Steel fabricator SBS Group used framing made from TRUECORE steel for a three-level townhouse development on Pleasant Road in Hawthorn, Melbourne, helping reduce build time on the tight site.

Designed by Jam Architects and built by Liberty Builders, the three-level townhouse development not only had limited access to and on the site but the project also needed to be completed in a challenging time schedule.

Stephen Compton, construction manager, Liberty Builders, listed out the advantages of working with SBS Group’s framing made from TRUECORE steel.

Tight site: Even the larger frames could be carried into position on this site by two people without cranage.

No need to straighten walls: The precision of framing made from TRUECORE steel meant that once the frames were in, the team didn’t need to spend lengthy time on site fixing up twisted and warped timber walls, which was a particular consideration on this project due to its size.

Reduced costs and time: SBS redesigned the original plans to substitute a significant amount of structural steel with framing solutions made from TRUECORE steel, which saved both cost and time for Liberty Builders on site. Liberty Builders estimated that the time saved on the structural element of the build was between 4-6 weeks.

Reduced on-site waste: With prefabricated frames made from TRUECORE steel, waste on site was reduced, and so was the manual effort needed to remove rubbish from site.

Ease of managing services: With webs in the floor joists and pre-cut holes in the studs and noggins, it was easier to pass cables and similar elements through.

Summing up the project, Compton said, “The beauty of working with frames made from TRUECORE steel is they’re quick, straight, light and generate less onsite mess; we saved 4-6 weeks on the structural element alone.”

SBS Group design manager Caleb Grimshaw said, “We believe that to build faster and easier, we have to be smart about the way we design our framing systems. That’s why we use the analogy of designing with the nail bag on. We approach each project as if we were the builder searching for time, labour and cost savings.”