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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 | 13 Concrete P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y LO D E S TA R S T RU C T U R E S with the efficiency of modular building technology, allowing the primary infrastructure of a home (as well as commercial structures and even mid-rises) to be completed in a fraction of the traditional build- ing time with far less tooling required – and at a cost on par with traditional construction, even though Lodestar buildings are said to be able to achieve a lifespan of several hundred years. Darrell Searles, president of the Lodestar divi- sion, says, "By licensing precast concrete or ready-mix plants near areas where Lodestar struc- tures are required, we supply the moulds and technology required to make structures to build, or re-build entire communities. Each Lodestar struc- ture provides up to a 436-square-foot building footprint consisting of commercial rated support columns and integrated surface slab, and when con- nected horizontally or vertically they expand the footprint to accommodate up to seven storeys tall and unlimited width and length." In the Kingston region over 200 Lodestar proj- ects are at various stages of conceptualization and execution, and major developers and contractors have expressed interest in the system. Inquiries have come from as far away as France, United Arab Emirates, and West Africa. "Our small Kingston facility of less than 80 peo- ple can produce and install up to 6,000 square feet of product – the equivalent of three homes – per day," Bradfield adds. With the addition of recently released Lodestar Precast Architectural Wall Panels, structures can now be erected and enclosed at a spectacular pace (providing a fire rating of between 90 minutes and two hours). To test the efficiency of the construction pro- cess, Anchor constructed a Lodestar tiny home combining a Lodestar Base Module, a Lodestar Structural Building Module, and enclosing the structure using Lodestar Precast Wall Panels, a process that took less than a day to complete. "Licensing will be the key to achiev- ing our mission both in Canada and abroad: any community that has a ready mix or pre- cast plant can have safe, comfortable, and sustainable Lodestar homes, and the sustain- ability benefits are obvious," adds Searles. Completion of the Lodestar tiny home. Lodestar Precast Wall Panels. Lodestar Base and Structural Building Module. EXPRESS REBAR With SEVEN FABRICATION FACILITIES strategically located across ONTARIO, we are always close by. Faster turn-around, minimal travel time. CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM TO GET WHAT YOU NEED, WHEN YOU NEED IT! Your Trusted Rebar Partner for Over 100 Years SERVICES ESTIMATING • DETAILING • FABRICATION • INSTALLATION PRODUCTS REBAR • WIRE MESH • ACCESSORIES • COUPLERS FABRICATION & PICK-UP LOCATIONS BOWMANVILLE • CONCORD • ETOBICOKE • BURLINGTON • WELLAND • CHATHAM • NIAGARA FALLS www.salitsteel.com ph: 647-638-4858 • rebarsales@salitsteel.com Salit Steel.indd 1 Salit Steel.indd 1 2022-11-09 1:34 PM 2022-11-09 1:34 PM