Off-site light steel frame construction is a growing trend
in the UK building industry, especially for use in urban mixed-use
developments.
Light steel frames are being increasingly used to construct
medium-rise residential, office and mixed-use buildings across UK cities, due
to the speed, cost-effectiveness, and versatility of the product. Showcasing
light steel frame construction through time-lapse videos is an excellent way to
highlight these benefits. With high-resolution above Ultra HD footage, the
video can capture the speed, ease and precision involved in light steel frame
construction.
What are the benefits of light steel frames?
The main benefits of using light steel framing are its speed
and adaptable nature, as it can be used for a multitude of building types, from
two-storey houses right through to medium-rise multi-use structures.
Light steel frames are factory manufactured, using
technology and engineering to produce high-quality products with minimal waste.
As the frames are manufactured off-site, this leads to faster on-site
construction and project completion, which makes it a more cost-effective
solution. Projects can be sped up further by co-ordinating the on-site
groundwork with the off-site manufacturing of steel frames.
The off-site manufacturing of building structures, such as
light steel frames, is growing year on year, as it increases construction
productivity and decreases costs. These benefits are all in line with the
government’s strategy for change, Construction 2025, whose targets are reduced
building costs, quicker construction times and buildings that create lower
emissions throughout their lifetimes.
Where are light steel structure frames mainly used?
A key sector for light steel framing is medium-rise
residential buildings and multi-use buildings in urban settings. These
buildings tend to be up to eight storeys high with retail and commercial space
on the ground floor and car parking in the basement.
The success of these builds is due to the lightweight nature
of the construction, which reduces the loads on the supporting structure and
foundations. A light frame equals shallower foundations, which means a quicker
build time and less disruption to the surrounding area.
Successful use of steel-framed construction in an urban
setting can be seen at Wellington Place, in the heart of Leeds. Wellington
Place is part of the regeneration of a large industrial site, where a range of
mixed-use buildings of offices, commercial and retail spaces, residential and
hotels have been developed. The project is so expansive, that there have been
several phases and it is still ongoing. 7-8 Wellington Place alone is 378,000
sq ft of Grade A office space.
All the buildings at Wellington Place are of different
footprints and designs, to fit within the sites available, but each one of them
uses steel frames. In this instance, the steel frames are combined with
cellular beams to make the structures even more lightweight.
Light steel frame buildings can go up to 12 storeys if
necessary, and as well as being used for residential, offices and commercial
spaces they are also popular in student accommodation and hotels. This is as
their single leaf walls provide good sound insulation, an important factor for
such accommodation types.
How green are light steel frames
Light steel frames are sustainable, as produced in a
controlled factory setting, there is very little waste. Due to the off-site
manufacturing of the frames, there are fewer on-site deliveries which reduce
the carbon emissions and the impact on the surrounding environment.
Structures such as The Alchemist at Salford Quays are sustainable as the whole steel frame can be recycled once the building has reached the end of its life.
Time-lapse videos play an important role in promoting the
use of light steel frames. Visually documenting the on-site build process with
high-quality video showcases the ease and speed of light steel frame
construction. It is worthwhile bringing light steel framing into the spotlight,
as it is part of the off-site construction industry that can help the
government reach the targets set in Construction 2025.
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