Design Criteria forArchitects + Engineers
B L U E S K Y F R A M E ™
b l u e s k y b u i l d i n g s y s t e m s . c o m
B L U E S K Y B U I L D I N G S Y S T E M S a division of
Blue Sky Building Systems is revolutionizing the design and construction of commercial and residential buildings. Better design. Better materials. Better techniques. We believe that structures can be built less expensively, more quickly, with a greatly reduced impact on the environment and with a longer lifespan than most structures being constructed today.
Blue Sky Building Systems offers the Blue Sky Frame, and our Blue Sky Wall™, for use in residential and commercial building. When used together, these components afford architects, engineers and builders significant advantages over traditional building methodologies including:
This document provides an overview of the Blue Sky Frame, provides details of the benefits, an overview of the materials and components that make up the frame, and highlights the testing that has been done on the Blue Sky Frame.
The Blue Sky FrameThe Blue Sky Frame uses light-gauge, high-tensile strength,
cold-rolled, galvanized steel elements, and structural tube
steel columns that are bolted together on site to create a
bi-directional moment-resisting frame. The strength of both
the steel and the bolted connections that attach the framing
elements provide superior structural integrity. The bolted
moment connections are comprised of horizontal and vertical
elements (post and beam) that are fastened in an eight-bolt
pattern that creates an exceptionally strong structure.
✚ Easily create large open spaces
✚ Rapid on-site assembly
✚ Economical buildings on steep lots
✚ Impervious to termites, mold dry rot, and fire resistant
✚ High sustainability
✚ Structurally sound
✚ Reduced labor costs
✚ Compatible with most architectural design styles
Figure 1: The 8 bolt pattern which creates the moment connection in the Blue Sky Frame
Figure 2: Bolted connections which attach light gauge C joists and beams
Figure 3: A Blue Sky Frame on the 2nd day of construction
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Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 3
The Blue Sky FrameBecause the moment frame concentrates all of the dead loads
at the columns, the system works well in either a slab-on-grade
environment or raised off the ground with simplified footings
pread footings, caissons or piles). The system does not require
any load-bearing walls (interior nor exterior), shear panels or
bracing of any kind, and can be designed to meet and exceed
seismic, wind and snow loading requirements.
All of the steel components are factory fabricated for each project.
Most of the structural components are light enough to be carried
by two workers and are fastened together using standard
hand tools – no welding, torque wrenches or special inspections
are required.
The Blue Sky Frame allows architects a wide latitude to create
buildings in a variety of styles. The structural frame can either
“disappear” inside of walls (as with a traditional wood frame)
or stand out as an architectural expression, depending upon
design preferences.
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Benefits of the Blue Sky Frame
Easily Create Large Open Spaces: Because the Blue Sky Frame is a bi-directional moment frame, the
only structural components are columns, beams, struts and joists.
This eliminates the need for load-bearing or shear walls, on the
interior and exterior of the building. Because the walls are non-load-
bearing, interior floor plans created with the frame are limitless and
easy to modify as future needs of the occupants change over time.
The Blue Sky Frame supports the following design parameters:
✚ 30-foot, or greater, clear spans between columns
✚ 35-foot maximum column height
✚ Structures of up to three stories tall
Economical Building on Steep Lots:The Blue Sky Frame is well suited for use on steep or sensitive
sites that until now may have been considered unbuildable or
cost prohibitive utilizing traditional building techniques. All of
the dead loads are supported by the frame’s vertical columns,
which sit on point-load spread footings or caissons (depending on
the site-specific soil conditions). The total material in and on the
ground is kept to a minimum. This often eliminates the need for
extensive site work, expensive foundation work, grading, fill and
retaining walls, which can add significant cost and complexity to
projects. It also reduces permanent damage often done to land
during construction. Structures using the Blue Sky Frame site
lightly on the land.
Rapid On-Site Assembly: The Blue Sky Frame is delivered to the site flat-stacked,
and packed so the first piece off the truck is the first piece
required in construction.
All parts of the framing system are pre-cut and pre-drilled to
tight tolerances. Local construction crews simply have to bolt
the components together. A building using the Blue Sky Frame
can be completely framed in a matter of days, as opposed to
weeks. Using primarily lighter weight cold-rolled steel also means
that there is often no need for large cranes on-site, which is an
additional cost savings over most structural steel building. The
quick production of a weather-resistant space allows interior
finish work to begin almost immediately.
Reduces Labor Costs: The components are fabricated in a relatively low-cost labor
market under factory conditions. This in turn reduces the amount
of on-site work, downtime due to weather, waiting on materials
or specialized trades. This is of particular benefit for remote or
high-cost labor markets.
Impervious to Termites and Rot; Fire-Resistant: The light-gauge, high-tensile strength, galvanized steel utilized
in the Blue Sky Frame is impervious to insects, will not twist
or crack as the weather changes, and is highly resistant to fire.
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 5
Unlike traditional wood framing, the steel frame does not foster
the growth of mold and does not need to be treated with noxious
chemicals to repel insects.
High Sustainability: The steel used in the Blue Sky Frame is made from approximately
70 percent recycled material and is itself 100 percent recyclable.
The frame is ideally suited to be used in conjunction with pre-
fabricated wall panels that greatly reduce wood usage, waste and
labor costs.
A key attribute of buildings that incorporate the Blue Sky Frame
is waste reduction – up to 40 percent of the material delivered to
a traditional construction site ends up being trucked to landfills.
Factory fabrication of the Blue Sky Frame process virtually
eliminates site waste. Scraps from manufacturing and the few
(if any) generated on site are easily recycled.
Buildings that utilize the Blue Sky Frame can potentially be
eligible for points in LEED categories including: innovation and
design process, sustainable sites, materials and resources.
Figure 4: Prototypical Hillside House Designed by Ferreir Studio
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Supports Many Design Styles: The Blue Sky Frame can be clad with just about any exterior
cladding material – from metal to stucco to reclaimed wood.
The interior walls will accommodate traditional drywall finishes
as well as plaster and wood paneling.
Figure 5: Farmhouse Style Home Designed by Burdge and Associates
Figure 6: Frame for a Farmhouse Style Home
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Figure 7: Urban Contemporary Home Designed by Ferrier Architecture Studio
Figure 8: Frame for an Urban Contemporary Home
Figure 9: Interior of an Urban Contemporary Home
Figure 10: Interior of an Urban Contemporary Home
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 7
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Structurally Sound: The technology underlying the Blue Sky Frame has approval from
the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) for its seismic force-
resisting moment connection, and is the first of its kind to be
approved by that body. AISI is the governing body for the design
of cold-formed steel sections used in the construction industry.
The frame has been thoroughly lab tested and performs well in
zone 4 (D) seismic areas and can be designed to withstand any
high wind or snow load conditions.
Figure 11: Finished Exterior of a Desert-Modern Home Designed by o2 Architecture
Figure 12: Frame for a Desert-Modern Home
Figure 13: Front Elevation of a Desert- Modern Home
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Figure 14: Joshua Tree Home Designed by Jim Jennings Architecture
Figure 15: Molo, Chile Homes Designed by Rankin Kelly
Figure 16: Kowaliga Home Designed by Grace Harriett
Figure 17: Home in Hawaii Designed by Weinstein AU Architects + Urban Designers
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 9
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The core structural element of the Blue Sky Frame is a square
or rectangular bay with columns on each corner. The eight-bolt
connections between the beams and the columns create the
bi-directional moment frame.
Bay sizes are dependent on the loads that will be supported,
as well as the size of columns and beams utilized. Architectural
designs that typically call for rectangular bays are most
convenient and economical, although square bays are also
easily accommodated. All beam and joist lengths can be
completely customized.
The table in Figure 10 shows beam and column sizes for a typical
raised foundation, single-story structure. Please note that all of
the column, beam, and joist sizing are finalized in the structural
engineering phase and these dimensions may change based on
geometry of the structure or specific local requirements
and conditions.
Core Structure
Raised Wood Floor - 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Max Bay Size Deflection Limit
25’ x 25’ or 30’ x 15’ L/480
20' x 30' L/720
Raised Wood Floor - 20” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Max Bay Size Deflection Limit
25' x 30' L/480
25' x 20' or 30' x 10' L/720
Raised Wood Floor - 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Max Bay Size Deflection Limit
25’ x 25’ or 30’ x 20’ L/240
Raised Concrete Floor - 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Max Bay Size Deflection Limit
20' x 25' L/480
20' x 25' L/720
Raised Concrete Floor - 20” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Max Bay Size Deflection Limit
25' x 20' or 30' x 15' L/480
25' x 15' or 30' x 10' L/720
Roof with 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Max Bay Size Deflection Limit
30' x 25' L/240
C Channel - 20x3.5x10Ga - BeamC Channel - 16x3.5x10Ga - Joist
25.00 25.00
20.0
0
Figure 18: Example of two 20’ X 25’ Square Bays in Plan View
Figure 19: Blue Sky Frame – Bay Sizes – Single Story
Figure 20: Section of HSS Tube Steel
Figure 21: C Channel Shape
Figure 22: Span Joist Spacing
NOTE: These are generalized sizes. Specific seismic, wind, and geometric conditions may require different sizes. Assumed floor dead loads are 50 and 30 psf for concrete and wood respectively and 25 psf for the roof. Live loads are assumed to be 40 psf floor and 20 psf roof. These sizes should be used for initial sizing only, not final design.
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Components
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 11
Design: Hollow Structural Section (HSS)
Material: High-strength structural steel
Optional G90 galvanization or powder coated
Dimensions: Length: Up to 35 feet
Exterior: 8”x8”, 10”x10” or 12”x12”
Thickness: 1/4” to 3/8”
Constraints: 8”x8” columns are typically used in one and two-story structures
10”x10” columns are typically used in three-story structures.
Vertical Columns:
Design: C channel
Material: G60 galvanized cold-formed, light-gauge, high-tensile strength steel (55 ksi)
Gauge: 10 to 24 gauge
Dimensions: Length: Up to 30’
Depth: 10” to 20”
The span table in Figure 12 describes standard joist depths depending on spans and loading.
Joists:
Joist Span Joists Depth (D) for Concrete Floor
Joists Depth (D) for Wood Floor
Roof Joist Spacing ( O.C. )
30' N/A 20" 16" or 14" 4'
28' N/A 16" 14" or 12" 4'
26' 20" 16" 12" 4'
24' 20" 16" 10" or 12" 4'
22' 16" 14" 10" or 12" 4'
20' 16" or 14" 14" or 12" 10" or 12" 4'
18' 16" 12'' or 10" 10" or 12" 4'
16' 16" or 14" 12'' or 10" 8" or 10" 4'
14' 14" or 12" 12'' or 10" 8" 4'
12' 12" or 10" 10" or 8" 8" 4'
10' 10" or 8" 10" or 8" 8" 4'
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B L
D
4’�ACCESS
HOLE
EDGE OF FOOTINGDEPTH OF
FOOTING VARIES
SQUARE
BLUE SKY FRAMECOLUMN
(4) 3/4 DIA. HEADEDANCHOR BOLT
1/2” THK. PLATE
(4) 3/4”DIA. HEADEDANCHOR BOLT
#3 STRAPAROUNDANCHOR BOLTS
3/8” EMBED
12” EMBED
1/2” EMBED
9”
BLUE SKY FRAMECOLUMN
SQUARE
1’2”
11”
(4) 13/16” DIA. HOLES
(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT
(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT
(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT
CONCRETE SLAB
CONCRETE SLAB
CONCRETEFOOTING
8”-12” THK
3 1/4” EMBED
BLUE SKY FRAMECOLUMN
BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN
BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN
1/2” THK PLATE
SQUARE
1’2”
11”
(4) 13/16” DIA. HOLES
(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT
BLUE SKY FRAMECOLUMN
1/2” THK PLATE
1/2” THK PLATE
1/2” THK PLATE
Base plate with exposed anchor bolts
Base plate with exposed anchor bolts with over pour topping slab
Anchor bolts concealed in column
B L
D
Design: C channel
Material: G60 galvanized cold-formed, light-gauge, high-tensile-strength steel (55 ksi)
Gauge: 10 to 14 gauge
Dimensions: Length: Up to 42’ is common but, longer lengths are available
Depth: 12” to 20”
Width: 3½”
Design: Typically spread footings or caissons are utilized in steep grade applications (depending on the site specific soil conditions)
Material: Steel reinforced concrete
Dimensions: Footings are engineered for each project based on the site-specific soil conditions and topography. The footings used in conjunction with the Blue Sky Frame are usually smaller than those required for traditional framing techniques due to the highly reduced lateral moments at the base of the moment frame structure. The footings can be as small as 24”x24”x18” depending on soil conditions.
Beams:
Footings:
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24
2625
CONCRETE SLABASC STEEL DECK “B” DECKICC # 1414
L 2 1/2” x 4” x 10GAFORM ANGLE UNDER D-DECK
CORRUGATED STEEL SHEETSARE FASTENED TO STRUCTURAL
MEMBERS WITH #12 x 3/4” SELFDRILLING FASTENERS; ONE IN EACH VALLEY AT END SHEETS
AND ONE IN ALTERNATE VALLEYS AT INTERMEDIATE
STRUCTURAL MEMBERS
L 2 1/2” x $” x 10GAFORM ANGLE UNDER
B-DECK
STRUT(TYPICAL)
NOTE: BUTTON PUNCHSEAMS @ 36” O.C.
BEAM(TYPICAL)
DECK JOIST(TYPICAL)
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 13
Figure 23: C Channel Shape
Figure 24: Condition 1: Base plate with exposed anchor bolts
Figure 25: Condition 2: Base plate with exposed anchor bolts with over pour topping slab
Figure 26: Condition 3: Anchor bolts concealed in column
Figure 27: Typical Concrete Decking Detail
Figure 28: Ridge Detail
Figure 29: Roof to Wall Column Connection
Design: Post, beam and joist
Material: Concrete over B-Deck or Wood Sub-floor
Stiffness: L/360 to L/720++
Design: The roof is comprised of light-gauge “C” beams and purlins. Any steel or wood roofing system can be attached to the Blue Sky Frame. The system carries all of the weight and strain around the perimeter of the frame. All roof loads are carried by the parametric beams. Architects can design many roof profiles to work with the Blue Sky Frame including shed, gable, and hip.
Constraints: The Blue Sky Frame will work with virtually any roof system, including a living or “green” roof. Heavier roof systems will likely result in an increase to size of columns and beams.
Decking:
Roofs:
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3”3”
3 1/2”
FRONT ELEVATION
(8) 1” � x 2 1/4”GRADE 5 BOLTSW/ (16) WASHERSTYP. EA. FACE
1/4” x 14” x 61/2”SPLICE PLATE (SPLX16).TYP. BOTH SIDES
5”
STRUT
TS COLUMN
BEAM
(8) 1” x 21/4” GRSBOLTS W/ FLAT WASHER BOTH SIDES, TYP. EA CONNECTION
3”3”
3 1/2”
FRONT ELEVATION
(8) 1” � x 2 1/4”GRADE 5 BOLTSW/ (16) WASHERSTYP. EA. FACE
1/4” x 14” x 61/2”SPLICE PLATE (SPLX16).TYP. BOTH SIDES
5”
3”3”
3 1/2”
FRONT ELEVATION
(8) 1” � x 2 1/4”GRADE 5 BOLTSW/ (16) WASHERSTYP. EA. FACE
1/4” x 14” x 61/2”SPLICE PLATE (SPLX16).TYP. BOTH SIDES
5”
STRUT
TS COLUMN
BEAM
(8) 1” x 21/4” GRSBOLTS W/ FLAT WASHER BOTH SIDES, TYP. EA CONNECTION
3”3”
3 1/2”
FRONT ELEVATION
(8) 1” � x 2 1/4”GRADE 5 BOLTSW/ (16) WASHERSTYP. EA. FACE
1/4” x 14” x 61/2”SPLICE PLATE (SPLX16).TYP. BOTH SIDES
5”
A
B
A
B
C
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30 35
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Design: Deck and roof cantilevers can be supported by main beams, extending out 25% of the tributary span running parallel with the beam direction. Pass and grab cantilevers for deck’s can be up to 10’. Clipped-on cantilevers can be up to 4’.
Material: Cantilevers can support most decking materials including wood, or concrete over B-Deck.
Beam and Column Connections:
Cantilevers:
Condition 1: Pass and Grab
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In this condition beams are attached to the outer edge of the column and are able to support a cantilever.
A
B
A
B
C
31 32
30 35
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Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 15
Beam and Column Connections:
Condition 2: Shear Tab
Figure 35: Shear Tab Frame Detail at “A“
Figure 36: Shear Tab Frame Detail at “B“
Figure 30: Pass and Grab Frame Detail at “A“
Figure 31: Pass and Grab Frame Detail at “B“
Figure 32: Pass and Grab Frame Detail at “C“
Figure 33: Pass and Grab Cantilever
Figure 34: Clipped-On Cantilever
In this condition beams are flush with column faces, which allows for thinner walls, but no cantilevers.
Architecture and Aesthetic Elements:The Blue Sky Frame provides various optional architectural elements that allow for a variety of aesthetics.
Diamond Roof
Canted Walls
The Blue Sky Frame can provide roofs with slopes on all sides creating a unique architectural feature.
In this condition the column is slanted up to 15 degrees to achieve a canted wall profile.
Architecture and Aesthetic Elements:
Knife Edge Roof
Cut-Back Roof Edge
In the knife edge roof condition, the end of the beam is cut to reduce its thickness towards the edge of the roof.
In the cut-back roof edge condition, the end of the beam is cut back leaving 2’’, 4’’, 6’’, or 8’’ beam profile supporting the roof.
The Blue Sky Frame can provide roofs with thinner and sharper edges by modifying the ends of the “C” channel beams to different depths to create various edge conditions.
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 17
Blue Sky Frame - Column
Blue Sky Frame - Column
Steel Studs
Blue Sky Frame - C Channel Joist
Blue Sky Frame - C Channel Joist
Blue Sky Frame - C Channel Beam Blue Sky Frame -
C Channel Beam
Blue Sky Wall
Blue Sky Wall
Siding Siding
Concrete Slab Concrete Slab
Metal Flashing
Metal B Deck Metal B Deck
Deflection Clip
Blue Sky Wall Configurations
Condition 1: Blue Sky Wall in line with column
Condition 2: Blue Sky Wall in line with C Channel beam
Condition 3: Blue Sky Wall on exterior of C Channel Beam
Design Considerations
Designing a building around the Blue Sky Frame is relatively simple. There are only a few key design considerations that have to be kept in mind in order to ensure that benefits of the frame are realized to their fullest extent.
Angles:Ninty degree angles are most cost-effective. Other angles
can be custom fabricated.
Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing:Holes for routing MEP equipment and lines can be punched (at
the factory) into the center third of the vertical section of the
web. Holes should be punched at half the distance between the
column line and the midpoint of the span.
Exterior Cladding: The system can be designed to accommodate just about any
exterior cladding material including stucco, siding, plywood,
architectural copper, zinc, aluminum, metal, vinyl, etc.
Interior Insulation: Any type of insulation material can be utilized to achieve the
appropriate “R” value required for any particular climate zone.
The Blue Sky Frame is designed to work well with a companion
steel thermally efficient panel (STEP) wall panel system, the Blue
Sky Wall™.
The Blue Sky Wall can be installed in two ways. It can be
installed in-line with the columns or in-line with the C channel
beam. Installing the wall in-line with the column works well for
temperate climates or environments with little rain. Installing the
walls in-line with the beam works in all climates and simplifies
flashing details and provides a better thermal break. Columns
can be exposed to the interior, clad, or enclosed in interior walls.
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Double Groove
Single GrooveExteriorSide
of Panel
ExteriorSide
of Panel
24° O.C.
Panel Thickness
L
W
Tongue and GrooveJoints
Steel embedded in foam
Steel flush with foam
for Lateral bracing
EPS - ExpandedPolystyrene
Open Cavity
PunchedOpenings
Blue Sky Frame - Column
Blue Sky Frame - Column
Steel Studs
Blue Sky Frame - C Channel Joist
Blue Sky Frame - C Channel Joist
Blue Sky Frame - C Channel Beam Blue Sky Frame -
C Channel Beam
Blue Sky Wall
Blue Sky Wall
Siding Siding
Concrete Slab Concrete Slab
Metal Flashing
Metal B Deck Metal B Deck
Deflection Clip
Blue Sky Wall Configurations
Condition 1: Blue Sky Wall in line with column
Condition 2: Blue Sky Wall in line with C Channel beam
Condition 3: Blue Sky Wall on exterior of C Channel Beam
Design Considerations
Figure 37: Interior, Exterior, and Edge Views of the Blue Sky Wall
Figure 38: Exterior and Edge Views of the Blue Sky Wall
Figure 39: Flashing Details on edge of STEP Walls
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Certification and ApprovalsThe technology underlying the Blue Sky Frame has been
designed to comply with all applicable building codes:
Uniform Building Code (UBC), California Building Code (CBC)
and International Building Code (IBC); as well as meeting the
rigorous specifications demanded in seismically active zones.
This is the first moment-resistant, bi-directional rigid frame
to be approved by the American Iron and Steel Institute
(AISI). The bolted light-gauge bi-directional moment frame
is uniquely designed to perform exceedingly well in seismic
zone 4 (D) and is recognized by the International Code
Council (ICC). The ICC has incorporated this light-gauge
bolted moment frame (as referenced in AISI S110) into the
IBC as an approved seismic resisting system. These approvals
can facilitate a faster permit process.
The technology underlying the Blue Sky Frame has
undergone rigorous testing by the Department of Structural
Engineering at University of California, San Diego.
For full details regarding the testing protocol and results
please visit: http://bit.ly/p1H12C
Blue Sky Homes controls the exclusive rights to the use of
the technology underlying the Blue Sky framing system for
use in the residential marketplace.
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 19
Double Groove
Single GrooveExteriorSide
of Panel
ExteriorSide
of Panel
24° O.C.
Panel Thickness
L
W
Tongue and GrooveJoints
Steel embedded in foam
Steel flush with foam
for Lateral bracing
EPS - ExpandedPolystyrene
Open Cavity
PunchedOpenings
Double Groove
Single GrooveExteriorSide
of Panel
ExteriorSide
of Panel
24° O.C.
Panel Thickness
L
W
Tongue and GrooveJoints
Steel embedded in foam
Steel flush with foam
for Lateral bracing
EPS - ExpandedPolystyrene
Open Cavity
PunchedOpenings
©2011 Blue Sky Building Systems, a division of Blue Sky Homes LLC
Please Contact Us At:
Blue Sky Building Systems PO Box 3277, Palm Springs, CA 9226 [email protected] www.blueskybuildingsystems.com
B L U E S K Y B U I L D I N G S Y S T E M S a division of
Services Offered by Blue Sky Building Systems
✚ Feedback during design process
✚ Full structural engineering services
✚ Assistance with flashing details
✚ Permit processing and plan
checking assistance
✚ Logistics and coordination of
supplies and materials
✚ Marketing assistance of the
finished product
Blue Sky Building Systems can provide the following services to architects and builders: