In the frame

Choosing the eco-friendly option can provide many spin-offs. For this integrated housing development, the use of a modular steel framing system is not only a sustainable design alternative it is also a practical and economical way to provide large, open-plan areas for a contemporary architectural solution.

The 200 houses in the Seven Mile Beach development in Forster, NSW, are being built using the DuraGal® Integrated House Frame System, supplied by OneSteel Building Systems.

Steve Hassell, OneSteel market manager Building Systems, says the company undertook a needs analysis for the developer, identifying all the possible systems and products OneSteel could supply to meet the key criteria.

"We then presented the customer with a complete steel package for the whole project, which included the house framing system, reinforcing and structural steel," he says. "Although we involved the relevant product specialists from across our company to identify the most appropriate systems, the customer had the advantage of dealing with a single contact."

Hassell says OneSteel's involvement resulted in a significant reduction in both the complexity and the communication issues normally encountered with multiple suppliers. The one-stop supply package also helped speed up construction with easier co-ordination of deliveries to meet the build schedule.

To provide for the most efficient design, the DuraGal system features optimised engineering and off-site manufacture, which reduces the amount of material used.

"As very little welding is required, energy costs are less than with conventional fabricated homes," Hassell says. "In addition, the DuraGal system reduces critical on-site time as it provides a fast and simple, yet high-quality frame construction.

Hassell says design aspects are another plus, with the DuraGal steel frame system suiting clean-lined contemporary houses with lightweight roof forms.

"It is also a cost-effective way to achieve such a look, being 20-40% cheaper than comparable designs. The system allows additions and refurbishments to be made with minimal disturbance to the existing structure."

For details, contact OneSteel Building Systems, PO Box 300, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310, phone tollfree 1800 1 Steel (178 335)]. Email: dfs@onesteel.com. Website: www.onesteel.com.

Story by: Trendsideas