Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight, insulating panel building component comprised of a combination of a rigid insulation core in a composite structure with a plurality of structural materials, preferably steel. The steel members form a perimeter about the rigid insulation core providing structural strength, particularly taken in combination with the compressive strength of the core and the tensional and compressive strength of the structural members. These structural members include vertical members which provide support in compression, a cap member, a foot member, and optional external and interior facing. The cap and foot members are preferably in the form of a standard channel having a web dimension that is substantially similar to the thickness of the rigid insulation core and can fit thereabout at the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a load-bearing, insulating building wall on a building foundation includes the steps of forming a foam core having an interior face and an exterior face and opposing side edges each having a length, a top edge and a bottom edge; forming a groove in the interior face and a groove in the exterior face; forming a vertical member having a web portion with web portion longitudinal edges, a flange portion at each the web portion longitudinal edge, the flange portions each having a flange portion longitudinal edge, and a ledges at each the flange portion longitudinal edge; positioning the vertical member such that the ledges are aligned with one end of the grooves; sliding the vertical member into and along the grooves to substantially cover the first side edge; forming a foot member having a web portion with two longitudinal edges and a flange portion at each the web portion longitudinal edge; forming a cap member having a web portion with two longitudinal edges and a flange portion at each