X-Frame

X-Frame is positioned at the intersection of construction technology and sustainability, aiming to transition the building industry from a linear to a circular economy. The company was founded in 2017 by Ged Finch and Carsten Dethlefsen. The concept originated from Finch's Master of Architecture thesis research in 2017, which envisioned a modular wall framing system to reduce construction waste and enable end-of-life material recovery and reuse.

The foundational idea was demonstrated through a full-scale prototype at Victoria University of Wellington in late 2017, supported by a research award. This initial success, followed by further prototyping in 2018 and 2019 with support from KiwiNet and various New Zealand construction firms, helped the system mature. To scale commercially, X-Frame New Zealand partnered with Wellington University Ventures and the Innovyz Institute in 2019 to establish X-Frame Australia. Carsten Dethlefsen joined as general manager, allowing Finch to concentrate on technology development. The company secured its first capital raise in late 2020.

X-Frame's core business revolves around a precision-fabricated, lightweight framing system that facilitates easy assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration of building structures. This system uses a series of modular, interlocking engineered wood parts that can be put together without nails or screws, making it adaptable for future changes and reducing waste. The company utilizes a proprietary technology platform that automates the entire process from design and manufacturing to component tracking and redeployment logistics of recovered materials. Its product offerings cater to commercial, retail, residential, and institutional clients, providing solutions for office fit-outs, educational spaces, and various building types. One of their key offerings is a room-in-room, reconfigurable meeting room system for offices. By focusing on a circular model, X-Frame aims to create a system where building components can be endlessly reused, reconfigured, and redeployed.

Keywords: circular construction, modular framing, sustainable building, construction technology, building waste reduction, demountable walls, circular economy, engineered wood, green building, architectural technology, prefabricated structures, reusable building components, art-to-part automation, distributed manufacturing, sustainable design, construction innovation, cleantech, proptech, modular construction, building systems