BUILD METHODS / YOUR CHOICE, INFORMED
One home. More ways to build.
Choose the systems you want to explore. Compare them against the same usable area, finish scope and site conditions.
Built on site
Traditional framing
A framed structure assembled on the site. Wall, roof and finish choices remain separate parts of the specification.
What to resolve for your home
Coordinate room openings with the framing and bracing layout.
- Ask the designer to resolve headers, spans, wall bracing and roof-to-foundation connections.
- Specify the insulation, weather barrier, services and finish build-up before confirming usable area.
Who to involve: Building designer and structural designer, with the framing contractor.
APA · wall bracing ↗Use these planning questions with the actual system, site and responsible designer. Guide updated September 14, 2026.
Block or brick structure
Masonry
Loadbearing masonry is a structural system. A brick veneer on a framed home is a different assembly.
What to resolve for your home
Identify the loadbearing masonry assembly and its connections.
- Review reinforcement, lintels, movement joints and roof/foundation connections for the actual wall system.
- Coordinate insulation, moisture control and service openings; brick veneer alone is not a structural masonry design.
Who to involve: Masonry/structural designer and masonry contractor.
CMHA · concrete masonry resources ↗Use the Concrete Masonry Tech Resources section for the selected assembly. Guide updated September 14, 2026.
Digitally placed wall material
3D printed concrete
A printing system forms specified wall elements. Foundations, reinforcement, roof, services and finishes still need a complete project scope.
What to resolve for your home
Identify what the printed material actually does in the wall.
- Confirm whether printing creates the structural wall, permanent formwork or another part of a tested assembly.
- Ask for the selected system’s design/evaluation documents, reinforcement, opening details, insulation, services and roof/foundation connections.
- Confirm printer access and the work that other trades must complete.
Who to involve: The selected system provider and responsible structural designer.
Stackx · provider dossiers and original sources ↗Provider-specific evidence is required; a schematic printing path does not establish an approved wall system. Guide updated September 14, 2026.
Forms stay in the wall
Insulated concrete forms
Concrete is placed inside permanent insulating forms. The form system, reinforcement and finishing details are designed together.
What to resolve for your home
Keep your usable-space target while resolving the full wall thickness.
- Coordinate concrete core, insulation, reinforcement, opening bucks, services and roof/foundation ties.
- Confirm placement, temporary bracing and finishing requirements with the chosen form manufacturer and trained installer.
Who to involve: Structural designer, form-system supplier and concrete installer.
PNNL · insulated concrete forms ↗Use these planning questions with the actual system, site and responsible designer. Guide updated September 14, 2026.
Concrete cast on site
Removable panel forms
Reusable forms shape the poured concrete and are removed afterward. Insulation and interior and exterior finishes need their own specification.
What to resolve for your home
Plan the cast wall and the reusable forms as separate parts of the job.
- Coordinate openings, reinforcement and embedded services before the pour.
- Confirm form layout, bracing, handling, stripping and reuse with the supplier; specify insulation and finishes separately.
Who to involve: Concrete/structural designer, form supplier and concrete contractor.
Precise Forms · concrete-home systems ↗Manufacturer information is an example of a system, not a Stackx partnership or local availability. Guide updated September 14, 2026.
Components made off site
Panelized / prefab panels
Wall or floor panels are manufactured, transported and connected on site. Panel materials and included work vary by supplier.
What to resolve for your home
Confirm exactly which components the factory will deliver.
- Identify the panel material and factory scope before arranging openings, joints and service routes.
- Review connection details, installation tolerances, delivery/lifting access and the point when the design must be fixed.
Who to involve: Building designer, panel manufacturer and site installer.
HUD · offsite construction research ↗DOE · SIPs, one panel type ↗Use these planning questions with the actual system, site and responsible designer. Guide updated September 14, 2026.
Volumetric factory assembly
Modular
Three-dimensional sections are made off site, delivered and set on a prepared foundation. The factory and site packages must meet at clear interfaces.
What to resolve for your home
Coordinate factory modules with the prepared site.
- Review module size, transport route, lifting access and foundation tolerances before finalizing the layout.
- Define factory/site scope, service connections, completion trades and the applicable approvals.
Who to involve: Module manufacturer and building/site designers with the site contractor.
HUD · offsite construction research ↗Use these planning questions with the actual system, site and responsible designer. Guide updated September 14, 2026.
A coordinated combination
Hybrid construction
Combine systems by purpose, such as concrete walls and a framed roof. Each interface needs an assigned designer, scope and responsible contractor.
What to resolve for your home
Assign responsibility for every junction between systems.
- Ask the designers to agree loads, movement, weather protection, thermal continuity and service transitions at each interface.
- Record who designs, supplies, installs and checks each connection.
Who to involve: A coordinating building designer and the responsible system designers.
PNNL · ICF floor/roof connection guidance ↗The coordination questions are planning prompts; the final detail depends on the actual combination. Guide updated September 14, 2026.