A COLLABORATIVE
PROCESS
At shelter, we’ve thoroughly reinvented new-home construction, simplifying and streamlining everything from the basic structural components to the way they are fabricated, delivered, and assembled onsite. The result is a house that delivers the highest levels of architectural refinement, energy performance, comfort, durability, and sustainability—with a process that’s faster, easier, and more rewarding for you.
FULLY DIGITIZED
COMPUTER MODELING
Every Shelter starts in the OPAL studio, with a fully detailed 3D computer model adjusted to reflect the unique features of your site. We then export the computer file directly to the production line, where it guides the manufacture of the building shell components, radically simplifying construction and achieving a higher degree of control and accuracy than is possible in site-built projects.
PREFABRICATED FOUNDATION SYSTEM
Shelter utilizes a variety of foundation systems to accommodate most site and performance requirements, including concrete piers or helical piles, slab on grade foundation or precast, site installed foundation walls. Depicted here is the precast foundation option which accommodates a variety of site conditions. The precast foundation panels are installed quickly, limiting the need for a time consuming on-site concrete mixer. Installed on a compacted-stone base, the foundation components are craned into place, and assembled into a complete foundation.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Depending on your specific Shelter design, high performance mechanical systems are installed in the basement or crawl space, in order to optimize your floor plan’s layout.
FLOOR SYSTEM
In non-slab-on-grade foundations, we use a factory-cut 5 Ply CLT floor panel system that is delivered to the site and installed on the foundation.
WALL SYSTEM
The Shelter wall system consists of factory-cut 3 ply CLT panels with wood fiber insulation and triple glazed high performance windows and doors fully installed. The thermal performance of the walls varies depending on local climate or program requirements, from R5 to R45.
MODULAR, DROP-IN KITCHEN AND BATHROOM PODS
Kitchen and bathrooms pods can be included as a drop-in pods in order to reduce construction time and coordination on site.
DURABLE, LOW-MAINTENANCE EXTERIOR
Your Shelter shrugs off the elements with exterior finish materials that combine durability, low maintenance, and authentic good looks, with choices of cedar or metal siding and cedar trim.
A standing-seam metal roofing is covered by a 40-year warranty and provides easy mounting for rooftop solar panels.
SAFE, HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
Home is not the place for dangerous chemicals or mystery materials. Shelter thoroughly screens every product that goes into your house for long-term safety and sustainability.
Highest quality, healthy, sustainable materials
Fully recyclable, all-wood building shell
Durable, attractive, low-emission finishes
Zero-VOC paints
Formaldehyde-free cabinets and plywood