A New Home in Just Two Weeks? Yes, Using New Solution, Says USG

Is it possible to build a completely new home in just two weeks? According to world-leading construction manufacturer USG, the answer is yes.  The company said in a new release that homes built 100% using light USG construction systems, a world first, have taken the market by storm.

By employing the USG STRUCTO-STEEL® system it is possible to build, on average, a 110m2 custom home in just two weeks, USG said. The innovation not only offers great efficiencies for the residential home construction market but could also be a solution to Mexico’s housing deficit.

“Thanks to our legacy of innovation and sustainability of more than a hundred years, housing developers have already started projects in Mexico using this very system,” said Fernando Fernández, USG’s director general for Latin America.

USG, a manufacturer of light weight construction systems and the creators of TABLAROCA® brand, said this latest offering demonstrates its continued ability to offer innovative solutions in the construction sector. With over 120 years of experience, the company decided to take the extra step and contribute to the residential market.

USG STRUCTO-STEEL® is an innovation for the construction of horizontal housing, made with 100% light systems, both at the structural and envelope levels.

The system, which is already being marketed in Mexico thanks to the approval of housing developers, will be manufactured at the USG Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, plant and promises to break all construction paradigms in innovation, sustainability, and cost-savings. According to Fernández, it is possible to build a custom house in just two weeks, combining the strongest resistance and performance — and without using water.

The system was presented at Expo CIHAC, showcased in a two-story home. Fernández said the first pilot home was built in Monterrey in coordination with the USG Innovation Center in Libertyville, Illinois.

Luis González Novoa, USG commercial director, said the structure of the system is made up of galvanized steel. This solution combines calculation software and manufacturing equipment aimed at creating load-bearing structures using STRUCTO-CRETE® board, in addition to integrating other leading products for interior and exterior walls, such as TABLAROCA®, DUROCK® AND SECUROCK®.

By employing this method, a fast, accurate, and resistant construction process is achieved for homes, extensions (second floors) or businesses, such as convenience stores and industrial warehouses. USG’s main objective, however, is centered on the residential sector, mainly for horizontal housing.

"We are very proud to present this construction solution for the first time in Mexico. We are convinced it will represent an added-value solution to the housing deficit that exists in the country. Our goal is to improve quality of life while creating safe, more resistant, comfortable and sustainable spaces,” said González Novoa.

Some of the advantages of the system are:

• Lower weight, which eliminates a deep construction foundation.

• Design flexibility allows greater spans and open areas.

• Construction speed ​​and cost-savings, obtaining a greater financial flow.

• Sustainable, since it does not use water and it is recyclable.

• Resistant and provides an excellent seismic performance.

• Greater energy and acoustic efficiency.

• Reduces the amount of labor and waste of construction materials.