Expert Steel Frame Homes & Building Solutions

Steel frame homes use non-combustible steel structural members instead of conventional wood framing for key parts of the building. In tect’s approach, steel framing is coordinated with wall assemblies, roofing, insulation, windows, doors, mechanical systems, and fire-resilience strategies so the home functions as an integrated performance system rather than a collection of disconnected products.

Steel framing is non-combustible, making it an important component in fire-resilient home construction. However, true fire resistance depends on the full assembly: exterior walls, roof, eaves, vents, windows, defensible space, and suppression systems. tect coordinates these elements with CAL FIRE Chapter 7A, IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home, NFPA 1144, and related WUI performance considerations.

tect uses the TectApp™ community of 70+ building product manufacturers to bring system expertise into the project early. Instead of selecting products late in construction, manufacturers can inform specifications for structure, envelope, roofing, suppression, water, mechanical, energy, and smart-home systems from concept design forward, reducing friction and improving delivery confidence.

Yes. Steel frame homes can be highly energy efficient when thermal bridging, insulation, air sealing, ventilation, and mechanical systems are designed correctly. tect integrates steel and non-combustible assemblies with tight envelopes, fresh filtered air, all-electric systems, solar, battery storage, and water-saving technologies to support comfort, resilience, and lower operating costs.

tect offers both. Earth'smart™ Turnkey Delivery, or Path A, provides one coordinated team for architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturer input, and permit strategy. Earth'smart™ Advisory, or Path B, supports homeowners who already have an architect, engineer, or contractor but want tect’s system integration, performance review, manufacturer coordination, and decision support layered onto the project.

Projects are quoted individually because cost depends on site conditions, home size, structural system, performance targets, fire-suppression requirements, finishes, permitting complexity, and delivery path. tect’s catalog includes project ranges for turnkey engagements and project-based fees for advisory work, with discovery calls available at (310) 913-5000 to clarify scope and next steps.

Yes. tect’s building solutions are specifically oriented toward California wildfire, seismic, and climate-risk conditions. Steel framing may be used alongside concrete masonry, ICF, AAC, non-combustible roof systems, ember-resistant assemblies, and engineered connections. Structural engineers are involved to coordinate seismic performance, fire-resistive detailing, envelope strategy, and long-term durability.

tect designs and documents systems that can support broker and underwriter review in hard-to-insure markets. Documentation may include fire-resistive assemblies, non-combustible specifications, on-site water supply, integrated suppression engineering, defensible-space coordination, and manufacturer data. While coverage decisions remain with insurers, this creates a clearer, evidence-based risk reduction package.