Glenview, IL, October 23, 2009 - The National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) is inviting all of its members to enter the 2009 Building of the Year competition. Any building designed and erected by an NFBA member builder that utilizes post-frame construction in a minimum of fifty percent of the building structure is eligible for the award.

A post-frame building is most clearly defined by its wide column spacing with rafters and/or trusses to create distinct "post-frames." Columns may or may not be ground-embedded. Mortise and tenon connections typical of timber frame construction are not considered post-frame by this definition.

To be eligible for this competition, buildings must have been completed during the 2009 calendar year and the building contractor must have been an NFBA Builder member for at least six months prior to entry submission.

Each entry needs to be accompanied by at least two high-resolution 8x10 photographs. Photos showing stages of construction and interior shots are highly recommended. Deadline for entry submissions is December 5, 2009.

Please visit the NFBA website, www.nfba.org, for a complete list of building categories and to download the official entry kit.

The NFBA was established in 1970 to advocate for and grow the post-frame industry. The organization represents post-frame contractors, design professionals, manufacturers and distributors. NFBA is the only trade association representing the interests of the post-frame construction industry throughout the United States.

Post-frame buildings are structurally efficient, clear-span buildings composed primarily of wood wall columns, roof trusses or rafters, purlins, girts, bracing and sheathing. The characteristic feature of the design is solid-sawn or laminated rectangular posts or columns, which may utilize a variety of foundation options. Post-frame is very well suited for low-rise commercial applications.

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