recommended ⅝″ interior finish*

G. Exterior Windows and Doors

Factory installation, insulated with high-performance WRB air sealing tape; Flush mount and mid mount installation options on wall assemblies; Provide Marvin and Unilux products with factory and service warranty agreements

H. Engineered Interior Floor Systems and Super Structure

Structural I-Joist framing at 24″ OC with ⅞″ Advantech Subfloor; Engineered timber frame and steel super structure; Pre-drilling preparation for the installation of MEP scope

I. Interior Partition and Ceiling Systems

2X advanced framing at 24″ OC; Recommended ⅝″ interior finish*; Load-bearing, non load bearing, and shear walls; Pre-drilling preparation for the installation of MEP scope***

* Provided and installed by GC
** Increased R-values available with deeper framing
***Critical to include MEP scope early in design phase

3D Modeling and engineering compliance drawings
Engineered timber frame, hybrid timber design
Air tightness performance; the PHlex assembly achieves .6 ACH50 or less
Windows/doors pre-installed with counter flashing and insulation (Marvin, Unilux)
Floor systems with super structure support
Structural load-bearing, shear, and non load-bearing partitions
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) 3D BIM coordination for rapid onsite installation
Material use tax, shipping and options for installation
Additional structural components including garages, porches, interior stairs, and entry doors

Energy Performance

Energy Performance is at the heart of every Tektoniks build. Our building envelope system is ideal for projects requiring high levels of insulation and result in reduced energy consumption for the life of the building.

Energy Performance

Energy Performance is at the heart of every Tektoniks build.

Vermont Passive House

Zero Energy Designs Collaboration

Superior Sealing and Insulation

Every insulated panel is stuffed full of dense packed cellulose that will not settle. Our premium wood-based sheathing products provide stability and protection to our assemblies and are designed to manage moisture in all climates. Tape and gaskets are used at every panel connection, side to side and top to bottom, to ensure superior building shell air tightness that is capable of meeting Passive House requirements. A typical Tektoniks structure is 40-60% more energy efficient than one built to current code.

Factory Installed Windows and Doors

A structure is only as reliable as its weakest link. By installing windows and doors in our highly controlled factory setting, we ensure a seamless build from top to bottom.

Air Tightness Testing

We perform blower door tests to verify the airtightness of our building shells. Our target airtightness level is below 1 ACH50, but we regularly comply with Passive House requirements of 0.6 ACH50. For reference, IECC 2012 and 2015 require 3 ACH50 or below, and the average home tests at around 7-10 ACH50 (the lower the ACH50 number the better). Energy code is expected to continue to require increased airtightness requirements in future codes. We perform in house blower door testing after raising on the majority of our projects to verify installation and guide additional air sealing on site.

Revit Templates & Panel Specifications

Revit templates are available upon request so you can add our panel systems into your design. Because our components are subject to periodic changes and design improvements, we recommend contacting info@bensonwood.com before proceeding with your plan.

Download The Guide

Download The Building Enclosure Guide

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