E-Space® Systems
About Our Business

Component Building Systems

The E-Space building system consists of moderately priced, building
components assembled in the most efficient way to quickly create the highest
quality, most energy efficient interior environment.  The interior space generated
is an open and loft-like, timber frame structure.  Because the system is
essentially of wood (exposed to the  degree the home owner desires), it also
evokes a very Japanese traditional house aesthetic.

The key to the
E-Space concept is the wood space frame which is enclosed with
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).  If desired, the exterior wall surface of the SIP
can be clad with any traditional surfacing material so as to fit into almost any two
story neighborhood context.  The
E-Space standard roofing material is standing
seam, zinc coated Terne Metal, however, new fire proof metal roofing materials
now come in a wide range of shingle and tile-like finishes.

Since SIPs are so inherently strong, although light weight, when attached to the
structural space frame, the resulting structure is extraordinarily strong.  The
floors can be either SIP or standard plywood covered Truss Joists with bamboo
flooring which we highly recommend because it a quickly renewable material and
has superior performance characteristics.  However, any species of wood, cork,
carpet or other flooring material can be used.

To permit large glass expanses, all windows are double pane, energy efficient
glass in metal frames.  One version of the
E-Space structural frame is based
upon a series of patent pending metal connectors mechanically fastened at any
angle or height to round columns of beetle killed lodge pole pine that have been
lathe turned to a constant 10 inch dimension.  A second choice is square
columns, depending on the home owner’s aesthetic preference.  

By using the connector system, on circular columns the horizontal engineered
wood beams can be attached at any height and any angle to allow balconies
and upper floors to be incorporated into the structure at time of initial
construction or later, if the owner desires to further develop the structure when
needs or finances change.  

A third choice is the traditional mortise and tenon Timber Frame joinery for
those who desire authentic, hand crafted wood space frames.

Where a basement is not required, the space frame columns rest on Sonatube
formed concrete piers which cause minimal site disturbance.  Without the need
for a conventional foundation, the structure can easily be stepped down a steep
hillside with minimal site work thereby permitting previously unbuildable,
inexpensive sites to be economically utilized.

All of the system components are precut and drilled at the
E-Space Factory and
flat-bed trucked to the site for assembly by relatively unskilled labor.  This
makes for minimal waste and all components can be disassembled and recycled
if the need ever arises.  

Since there are no load bearing walls, all non-private interior spaces may be
separated by pre-built cabinets that can be single sided (for wardrobes, etc.) or
accessed from two sides for bookcases and/or storage.  Therefore, interior
space reorganization is easily accomplished as needs change.

The mechanical connector system encourages add-on elements and/or
additional interior development by owners who need to create additional upper
level floor space for an expanding family or one cannot initially afford a
completely developed structure. Thereby, a quality living environment is made
available to a much younger family.

The
E-Space component system also lends itself to small commercial or
industrial buildings since the interior space is easily reconfigured.   Because it is
entirely modular, any size ground floor is available and second or third floor
space is created at minimal cost. Later room additions are easily accomplished.

Three major cost advantages are inherent in the system:  

1. Material waste is eliminated as all of the space frame elements, floor, roof,
wall panels and interior cabinets are pre-engineered and shipped flat to the site
for easy erection by ordinary workmen.  Because the site is clean without the
waste materials inherent in conventional, stick built construction, accidents are
minimized and insurance related costs reduced.

2.  Construction time is a matter of days, not weeks or months as is required in
stick-built, balloon frame construction.  The roof, and sidewalls (and floors if
desired) are all Structural Insulated Panels which quickly bolt onto the space
frame and so the structure is secure and weather-tight in a few days. Therefore,
in any climate, skilled tradesmen can finish the interior electric and plumbing in
comfort with no material spoiled by snow or rain and no construction delays.
Because of the speed of construction, for either new construction or remodeling,
months of bank financing costs are eliminated.

3.  Heating and cooling costs are negligible due to the exceptionally energy
efficient SIP enclosure.  In warm months, cooling is achieved by convection air
currents generated through filtered inlet ducts and operable roof panels, or
skylights, thereby eliminating much of the need for air conditioning.

The resulting building is “Green” to the maximum.  Solar panels are integrated
into the roof and grey water is recaptured and stored along with rainwater.  All
engineered structural materials used are made from recycled mill waste
wherever possible or from quick growing, natural materials.  Therefore, the
highest quality living environment at the lowest possible initial and ongoing
operating cost is achieved.  When the building’s extreme insulation is translated
into energy savings, the cost of minimal solar or other off-the-grid heating
sources is quickly recovered.

The
E-Space System creates affordable, Ecologically Sound Structures while
delivering the exhilaration of living in a quality environment with wonderful high
ceilings and open spaces.