Project FROG™ FAQ

Flexible Response to Ongoing Growth.

Project FROG™ Inc. designs, manufactures and sells high-performance, attractive, and quick-to-deploy buildings that utilize modular construction technology. FROG™ units fill the product gap between under performing, outdated temporary trailers and expensive permanent structures in the construction market. The product line is architecturally stylish, highly functional, energy efficient, and easily adaptable for many different applications including education, government, healthcare, and retail.

FROG™ units provide a healthier and more stimulating workspace and incorporate many "green" design elements such as recyclable materials, energy efficient systems, significant natural lighting, non-volatile organic compound (non-VOC) interiors, and climate controls in each room. In addition, the smart modular design keeps costs low while allowing for client customization. Units are quick-to-deploy and can be easily assembled with a small crew and simple installation equipment.

Because the Project FROG™ system comprises three integrated parts: the Shed, the Sled, and the Powerpak, the client can configure much of their high performance building while keeping their costs low.

For example, the Shed, which is the main section of the building, is a lightweight expandable frame with interchangeable wall panels. By varying the materials in the panels - fiberglass, tensile fabric, glass, etc. - the units can be customized for different climates and uses. Exterior and interior wall colors can also be tailored to the client's preferences.

The Sled, which is the universal, engineered floor, accommodates the telecommunications and electrical infrastructure as well as the distribution for heating, cooling and ventilation. Because of its design, FROG™ buildings can be reconfigured over time to meet many different applications for the end user.

The Powerpak, which is the backend of the building, accommodates the main HVAC, electrical and lighting panels and controls, and a specialized storage compartment. The added space in this portion of the building can be configured for many uses such as a restroom, server room, storage closet, or a specialized lab.

In addition, the overall design is built to accommodate a living roof and solar panels, which not only offer an opportunity for reduced energy costs but enable an off-the-grid solution for remote applications.

You can specify the total square footage and occupancy required; the exterior wall panels (color and configuration); the number and layout of windows; entire interior layout including restroom, storage, and room requirements; electrical and plumbing requirements, roof type (living roof optional); and solar panels (optional). The units are sold as single buildings or can be attached to each other to create entirely new spaces. Our FROG™ high performance environments are designed to accommodate all your needs!

MKThink, a pioneering firm that marries innovative problem-solving and architecture, spent two years researching the "trailer blight" problem, which plagues America. Led by Principals Mark Miller, Steve Kelley and Nate Goore, MKThink found that today's temporary trailer solutions were under performing and that students and teachers deserved more for their money. With a strong background in learning environments and a clear understanding of the market needs, the MKThink principals created Project FROG™ and spun the company out on its own in early 2006. MKThink clients include Stanford Law School, General Motors Corporation, Borel Private Bank & Trust Co., and Sun Microsystems.

Five million college students are currently learning in temporary classrooms - that is one out of every five college students. By 2012, that number is expected to rise to one quarter of the total student population. There are more than 220,000 temporary classrooms currently in use around the United States. And most recently, in the Gulf Coast region, the need for viable academic spaces has been exacerbated by the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

While administrators generally plan on utilizing temporary structures on a short-term basis, our research found that an incredible 76% remain in place three times longer than expected. More importantly, we found that there is a clear correlation between the built environment and the academic performance of students.

The physical structure of a building is critical for healthy and productive learning. Based on our research, Project FROG™ believes that a stylish building, flooded with natural light, high ceilings, clear sight lines, and easy access to the latest high-tech teaching tools, fosters creativity, encourages better student-teacher collaboration and ultimately inspires academic achievement.

Without compromising the benefits of purpose-designed structures, Project FROG™ created a solution that combines the benefits of temporary trailers- cost effective, quick to deploy and re-locatable- with those of permanent structures to create a high performance, sustainable and quick-to-deploy product that is attractive and friendly.

• Safety: Engineered to meet California's rigorous state building codes for a permanent structure, Project FROG™ far surpasses the durability and safety of traditional mobile units - even for seismic and wind load. Quite simply, it adheres to a much higher standard.
• Design: Created with input from teachers, Project FROG™ is designed around effective learning behaviors. With its high ceilings, excellent acoustics, exceptional air quality and seamless user technology, the high-performance design is a far cry from the trailer classrooms used today. The sleek, modern design helps eliminate central supports that often block critical classroom sightlines. In addition, the paneled exterior enables schools to open the classrooms, bathing them in fresh air and light.
• Flexibility: The engineered, wall- panel system facilitates quick and easy transport and assembly, even to unique and difficult sites. Custom innovations in the structural and building components make possible a range of layouts to accommodate the diverse needs of today's educational institutions - labs, auditoriums, and a variety of classroom configurations.
• Sustainability: Project FROG™, based on green building technology, is extremely efficient. We use recyclable materials, minimize waste, optimize energy usage, and produce an overall healthier environment at lower operating costs. In addition, Project FROG™ treads lightly on the land, making it environmentally- friendly and useable even in sensitive locations.
• Aesthetics: Project FROG™ boasts a colorful, eye-catching design - inside and out - that creates excitement, enthusiasm and a general positive feeling about using these facilities.

Our buildings can be used as single, self-contained units or joined together in several different configurations to accommodate the diverse array of applications in the education, office, healthcare, government, and retail markets.

For example, education clients can use FROG™ units for preschools, K-12 classrooms, higher education classrooms, multi-media buildings, science research labs, lecture rooms and more. Healthcare providers can use FROG™ units for clinics, training facilities or administrative offices. Our high performance buildings have significant applicability for other areas as well including, community centers, retail, exhibit spaces, and offices.

Project FROG™ standard environments are 28 feet wide by anywhere from 32 to 60 feet long. The modules can be combined to create larger spaces.

With proper maintenance and care, FROG™ learning environments will last as long as traditional buildings.

FROG™ units are available for delivery throughout the United States. The units are engineered to rigorous California standards, but the system is sufficiently flexible to be adjusted to meet local and state regulations.

Project FROG™ launched in early 2006 and has customer deployments scheduled for as early as Q4 2006. Call us to schedule a virtual tour of one of our sites or visit our demonstration unit!

Units can be delivered to the site on average between 8 to 12 weeks after the purchase order has been submitted.

FROG™ environments are made of steel beams and trusses and are designed to exceed California seismic codes and are engineered to last over 25 years.