Innovative Metal Framing System Produces Construction Breakthrough

Dysruptek, Haskell’s venture capital and innovation arm, works to find technologies that can improve the day-to-day activities on a construction site and make everyday processes more efficient. One of Dysruptek’s recent partnerships is Hyperframe, a metal framework kit that can be snapped together in just minutes.

“A big part of our mission at Dysruptek is to identify innovations early in any industry that can benefit what we are trying to do. We discovered Hyperframe in 2019 and have seen their company's growth and the business's maturity holistically,” said Cutler Knupp, Haskell’s Director of Strategy and Technology Innovation.

Hyperframe begins building the framework using its proprietary web-based application called HyperBIM. After loading the structure’s design into the application, it extracts the wall components and automatically runs a clash detection. It then highlights any conflicts, optimizes the model and, after owner approval, provides pricing and procurement directly from HyperBIM.

“It’s innovative all the way from the design to the kit of parts from prefabrication, the delivery and the installation,” Knupp said. “They’ve tackled innovation from every point of delivery.”

Hyperframe comes in made-to-order factory kits, which expedite the preconstruction process and eliminate waste. It also allows for a quieter work zone because no power tools are needed to install the metal framing.

“Everything is built around your unique model, so the kit will come in ready to be put together,” he said. “There is no cutting required, which also means no waste on the construction site. The safety incidents are minimized because Hyperframe eliminates power tools and can be installed from a standing position,” said Knupp.

Hyperframe’s installation process utilizes Augmented Reality headsets to give real-time instructions on where each piece needs to be snapped into place. A Trimble XR10 mixed-reality hard hat is used to scan a QR code on each steel part and direct the user to its exact location. Hyperframe has higher safety ratings, high-quality materials, and a foolproof design, which negates the need for specially trained labor.

“This will impact our projects because of the innovations in speed, quality, and safety. It’s all wrapped into a nice package and is a unique opportunity for the industry to capitalize on a new way of doing a scope of work,” Knupp said.

Recently, Hyperframe worked with team members at Haskell Steel, the company’s fabrication facility, to add a wall to their breakroom trailer for more office space. They created metal framing, which consisted of 24 feet of metal studs. Two of Haskell’s Permanent Craft Employees (PCEs), Ernesto Morales and Freddy Meneses, were tasked with learning Hyperframe and installing this framework, which they accomplished in 2.5 minutes.

“We believe Hyperframe is going to be revolutionary when it comes to metal wall framing. The team they’ve put together to develop this technology has a long history of technical grit and framing experience, and we’re looking forward to seeing their commercial deployment on Haskell projects,” said Knupp.

Through Dysruptek, its innovation and venture capital arm, Haskell leads the construction industry in technological development and adoption. Contact the Dysruptek team to discuss your idea “For the Betterment of the Industry.”