Studio RMA is recognized as an innovator in design and construction.  It is a leading expert in insulated concrete and one of the first to bring advanced SCIP building technology to the US. Our  understanding of the thermal mass inherent to the building system has led to great advances in energy-savings, both in high-end luxury residential and commercial structures. The Studio has experience, both in the design and construction of the SCIP system, and consults on maximizing the building system’s structural capacities. 

For Architect’s starting with SCIP, Studio RMA can be retained as a SCIP consultant in order to provide design, energy savings and structural expertise of the SCIP building system.  As a consultant, Studio RMA can guide and assist in economically designing and constructing large spans, cantilevers, as well as retaining walls. And most important, Studio RMA can assist in reaching substantial energy savings by maximizing the thermal mass inherent to SCIP.

With more than twenty years of onsite SCIP construction experience, Studio RMA is recognized for its expertise in this building method. For contractors new to SCIP, Studio RMA can provide formwork design, installation videos and onsite training to the labor force. 

TILT-UP CONSTRUCTION

SCIP is revolutionizing Tilt-Up construction.  Applying the SCIP method for Tilt-Up walls provides a substantially lighter wall system and as an added bonus, instantly creates an insulated wall system.  Moreover, the use of lighter cranes immediately increases cost savings.

CAST-N -PLACE: MIXED-USE AND APARTMENTS

With the timber prices increasing, the Cast-in Place-method of construction directly competes with wood and engineered wood framing. The first Cast-in-Place SCIP buildings are being built in Salt Lake City. 

The Cast-in-Place SCIP construction method allows for the incorporation of larger balconies, roof gardens and even swimming pools due to its strength.  Using this method, developers can take advantage of various green initiatives that many cities offer, which provide tax credits and allow for increased building densities on urban sites.

SCIP apartments and mixed-use structures currently are permitted to rise to 7 stories— generally, 2 stories higher than their timber counterparts. Imagine incorporating 2 stories of penthouses with large garden/pool/spa amenities, over-sized balconies and even grander city views in pre-sale!

MODULAR CONCRETE FOR DEVELOPMENTS

The modular nature of SCIP allows new approaches in construction. SCIP panels can be customized in size. Reusable formwork, on which the panels are interconnected to actually form the house, can easily move and be used from foundation to foundation. 

By maximizing the use of prefabricated elements-- such as facades and bath room pods-- construction time is condensed and creates an efficient and continuous building cycle, house by house, level by level—readying a new house for sale in just in 35 days!

UPSCALE CARBON-NEUTRAL AND OFF-GRID DEVELOPMENTS

Studio RMA’s carbon-neutral strategies include trade-wind driven climate control, solar power desalination, thermal mass climate control, solar water heating, and funneled roof designs for wind energy supply. These strategies allow an owner to develop properties in areas where land is available at a much lower cost because there are no utilities available. 

For example, in the Caribbean, a lush luxury carbon-neutral home can now be built in coastal locales that have been untouched due to the lack of infrastructure.