Bamcore, a developer of energy-efficient, wood-framing systems for homes, is partnering with D.R. Horton at Babcock Ranch in building five new ones, including the Ocala-based company’s latest breakthrough in efficiency.
At about 8:15 a.m. on Dec. 16, D.R. Horton’s construction crews began assembling the wood-paneled walls at the end of Oleander Avenue. About three hours later, they finished putting up all four walls.
“So yeah, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but a Bamcore house, as far as the structural envelope, it definitely will be,” said Zack Zimmerman, co-founder of Bamcore.
With labor shortages running high in the construction industry, the new type of paneling system benefits homebuilders. But it also benefits the homebuyers, as they will be moving into homes that are proving to be both more energy and cost efficient.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home will not hit the market for a few more months. When it does, it will be priced at about $360,000.
The wood framing also provides an acoustical benefit superior to concrete block – without sacrificing durability, Zimmerman said.
“It’s warmer when you need it to be warmer,” Zimmerman said. “It’s cooler when you need it to be cooler. Your energy bills will be less. And that’s because of the thermal efficiency for the structure.”
The first four Bamcore homes on Oleander Avenue were built with DuoShear framing, meaning two panels going around the home.
Bamcore then received approval to build its MonoShear framing, which was proven to withstand hurricane-force winds up to 170 mph.
The wood panels looked like plywood. But it’s actually made from Eucalyptus trees, and it can’t be found at a Home Depot or a Lowe’s, Zimmerman said.
“Our system is designed actually with hurricanes, tornadoes and even earthquakes in mind,” Zimmerman said. “It is a very strong system. It’s stronger than what code sets out for. Everything that we do is designed to have a healthy, strong — and I mean, strong — home.”
The new technology makes for a perfect fit for Babcock Ranch, said Lucienne Pears, Babcock Ranch’s vice president of economic and business development.
“This is the first of what will be hundreds if not thousands of homes,” Pears said.
“This collaboration aligns well with our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” Justin Robbins, D.R. Horton’s Southwest Florida Division president, said. “Bamcore’s products have been tested to Miami-Dade standards and have proven to be a hurricane-approved product that offers us a way to build stronger, more energy-efficient homes while reducing our carbon footprint. Initial assessments suggest we could see thermal performance improvements of up to 55% compared to traditional framing methods.”
Bamcore uses the latest technology to help the home builder become more efficient, Zimmerman said.
“We take a set of plans, and then with our proprietary software, we go through and we 3D dimensionalize everything out. From that point, we understand where every window is, where every door is, where every electrical access is going to be. Even where the plumbing is going to be — your sink, your toilet.
And then we print a set of instructions. And then we cut out, to millimeter accuracy, every single panel.”
Zimmerman said he hoped Bamcore will expand and provide its product not just for single-family homes but for apartments, as well. The product has been approved for up to five stories.
