Architects

Steel Frame Solutions

For Architects

How is designing with Light Gauge SAteel Framing different to traditional materials?

As the Architect, you may not yet be familiar designing projects with Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF) systems.

However, it’s generally the same principle, with some subtle differences. Some aspects are simpler using LGSF as the lintel and bracing details are available in the design.

There is a lot more design flexibility as well due to the non-combustible makeup of the materials. Plus, the higher strength to weight ratio reduces the need for extra and load bearing walls and columns providing longer spans.

Being up to 70% lighter depending on the panel or joist design, the weight advantages can assist for soil types and slab design.

We work to the NASH standards (the National Association of Steel Framed Housing) which is intended to be an alternative solution verification method to the NZ Building Code in conjunction with NZ3604. Which can provide span tables and other details to assist you with your designs.

Making the switch to

steel frame and truss

Builders are steering their clients to LGSF as the better choice for building due to the many advantages to them when working with LGSF. In Australia as you are well aware most residential construction uses LGSF and it’s gaining popularity in New Zealand year on year, as well as globally.

Find out more by contacting us for a discussion on the benefits of working with LGSF.

Steel Frames Are Better To

Work With

Working with commercial grade galvanized structural steel has some major benefits.

The slender profile of steel, its strength and light weight makes it an ideal option and no cranes are required to assemble the framework, which saves time and money.

1. No need for special tools

Many appreciate the simplicity of the screw-together framing, especially as there is no need for special tools. Forget about nail guns, and lugging timber.

2. Ideal for environmentally sensitive sites

It is ideal for environmentally sensitive sites as there is minimum disruption and disturbance to the native vegetation. It is particularly suited to sloping sites where access is difficult.

3. Steel trusses and steel roofing panels reduce labour costs

Steel trusses and steel roofing panels reduce labour costs because they have straightforward assembly – only requiring a battery operated screwdriver.

4. No need for power

The wall frames and roof trusses can be positioned and screwed together in even the most remote locations without needing access to the power grid.

5. Steel beams are half the depth of timber

Steel beam depths are around half that of timber beams offering greater usable space and lower costs than that of other materials.

6. Fewer columns and stud support are required

Due to its superior strength and flexibility, it provides increased spanning capabilities meaning fewer columns/stud support requirements and therefore more usable space.

7. Difficult terrain is not a problem

Build safely on sloping sites, even on the most difficult terrain. We can supply you with a floor system to sit on top of adjustable stumps which makes assembly very easy and you can trailer in most components.

8. Quick and easy to assemble, with almost no wastage

Prefabricated frames are easy and quick to assemble and on-site wastage is almost eliminated. Frames fit together with logic and simplicity and being dimensionally stable, once erected they will not move or warp. Reduced waste on building sites means fewer bins are required.

9. No need to pack out, plane off or compensate for warps, twists and knots

Prefabricated steel frames are straight and true which makes it easier and faster to achieve a high level of internal finish on the walls, the floors and ceilings. This saves time and money, and some trades actually prefer to work on steel frames because they do not have to pack out, or plane off and compensate for warps, twists and knots.

10. Pre punched for plumbing and electrical

Our light gauge steel frames are pre-punched for quick and easy installation of plumbing and electrical services.

11. Higher quality internal wall finish

High quality of finished interiors due of the straightness of framing and studs.

12. PS1 & PS4 for council consented plans included

All our steel frames are designed and inspected by professional engineering consultants and architects to ensure Building Code Compliance in all aspects. Every project of Steel Frame Solutions can be covered by third party engineer’s producer statements PS1 and PS4 for council consented plans if required.

13. Compatible with any roofing and cladding system

Compatible with any roofing and cladding system

14. Generally no need for specific ply or gib bracing.

Bracing is achieved using a combination of “K” braces in the framing system and standard fixed gib. There is generally no need for specific ply or gib bracing.

You may be wondering

why switch to steel?

Why switch to steel when for hundreds of years timber’s done the job?’

"The timber houses of the past were built with heart timber, either native or pine, clad in building paper and with wall and roof cavities that could “breathe” and were relatively lightly insulated. This protected the timber from condensation and hence ensured its durability. Modern houses have claddings and building wraps that don’t protect from condensation to the same extent, the walls are highly insulated which restricts airflow and the timbers are “young crop” Pinus Radiata which is much less durable, sometimes with surface only treatment against rot and borer. Steel is an inorganic man-made engineered product that is much better suited to retaining durability in modern house construction and has a proven track record of this for over 60 years in NZ. Furthermore, it does not absorb water and change dimensionally meaning no cracking of gypsum board linings."

National Association of Steel-Framed Housing Inc

Source: National Association of Steel-Framed Housing Inc

benefits when

building with Steel

For a full list of benefits when building with Steel including health and environmental benefits, be sure to check out Why Steel Frames.

You can also check out – “10 Ways Cold-Formed Steel Framing Can Lower Your Total Construction Costs” prepared by BuildSteel.

BuildSteel is powered by the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) dedicated to educating building professionals on the use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing as a sustainable and cost-effective building solution.

Give us a call to discuss your next project.