Steel framing has been selected for an impressive new pop-up design installation and waste-free cafe – ‘Greenhouse’ – that demonstrates recyclability and sustainable living. It will soon be open in Campbells Cove, The Rocks, Sydney.
Recently launched by Minister for Lands Tony Kelly, Greenhouse is a partnership between designer Joost Bakke and the New South Wales Government. It aims to demonstrate a wide range of sustainable practices in an urban environment; right in the heart of Sydney.
Joost Bakker selected FrameCAD Solutions ' steel framing due to its many green credentials.
Joost Bakker explained, “Steel framing is a perfect fit with Greenhouse thinking. First it’s easily recyclable. Almost half the world’s steel production takes place in efficient electric plants operating exclusively with recycled scrap. And it takes approximately one-quarter of an acre (1012 sq m) of mature trees to produce wood framing for a typical house. The same house can be steel framed from three or four cars.
“Importantly for Greenhouse, FrameCAD steel framing brings other increasingly valued sustainability credentials.
“For example: energy efficiency. Steel framed houses do not settle or warp remaining more airtight. Design flexibility enables architects to focus on energy-efficient housing features. And efficient manufacturing and construction: steel’s light weight allows smaller foundations and less excavation. Debris from a typical wood framed home account for 1.4 m3 of landfill waste, compared to only 0.1m3 from a steel framed house. Steel doesn’t have to be treated with pesticides, preservatives or glues; steel frame houses offer indoor air quality benefits during construction and long-term for residents.”
Mr Peter Blythe FrameCAD’s Australian Sales Manager noted that the sustainability of steel framing was made more attractive because it is very efficient across all measures of construction.
Steel frame buildings are cheaper and faster to construct as production is computer controlled and every piece of framing produced is numbered and coded so it can be easily assembled on site with semi and non-skilled labour. Steel framing is lightweight and simple to erect and compact to transporting. It is also termite proof, non-warping, non-twisting, water/rain proof and galvanised. There are also less OH&S concerns than establishing traditional wood frames with nail guns, meaning they are safer to construct.
Steel framing is also particularly suited to Australian climatic extremes and are flood and fire proof.
Mr Blythe noted that steel framing was standing the test of recent climatic extremes across Australia.
“After a flood, when walls are stripped back for re-covering, a steel frame is good-to-go immediately. A wooden frame will need to dry out: during which time, if not before, it may warp.
“Steel frames are obviously fireproof. CSIRO studies show when integrated into houses designed to resist fire, FrameCAD frames promote the overall fire resistance and, importantly, the structural integrity of the house during a fire.”
More information on steel framing is available from the FrameCAD website.
