• Metro Seattle, WA
• BEAT
• 2020
• Link

• Building
• Research
• Product

Unreinforced concrete masonry buildings are a significant issue in Puget Sound. A large number of the smaller buildings are mid-20th century cinderblock houses, built in an assembly-line fashion with very similar plans. They had little to no insulation,  rain/air barriers, or structural reinforcement. They are not particularly well-adapted to the needs of a modern building in the Pacific Northwest. 

Because of their plentiful nature and regular plan, it could be possible to fix these issues with a modern building product. We are currently conducting a feasibility study of developing a modular skin to encase these buildings in a combined insulation and structural reinforcement that can be used to meet rigorous building performance standards while providing for seismic safety.

This project is in active development. Check back in the future for updates.