9 Nov 2020

Making the Switch from Timber to Steel: 5 Townhouse Project Case Studies

Making the Switch from Timber to Steel: 5 Townhouse Project Case Studies

Thinking about using a steel frame system for your next townhouse development?

For many builders and developers, timber has long been the go-to material for construction. Yet many are proving that light gauge steel (LGS) framing is a viable and innovative alternative that brings significant time and cost savings to their projects.

Here are five case studies demonstrating the many benefits and advantages of steel for wall, joist and roof truss framing.

Knoxia Townhouses

BUILDER / L U Simon Builders
ARCHITECT / iWolff Pty Ltd
LOCATION / 456 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
FLOOR COUNT / 2

THE PROJECT CHALLENGE /
The level of detail originally provided for the timber system was minimal and challenging to understand.

THE STEEL SOLUTION /
Using steel allowed the carpenter to handball the framing redesign to Cortek by SBS Group. The team at Cortek coordinated the entire design process including 3D modelling, shop drawings, layout plans and engineering certification.

Straight, true and accurate framing reduced on site works including straightening, packing out and planing walls once installed. Frames were pre-fabricated for a fast and easy install, positively impacting the project schedule.

Maison Townhouses

BUILDER / Prava Developments
ARCHITECT / Petridis Architects
LOCATION / 127 Tyner Road, Wantirna South
FLOOR COUNT / 3

THE PROJECT CHALLENGE /
Design and fabricate a steel frame system in line with a fast-paced construction program for 28 townhouses.

THE STEEL SOLUTION /
With the project built in tandem from the front and rear of the block, adhering to the construction program was critical with frames required within a short lead time. The ability to detail the entire project, and break this into stages for delivery assisted the builder in planning and scheduling.

Local manufacture of framing was key to minimising delays and as steel walls don’t require any further straightening once installed, this contributed towards a faster install.

Malvina Street Townhouses

BUILDER / Rays Enterprises
ARCHITECT / Design CAD Service
LOCATION / 6 Malvina Street, Burwood
FLOOR COUNT / 2

THE PROJECT CHALLENGE /
To find a framing system that was easy and quick to install to speed up the project schedule.

THE STEEL SOLUTION /
Light gauge steel framing was identified as the faster system to install as opposed to a traditional timber build. Wall, joist and roof truss frames were easily fixed off using supplied layouts.

The steel frames were fabricated for lightweight, yet strong, consistent and true results – no further straightening of walls once installed, helping to reduce on site labour costs.

Pine Ave Townhouses

BUILDER / Coben Constructions
ARCHITECT / Cera Stribley
LOCATION / 31 Pine Avenue, Elwood
FLOOR COUNT / 3

THE PROJECT CHALLENGE /
Build a three-storey townhouse development from the ground up, comply with the design criteria while using minimal structural steel and deliver on time and on budget.

THE STEEL SOLUTION /
Over 80% of the original structural steel was removed through smarts within the Cortek by SBS Group design.

The ability to provide a complete framing package with full detailing and engineering ensured no gaps in the design process. The townhouses were individually braced to achieve the required fire rating and curved walls integrated to support floor joists.

Straight, true and accurate frames were made from lightweight steel for a fast and easy install.

Tribeca Village

BUILDER / Empire Properties
ARCHITECT / ClarkeHopkinsClarke
LOCATION / 165 Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook
FLOOR COUNT / 2

THE PROJECT CHALLENGE /
Design and deliver an alternative framing system for 58 townhouses, supporting the construction teams with their first steel frame project.

THE STEEL SOLUTION /
A reliable supplier that would consistently go above and beyond to deliver a quality product, on time and on schedule was a must for the developer.

Significant structural steel was removed from the original design, and as light gauge steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, the proposed large spans were easily achievable. Frames were detailed, engineered and fabricated using 3D CAD integrated technology for accurate, true and straight results.

To assist the site teams with installation, and adjusting from a timber to steel system, site response and support was provided throughout the entire build. The ability to accept challenges as they arose and quickly adapt resulted in a strong alliance between both teams, with the developer embracing steel as the smarter way to build.

Building with Steel

Whether you’re working on a multi-residential development or a commercial project, your choice of materials impacts everything. From ease of delivery and handling on site, to construction times and the overall quality, all of these factors affect your reputation and bottom line.

The quality, durability and efficiency of LGS framing can bring multiple benefits to your build – is now the time to make the switch to steel for easier and smarter construction?

About Cortek

Cortek by SBS Group is a light gauge steel framing manufacturer based in Victoria, Australia.

Contact us on 1300 782 950 to find out how we can help you save time and costs using steel on your next project, or download the Introduction to LGS Framing: For Developer’s Whitepaper to learn more.

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