Windsor, Calif.-based BamCore says its newly developed structural wall system uses bamboo-based engineered structural panels and metal to produce stud-less wall cavities quickly and easily.
The company says the product speeds framing, reduces waste, saves money, and, because there are no studs, improves the thermal performance of a home.
Company rep Hal Hinkle says the system is poised “to revolutionize the construction industry and will help builders produce tighter, more energy efficient buildings.”
BamCore’s Prime Wall System consists of structural panels that are made from bamboo laminated with a plywood veneer for nailing-holding strength. It also incorporates top and bottom metal tracks that are installed on a concrete slab or wood subfloor and secure the panels in position.
“By incorporating the natural strength of bamboo, we are able to eliminate over 95 percent of floor-to-ceiling wood studs and posts, bottom and top wood plates and the typically massive wood headers above doors and windows,” the company says.
“Since the wall cavity is empty,” the company continues, “there are no studs to drill through, so the rough installation of electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and media is quickly completed. Once the building is dried in, blown-in insulation, of any type, can be installed by professional insulators through access holes in the top wall plate or access holes in the panels.”
The prefabricated nature of the system results in major savings for the builder, the company explains. CNC routers precisely cut every door, window, light switch, electrical outlet, and plumbing access. Panels are then numbered and delivered to the site where they can be easily erected. Each panel “is customized to the expected finish of every wall, whether paint, plaster, stucco, masonry, or siding,” the company says. “All painted interior walls are pre-sanded at our factory to a 180-grit finish, which eliminates the need for drywall.”
If a home calls for stucco, masonry, or a stone finish (interior or exterior), the company provides the additional wall blocking to decrease the possibility of wall or ceiling deflection.
“For the builder, BamCore’s pre-cut and pre-sanded panels save significant time and money,” the company says. “And since BamCore’s finish wall surface is also structural, cabinets, handrails, heavy mirrors or pictures, drapery rods, electronics, base and crown molding, door and window trim, etc. are quickly and securely hung without hunting for studs or installing extra blocking. For the owner, BamCore’s completely customized wall and ceiling system speeds the job completion time and lowers the cost, creating a sustainable and healthy home.”
