Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1500470
J U N E 2 0 2 3 | 13 Precast Concrete P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y NZ B U I L D ER S unveiled a new logo and look, while retaining its commitment to quality craftsmanship and service. The rebranding was done to attract a niche clientele interested in building sustainable, archi- tecturally stunning homes that last and look incredible, as well as attract architects who are inter- ested in pushing the boundaries of building science. Conversely, NZ has stated that it will no longer take on jobs that do not fit its design/construction niche. The rebrand reflects a shift to focus solely on durable, high-performance custom homes and upgrades that consider future climate and energy costs. NZ founder's Damon Gray notes that more homeowners and builders will need to factor in these considerations as the BC Building Code's Step Code 5 requirements come closer to taking effect in 2032. "We can still build architecturally stunning homes that push the envelope of building science, while creating something sustainable," he says, "It's far easier to upgrade your kitchen or finishings later when you have the extra budget, but if the founda- tional structure of your home is deteriorating, that's a much bigger and more costly fix." Gray is known in the concrete realm for com- ing to Canada from his native New Zealand and realizing, after performing dozens of costly reno- vations on young homes that had deteriorated due to rot and mould, that B.C.'s climate required more than traditional building techniques. This led directly to the development of a concrete insulated panel (CIP) tilt-up system called Monolith for resi- dential construction, with Gray's own home being the test project and subsequently receiving acco- lades for being the first net zero-ready residence on Vancouver Island. Since then, Monolith Systems (an NZ sister com- pany) provides concrete insulated panels for homes built using tilt-up wall systems and helps connect architects, designers, builders, and homeowners looking to build unique and elegant homes they can enjoy for generations. Gray says, "Everybody deserves to live in a healthy, comfortable home, and we feel it's our responsibility to educate our clients about how the decisions they make in the initial stages of building will help protect the health of their family and their investment long term." Jason Stubbe, managing director at Stubbe's Precast, reports that because high interest rates have negatively affected Ontario's residential con- dominium market (which represents his company's traditional work), operations have pivoted to take advantage of the province's robust warehouse market. This continues to be an ideal venue for Stubbe's structural wall panels, double tees, columns, and beams. "Clients are looking for rapid construction, especially in 2023 with costs being the way they are," he says. "With our products and expertise, we're able to get the job done twice as fast, with a variety of finishes for all-weather installation." However, Stubbe predicts the residential market will heat up again soon. "We're doing a ton of quoting, and the demand for new housing is intense," he says. Applying the final touches to a precast concrete panel installation. Harris Rebar.indd 1 2016-11-03 1:24 Nucor Harris Rebar.indd 1 Nucor Harris Rebar.indd 1 2023-05-17 6:23 2023-05-17 6:23 Coreslab.indd 1 Coreslab.indd 1 2023-05-14 10:44 AM 2023-05-14 10:44 AM