FRESH Building System
Fast. Resilient. Efficient. Sustainable.
The modular steel-frame system of Gatun Lake Construction, designed for Panama's heat, humidity and terrain.
What FRESH stands for
A system, not a single house type.
Fast
Components are prefabricated and assembled on site, so construction is faster than conventional methods.
Resilient
A steel frame and durable materials chosen for tropical, coastal and humid conditions.
Efficient
Insulated panels help keep interiors cool; less waste and more predictable budgets.
Sustainable
Less construction waste and a lighter footprint on the land, with homes that adapt to their site.
How it works
A steel kit of parts, assembled on your land.
A FRESH home starts with a reinforced concrete foundation. The steel frame is erected as a kit of parts and closed with insulated wall and roof panels. Because the frame carries the loads, layouts stay flexible and homes can step down a slope on stilts or terraces.
Electrical and plumbing runs are kept accessible, which makes maintenance and later changes simpler.
- Adaptable to sloped, coastal and rural sites
- Maintenance-friendly access to utilities
- Optional modules and finishes
Materials
Chosen for heat, humidity and salt air.
Steel frameKit-of-parts structure
Insulated panelsWalls and roof
Metal claddingDurable roof and wall finish
Concrete foundationReinforced base
Sliding glazingIndoor-outdoor living
LandscapingOptional, by our team
Colour chips are references; ask us for material samples.
Formats
From cabana to three-level residence.
Ready-to-build FRESH models and custom designs are presented on freshbuildingsystem.com.
Built with FRESH
Completed FRESH projects.
FRESH beach homes in Cambutal
Two FRESH beach homes on the Azuero surf coast, including the Hamby family's home, designed for natural airflow.
Read more
FRESH beach homes
Three single-level FRESH homes in Coco Beach Community, developed by Pacific Lot Living. CBV55 sold; CBV10 available.
Read more
Yuma mountain residences
Two- and three-level FRESH homes and conventional houses on sloping mountain lots.
Read moreFRESH questions
Is a FRESH home a prefabricated container house?
No. FRESH is a steel-frame kit of parts with insulated panels on a concrete foundation. Homes are designed individually and finished like any quality residence.
Can FRESH be built on a steep lot?
Yes. The frame can step down a slope, as in Yuma Mountain Community. Every site is engineered individually.
