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TJM Encourages Building Entirely Engineered Houses

Trus Joist MacMillan, Boise, Id., is introducing a new program aimed at getting entire homes built of compatible, resource-friendly products.

The FrameWorks program presently includes existing TJM products, such as the Silent Floor engineered wood Ijoists and more recently intrcduced TimberStrand laminated srand lumber. But the company will also spin off established products into new applications, develop new products and either paftner with or at least recommend companies that produce compatible products.

"The FrarneWorks concept is about building systems, not just products nailed together, using less wood fiber to achieve better structural perfonnance," said TJM communications director Craig Bodmer.

"The real purpose is to look at ways housing can be built more sustainably," added Rich Binsacca- "We want to bring it all together, so we get to the point where people are going to build a FrameWorks home."

In the case of the Silent Floor System, for example, there are other factors that contribute to a truly silent floor besides those included in the current system, such as hangars, decking, installation skill and technique. "In the field, things happen that can make the floor squeak," said Binsacca. "We want to gain a little more control of the materials and take it beyond being looked at as just a floor."

TJM is kicking off the program with a $200,000 conresr for architects, home builders and other residential design and building professionals throughout North America. The Grand Prize winner of the FrameWorks Home Design Contest will win $50,000 in cash.

"We're looking for entries that break out of conventional design practices and explore the inherent structural and environmential efficiencies of an engineered lumber building system," Bodmer said. "We want entries that use our engineered lumber materials to create superior housing in terms of value, comfort and the efficient use of resources."

"Home design and construction are changing in large part because our resource base for building materials is changing," he added. "The FrameWorks system will be able to change with the industry to meet the need for wood building products now and in the future."

Trus Joist MacMillan is the world's largest manufacturer of engineered lumber products for residential construction. The company operates 14 manufacturing facilities in North America and has two plants under construction in the Southeast Sales in 1993 totaled more than $430 million.