Building with Purpose and Synergy
At SMD Building Solutions, our approach to building goes beyond structures-we focus on creating high-performance, environmentally responsible designs that meet the needs of today while anticipating the demands of tomorrow.
Our Ethos
S - Sustainable
Shifting the focus from consuming to stewarding, our team encourages building practices that prioritize long-term environmental responsibility.
M - Modular
Integrating the right building components and materials in a synergistic, efficient manner to optimize construction and performance.
D - Design
Specifying buildings to maximize their environmental context, ensuring that the performance goals and intended use objectives of the client are exceeded.
Design and Engineering Processes
Our team adapts to competing priorities in every project, balancing three primary factors:
1.Cost of the build
2.Type of materials – considering quality, eco-friendliness, and performance
3.Timeframe to construct
While achieving the best of all three is ideal, real-world constraints require trade-offs. The key to successful design lies in aligning these priorities with the client’s objectives.
Our team works within two distinct paradigms:
1. Value-Based Design/Engineering – Prioritizes cost while maintaining quality materials and reasonable construction timelines.
2. Custom Design/Engineering – Balances cost, material choice, and timeframe to match the client’s specific goals and ethos.
Value-Based Design/Engineering
Value-based design focuses on cost-efficient solutions while preserving material quality and maintaining realistic construction timelines.
Key strategies include:
Efficient building shapes and rooflines
Simple, incremental forms with thoughtful use of space minimize complexity and cost.
- Foundations: Site-specific, typically on-grade or above-grade systems
- Walls: Fewer corners; openings designed to fit standard framing spans
- Roofs: Single slope ≤ 2:12 or gable roofs ≤ 6:12; limited gable ends; no hips; valleys restricted to porch elements
Synergistic technologies
MEP systems and finishes are designed to naturally integrate with structural components, reducing installation time and costs.
Multi-skilled labour
Scheduling overlapping trades efficiently optimizes construction timelines without sacrificing quality.
Prefabricated and panelized assemblies
Streamlined components reduce labour and construction time while integrating performance-enhancing insulation.
- Walls: Scottsdale 2x4 panelized framing in 48” (1219mm) increments, prioritizing 24” (610mm) spacing; embedded EPS insulation
- Roofs: Scottsdale panelized trusses with embedded EPS insulation; cold roof standard, optional hot roof with cathedral ceilings as first $$-to-value upgrade
- Floors: Scottsdale open web floor joists achieve significant clear spans, resulting in reduced structural costs with increased layout flexibility
- Windows & Doors: Connection, header, and lintel systems designed for light-gauge steel
Custom Solutions
Our team adapt to your unique project goals, balancing cost, materials, and timelines to deliver a design that meets your performance, aesthetic, and sustainability objectives. Connect with our team today.