BLUE SKY BUILDING SYSTEMS a division of
BLUE SKY FRAME™
Design Criteria for Architects + Engineers blueskybuildingsystems.com
1 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: ✚✚
asily create large E open spaces
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Rapid on-site assembly
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Economical buildings on steep lots
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I mpervious to termites, mold dry rot, and fire resistant
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High sustainability
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Structurally sound
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Reduced labor costs
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ompatible with most C architectural design styles
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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.
Figure 1: The 8 bolt pattern which creates
The Blue Sky Frame
Figure 2: Bolted connections which attach
The Blue Sky Frame uses light-gauge, high-tensile strength,
the moment connection in the Blue Sky Frame
light gauge C joists and beams
Figure 3: A Blue Sky Frame on the 2nd day of construction
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.
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Because the moment frame concentrates all of the dead loads
by two workers and are fastened together using standard
at the columns, the system works well in either a slab-on-grade
hand tools – no welding, torque wrenches or special inspections
environment or raised off the ground with simplified footings
are required.
pread footings, caissons or piles). The system does not require
The Blue Sky Frame allows architects a wide latitude to create
any load-bearing walls (interior nor exterior), shear panels or
buildings in a variety of styles. The structural frame can either
bracing of any kind, and can be designed to meet and exceed
“disappear” inside of walls (as with a traditional wood frame)
seismic, wind and snow loading requirements.
or stand out as an architectural expression, depending upon
All of the steel components are factory fabricated for each project. Most of the structural components are light enough to be carried
design preferences.
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-loadbearing, 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
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35-foot maximum column height
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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,
Reduces Labor Costs:
and packed so the first piece off the truck is the first piece
The components are fabricated in a relatively low-cost labor
required in construction.
market under factory conditions. This in turn reduces the amount
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
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.
that there is often no need for large cranes on-site, which is an
Impervious to Termites and Rot; Fire-Resistant:
additional cost savings over most structural steel building. The
The light-gauge, high-tensile strength, galvanized steel utilized
quick production of a weather-resistant space allows interior
in the Blue Sky Frame is impervious to insects, will not twist
finish work to begin almost immediately.
or crack as the weather changes, and is highly resistant to fire.
can be completely framed in a matter of days, as opposed to weeks. Using primarily lighter weight cold-rolled steel also means
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 5
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Unlike traditional wood framing, the steel frame does not foster the growth of mold and does not need to be treated with noxious
Figure 4: P rototypical Hillside House Designed by Ferreir Studio
chemicals to repel insects.
High Sustainability: The steel used in the Blue Sky Frame is made from approximately
a traditional construction site ends up being trucked to landfills.
70 percent recycled material and is itself 100 percent recyclable.
Factory fabrication of the Blue Sky Frame process virtually
The frame is ideally suited to be used in conjunction with pre-
eliminates site waste. Scraps from manufacturing and the few
fabricated wall panels that greatly reduce wood usage, waste and
(if any) generated on site are easily recycled.
labor costs.
Buildings that utilize the Blue Sky Frame can potentially be
A key attribute of buildings that incorporate the Blue Sky Frame
eligible for points in LEED categories including: innovation and
is waste reduction – up to 40 percent of the material delivered to
design process, sustainable sites, materials and resources.
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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: I nterior of an Urban
Contemporary Home
Figure 10: Interior of an Urban
Contemporary Home
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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 forceresisting 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 DesertModern Home
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 9
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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
Core Structure The core structural element of the Blue Sky Frame is a square
easily accommodated. All beam and joist lengths can be
or rectangular bay with columns on each corner. The eight-bolt
completely customized.
connections between the beams and the columns create the bi-directional moment frame.
The table in Figure 10 shows beam and column sizes for a typical raised foundation, single-story structure. Please note that all of
Bay sizes are dependent on the loads that will be supported,
the column, beam, and joist sizing are finalized in the structural
as well as the size of columns and beams utilized. Architectural
engineering phase and these dimensions may change based on
designs that typically call for rectangular bays are most
geometry of the structure or specific local requirements
convenient and economical, although square bays are also
and conditions.
25.00
25.00
20.00
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C Channel - 16x3.5x10Ga - Joist C Channel - 20x3.5x10Ga - Beam
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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. Raised Wood Floor - 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Raised Concrete Floor - 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Max Bay Size
Deflection Limit
Max Bay Size
Deflection Limit
25’ x 25’ or 30’ x 15’
L/480
20' x 25'
L/480
20' x 30'
L/720
20' x 25'
L/720
Raised Wood Floor - 20” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Raised Concrete Floor - 20” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Max Bay Size
Deflection Limit
Max Bay Size
Deflection Limit
25' x 30'
L/480
25' x 20' or 30' x 15'
L/480
25' x 20' or 30' x 10'
L/720
25' x 15' or 30' x 10'
L/720
Raised Wood Floor - 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Roof with 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns
Max Bay Size
Deflection Limit
Max Bay Size
Deflection Limit
25’ x 25’ or 30’ x 20’
L/240
30' x 25'
L/240
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
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 11
Components Vertical Columns: Design:
Hollow Structural Section (HSS)
Material:
High-strength structural steel
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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.
Joists: 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’
B
L
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D
Depth: 10” to 20” The span table in Figure 12 describes standard joist depths depending on spans and loading.
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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Beams: Design:
C channel
Material:
G60 galvanized cold-formed, lightgauge, high-tensile-strength steel (55 ksi)
Gauge:
10 to 14 gauge
Dimensions:
Length: Up to 42’ is common but, longer lengths are available
B
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L
D
Depth: 12” to 20” Width: 3½”
Footings: Design:
Typically spread footings or caissons are utilized in steep grade applications (depending on the site specific soil conditions)
1’2”
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SQUARE (4) 13/16” DIA. HOLES BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN
11”
1/2” THK PLATE
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.
(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT
BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN
(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT CONCRETE SLAB
1/2” THK PLATE
3 1/4” EMBED
Base plate with exposed anchor bolts
9”
1’2”
SQUARE
SQUARE
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(4) 13/16” DIA. HOLES BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN
BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN
11”
1/2” THK PLATE
1/2” THK. PLATE
(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT
(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT
CONCRETE FOOTING 8”-12” THK
(4) 3/4 DIA. HEADED ANCHOR BOLT
BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN 1/2” THK PLATE
BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN 4’� ACCESS HOLE
CONCRETE SLAB
(4) 3/4”DIA. HEADED ANCHOR BOLT #3 STRAP AROUND ANCHOR BOLTS
EDGE OF FOOTING DEPTH OF FOOTING VARIES
3/8” EMBED
12” EMBED
1/2” EMBED
Base plate with exposed anchor bolts with over pour topping slab
Anchor bolts concealed in column
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Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 13
Decking: Design:
Post, beam and joist
Material:
Concrete over B-Deck or Wood Sub-floor
Stiffness:
L/360 to L/720++
CORRUGATED STEEL SHEETS ARE FASTENED TO STRUCTURAL MEMBERS WITH #12 x 3/4” SELF DRILLING FASTENERS; ONE IN EACH VALLEY AT END SHEETS AND ONE IN ALTERNATE VALLEYS AT INTERMEDIATE STRUCTURAL MEMBERS
ASC STEEL DECK “B” DECK ICC # 1414
CONCRETE SLAB
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L 2 1/2” x 4” x 10GA FORM ANGLE UNDER D-DECK
L 2 1/2” x $” x 10GA FORM ANGLE UNDER B-DECK STRUT (TYPICAL)
BEAM (TYPICAL)
NOTE: BUTTON PUNCH SEAMS @ 36” O.C.
DECK JOIST (TYPICAL)
3 1/2”
1/4” x 14” x 61/2” SPLICE PLATE (SPLX16). TYP. BOTH SIDES
1/4 SP TY
Constraints:
3 1/2”
1/4” x 14” x 61/2” SPLICE PLATE (SPLX16). TYP. BOTH SIDES
(8) 1” � x 2 1/4” GRADE 5 BOLTS W/ (16) WASHERS TYP. EA. FACE
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.
FRONT ELEVATION
STRUT
(8) 1” x 21/4” GRS BOLTS W/ FLAT WASHER BOTH SIDES, TYP. EA CONNECTION
TS COLUMN
BEAM STRUT
(8) 1” x 21/4” GRS BOLTS W/ FLAT WASHER BOTH SIDES, TYP. EA CONNECTION
TS COLUMN
BEAM
Figure 23: C Channel Shape
Figure 27: Typical Concrete Decking Detail
Figure 24: Condition 1: Base plate with exposed anchor bolts Figure 25: Condition 2: Base plate with exposed anchor bolts
Figure 28: Ridge Detail Figure 29: Roof to Wall Column Connection
with over pour topping slab
Figure 26: Condition 3: Anchor bolts concealed in column
SPLI TYP.
3”
FRONT ELEVATION
281/4”
5”
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.
3”
Design:
3”
5”
3”
Roofs:
(8) 1” � x 2 1/4” GRADE 5 BOLTS W/ (16) WASHERS TYP. EA. FACE
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Beam and Column Connections: Condition 1: Pass and Grab In this condition beams are attached to the outer edge of the column and are able to support a cantilever.
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B A C
Cantilevers: 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.
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Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 15
Condition 2: Shear Tab In this condition beams are flush with column faces, which allows for thinner walls, but no cantilevers.
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36 B A
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
Figure 35: Shear Tab Frame Detail at “A“ Figure 36: Shear Tab Frame Detail at “B“
Architecture and Aesthetic Elements: The Blue Sky Frame provides various optional architectural elements that allow for a variety of aesthetics.
Canted Walls In this condition the column is slanted up to 15 degrees to achieve a canted wall profile.
Diamond Roof The Blue Sky Frame can provide roofs with slopes on all sides creating a unique architectural feature.
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 17
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.
Knife Edge Roof In the knife edge roof condition, the end of the beam is cut to reduce its thickness towards the edge of the roof.
Cut-Back Roof Edge 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.
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.
37 Punched Openings
Exterior Side of Panel
Angles: Ninty degree angles are most cost-effective. Other angles can be custom fabricated.
Open Cavity
EPS Expanded Polystyrene
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
for Lateral bracing
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.
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Blue Sky Wall Configurations
Interior Insulation:
Blue Sky Frame Column
Any type of insulation material can be utilized to achieve the
Siding
Blue Sky Wall Concrete Slab
appropriate “R” value required for any particular climate zone. The Blue Sky Frame is designed to work well with a companion
Metal B Deck
steel thermally efficient panel (STEP) wall panel system, the Blue
Metal Flashing
Sky Wall . ™
Blue Sky Frame C Channel Joist
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
Blue Sky Frame C Channel Beam
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.
Condition 1: Blue Sky Wall in line with column
Condition 2: Blue Sky Wall in line with C Channel beam
Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 19
Certification and Approvals 38
The technology underlying the Blue Sky Frame has been designed to comply with all applicable building codes: Uniform Building Code (UBC), California Building Code (CBC)
Tongueand andGroove Groove Tongue Joints Joints
PanelThickness Thickness Panel
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
LL Exterior Exterior Side Side ofPanel Panel of
SingleGroove Groove Single
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
Steelembedded embeddedin infoam foam Steel
bolted moment frame (as referenced in AISI S110) into the
24°O.C. O.C. 24°
IBC as an approved seismic resisting system. These approvals DoubleGroove Groove Double
can facilitate a faster permit process. The technology underlying the Blue Sky Frame has
W W Steelflush flushwith withfoam foam Steel
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.
Blue Sky Frame Column Steel Studs Siding Concrete Slab Metal B Deck Deflection Clip
Blue Sky Frame C Channel Joist
Blue Sky Frame C Channel Beam Blue Sky Wall
Condition 3: Blue Sky Wall on exterior of C Channel Beam
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
BLUE SKY BUILDING SYSTEMS a division of
Services Offered by Blue Sky Building Systems Blue Sky Building Systems can provide the following services to architects and builders: ✚✚
Feedback during design process
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Full structural engineering services
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Assistance with flashing details
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Permit processing and plan checking assistance
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Logistics and coordination of supplies and materials
✚✚
Marketing assistance of the finished product
Please Contact Us At: Blue Sky Building Systems PO Box 3277, Palm Springs, CA 9226 info@blueskyhomesllc.com www.blueskybuildingsystems.com
©2011 Blue Sky Building Systems, a division of Blue Sky Homes LLC