| STRATUM steel + concrete | Typical wood frame | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Welded steel frame + precast concrete floors and core | Dimensional lumber, nailed on site |
| Fire | Non-combustible structure; concrete & steel don’t feed a fire | Combustible framing |
| Rot, mold, termites | Inert structure, nothing to rot or eat | Vulnerable if wet; needs treatment |
| Wind & seismic | Built to be lifted and trucked; braced modules stay rigid | Depends on nailing & connectors done on site |
| Build location | Indoor factory, jig-welded, inspected | Outdoors, exposed to weather |
| Schedule | Foundation and factory run in parallel; set in 1–3 days | Sequential trades, weather delays |
| Cost driver | Repeat tooling, less labor, less waste | Site labor & rework |
| Look & changes | Replaceable finish panels on rainscreen rails | Siding is fixed to the wall |
| Lifespan | Designed for 75+ years structure | Typically 50–70 with upkeep |
Design targets and typical industry characteristics; not a guarantee for a specific project. Local code governs.