Since its inauguration at Focus on Framing, the first conference and exhibition held by the Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) at the NEC in June 2019, the industry body is gathering momentum and now includes some of the most prominent names in the sector.
Established to influence legislation, regulation and to support the overall objectives and growth of the steel framing sector, the Association is raising awareness of the performance and productivity benefits of steel framing systems.
The light steel frame sector is more agile, advanced and digitally savvy than its competitors in other offsite material sectors. Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2 is the norm and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) protocols are routine, but up until now, the sector has not had a unified voice to promote the levels of sophistication, innovation and technical expertise within the industry.
As the construction industry looks to raise the bar to meet the new Building Regulations banning the use of combustible materials on external walls above 18m, the light steel frame industry is witnessing unprecedented demand for panelised and volumetric modular systems, together with ‘through the wall’ solutions which are delivered to site complete with wall linings and sheathing boards.
Darren Richards, Managing Director of offsite experts Cogent Consulting and a member of the LSFA steering group, said: “Light steel frame systems are fundamentally important offsite technologies that are used in so many building types and applications. With the recent Building Regulations restriction, we can see steel framing technology becoming even more integral to the future of construction.”
Light gauge steel framing can be used for a building’s full frame but also for a variety of roofing, volumetric modular options and infill walling applications. Steel framing systems can be load-bearing or non-loadbearing, provide infill-walling or/and continuous walling. Structural panels assembled from cold-rolled galvanised steel sections can be used in a wide range of building types and in hybrid situations, with structural timber and other materials.
“For many years, the NHBC has supported the industry by embracing innovative forms of construction,” said Richard Lankshear. “Because our approach to acceptance of offsite construction is rigorous, it provides confidence to all concerned and I look forward to working with housebuilders and light steel frame suppliers as the sector continues to evolve.”
Light steel framing and modular construction are load-bearing systems that are suitable for low, medium and high-rise buildings and in building renovation such as rooftop extensions. These forms of construction offer wider benefits that are offered to the developer and the main contractor. Multi-storey buildings up to 10+ storeys high and mixed-use schemes comprising commercial space or car parking at the lower levels (with residential units above) are all achievable using light steel framing.
High levels of thermal insulation and airtightness are achieved with light steel frame technology, and the lightweight nature of this system means that self-weight can be reduced by over 70% relative to concrete and block-work construction, with related savings for foundation loads and sizes. Steel components can be further pre-assembled or fabricated into modules and pods offsite, which reduces the construction programme and steel can be delivered to site as and when it is required, reducing the need for onsite storage.
Interested to find out more about the benefits of steel?
The Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) has been established to influence legislation, regulation and to support the overall objectives and growth of the steel framing sector. The Association works with members to raise awareness of the performance, productivity and sustainability benefits of steel.
If you are interested in joining the LSFA, for more information go to: www.lsf-association.co.uk or 01743 290 030