MV3 Construction System

The system

Insulated modules, fabricated as a closed box section.

MV3 manufactures the pieces of the envelope that carry the most risk on site: the openings. Each module is an insulated OSB box section held in a rigid frame, delivered filled and closed.

How it goes up

Steel-frame logic, in timber.

MV3 brings to timber framing the technique familiar from steel framework buildings. The corner, door and window modules act like the columns and shear bracing of a steel frame, while conventional framing fills the spaces between. Framers do not have to learn a new way of building.

The corner module is a rigid, bi-directional, shear-wall and column-equivalent section — straight, square and true, and sheathed in the shop, so no outside access is needed to button up corners.

01Fix the modules at their plan locations
02Tie them together with a top plate
03Start the next floor platform
04Infill with conventional plain walls

The three modules

Three structural elements, fabricated in the shop.

M1

Corner modules

The key element of the system: a rigid, bi-directional shear-wall and column-equivalent section.

  • Straight, square and true
  • Sheathed in the shop, so no outside access is needed to button up corners
  • Insulated internally with sealed, airtight joints
M2

Door modules

A rigid frame at every door opening, equivalent to a steel-frame column and brace.

  • Morticed, insulated OSB box-section
  • Sized to match dimensional lumber
  • Set at its plan location before the walls are infilled
M3

Window modules

The same rigid, insulated box-section forming the window opening.

  • Continuous airtight polyurethane joints
  • Caulked behind the sheathing against moisture and air leakage
  • Works with the framer's existing methods and skills

Specification

Tested, and working in practice.

An earlier version of the system supplied the exterior wall panels for an 85-unit townhome project in southwest Calgary. The finalized system is now going into a 16-unit townhome development. Ask for the technical information your consultant needs.

Request technical information
Modules
Corner, door and window
Construction
Morticed, insulated box-sections of oriented strand board, sized to match dimensional lumber
Thermal
Up to 40% higher R-values than lumber framing, from significantly less thermal bridging
Air and moisture
Continuous airtight polyurethane joints, caulked behind the sheathing
Testing
Tested to ASTM E72 structural requirements and CAN/ULC S101 fire standards
Best suited to
Residential and multi-family developments

Next step

Bring us a project.

Send a plan set, a unit count, or a question about whether the system suits your next build. You will hear back from one of the principals.

Start a project inquiryView the range