Product Development

Developing new products for the building industry requires in-depth understanding of how the product is likely to be received. SWA’s unique mix of hands-on technical experience, testing capability, understanding of product development and marketing, and extensive networking with the building industry allows the firm to provide highly focused, practical assistance. SWA has developed, or has assisted companies to develop, a wide variety of building products, materials, and systems.

Key to SWA’s effectiveness in product development is its in-depth understanding of the needs and opportunities that are peculiar to the residential building industry. SWA does not hesitate to highlight problems when they are found; but the experts at SWA always take the next step by suggesting alternative uses or configurations that will enhance the product’s market appeal and make its successful use more likely. Coupled with this understanding is a commitment to innovation that improves the energy efficiency, sustainability, quality, durability, and affordability of buildings in part through the development of new products.

SWA’s past work ranges from cutting-edge innovations to very market-focused fine-tuning of existing technology. Throughout its R&D work, SWA emphasizes a systems-oriented approach, always looking at the larger context within which a technology is embedded. It is characteristic of a systems approach that the traditional boundaries between design elements, building components, and construction operations are made porous in a search for a new and more productive synthesis.

One important characteristic of SWA’s work is a willingness to work within the practical limits that define any project. SWA is very good at striking a creative balance between a whole-building, systems approach and a real-world knowledge of how far and how fast a builder or developer can change. Always looking beyond the horizon, SWA has been able to craft highly creative solutions that can be used today.

Projects:

Fault Detection Thermostatic Controls
Precast Basement Foundations
Solid-Wall-System
Novel Geothermal Heat Pump
Plastic Ducts
Building Integrated Pressure Relief Damper
Fiber-optic daylighting