The DCHGlobal Building System

Sustainable Building System

The DCHGlobal Building System is a multi-generational, sustainable architectural system that synchronizes standardization and design flexibility through a set of manufactured structural and architectural components. The system is based on a series of "connectors" that join light gauge beam and column components with tension controlled bolts to create a 3-dimensional structural grid allowing for design flexibility in both vertical and horizontal directions. The standardized structural, architectural, and building components fit together like an erector set and allow for efficient and precise construction in any location, climate, or terrain. The system is pre-engineered for up to two stories and is designed to the LEED Platinum Level.

Architecture

Award Winning Architecture

The building system is defined by its structural and architectural components. Connectors, beams, columns, glazing, exterior screens, roof plates, floor plates, roof fascia, stairs, and handrail all fit together to form a unique architectural system that is adaptable to any location, climate, or terrain.

All structural and architectural components are manufactured out of Cor-Ten Steel, a type of steel with a chemical composition specifically engineered to ensure structural integrity by allowing it to form its own protective layer under the influence of weather. Commonly used on bridges to ensure structural integrity Cor-Ten steel becomes a dark brown / purple color with a smooth finish after sufficiently weathering.

DCHGlobal floor plans embody 21st-century living with free flowing open plans that utilize both interior and exterior space efficiently. A 7'x7' horizontal module and a 1'-3" vertical module create a 3-dimensional structural grid that provides the ability for design flexibility in both horizontal and vertical directions. The system is also designed to accommodate a 7'-floor cantilever and a 14'-roof cantilever, providing additional plan flexibility and large roof overhangs for solar and weather protection. The building envelope is comprised of Low-E UV protected glass and can be laminated or insulated. The exterior can be integrated into the building through sliding glass panels and expansive exterior decks. Vertical sunscreens allow for privacy and solar and weather protection, and perforated roof overhangs shade the interior spaces while creating shadows and patterns throughout the house. Interior finishes are selected on a project by project basis and floors can be steel, wood, stone, carpet, or composite panels.

Green Building

Multi-Generational Sustainability

LEED

The DCHGlobal system is designed to the LEED Platinum level.

Energy Performance

Precise component fabrication and assembly, passive solar devices, solar panels, and energy star appliances allow for efficient energy performance.

Limited Waste

Standardized components mean limited construction waste in the field.

Life Cycle

Constructed out of Cor-Ten Steel, a DCHGlobal home has a multi-generational life-cycle.

99% Recycled

Cor-Ten is used for all structural and architectural components. Cor-Ten Information

Advantages

Design, Construction, Performance, Sustainability

Quality and Precision

Architectural, Structural, and Building components are fabricated in controlled environments and precisely fit together in the field.

Design Flexibility

The 3 Dimensional grid allows the standardized set of parts to be arranged in any horizontal and vertical configuration.

Construction Efficiency and Speed

The standardized fabricated parts and assemblies along with computer aided fabrication and construction management allow for efficient on-site construction.

Life Cycle

Constructed out of Cor-Ten Steel a DCHGlobal home has a multi-generational life-cycle.

Maintenance

DCHGlobal homes are designed to require significantly less maintenance than traditional construction. Cor-Ten steel is a maintenance-free material that does not deteriorate over time.

Performance

The DCHGlobal home is designed to the LEED Platinum level

Innovation and Research

The Future is Now

Optima DCHGlobal is a partner member and has worked extensively with Stanford University's Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE) to optimize component fabrication, cost, and building system constructability. CIFE is the world's premier research center for Virtual Design and Construction of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction.

Optima DCHGlobal is committed to strategic innovation with bimSCORE. bimSCORE evaluations and advisory empower Optima DCHGlobal to integrate BIM technologies with Optima DCHGlobal's business planning, objectives, organization, and processes. Through continuous benchmarking and attention to improvement, Optima DCHGlobal and bimSCORE have formed a long-term partnership that is poised to revolutionize the way Optima DCHGlobal designs and constructs buildings using the DCHGlobal Building System.

Optima DCHGlobal, Inc. is currently developing Optima DCHGlobal VDC Software specifically for the design, simulation, fabrication, and construction of Optima DCHGlobal buildings.