Is light gauge steel framing suited to your build?

Apart from its obvious lightweight properties, light gauge steel framing is also highly durable and weather resistant, exceptionally strong and cost-effective – but, the big question is whether it’s best suited to your next build!

Here is a more detailed look at the wide project application of this material across a range of Cortek Framing builds:

Multi Residential

Project: Hazel Hawthorn (builder: Quadrant Building Pty Ltd)

This project encompasses 17 two/three bedroom apartments spread across 2 spacious levels in the suburb of Hawthorn, VIC.

In this build, the top level had no major load to bear, so light gauge steel framing was the perfect solution:

• The use of light gauge steel allowed the team to create millimetre perfect frames
• The frame was custom designed and shop detailed to incorporate services and hole locations as required. All widths and gauges were to exact project specs
• This led to a quicker installation process and overall, this material helped reduce costs, and was a value adding inclusion that pleasantly surprised our client!

Childcare Centres

Project: Warrigal Road Day Care Centre (builder: Cardo Constructions)

This multi-design, two-storey childcare centre located in Ashburton, VIC (with capacity for 125 children) posed a building challenge.

We needed to provide an alternative framing system to reduce the use of structural steel and save time on install:

• Cortek provided a light gauge steel framing solution that was fully engineered to achieve the design and structural properties and remove the need for unnecessary, costly structural steel
• Frames were fabricated using 3D CAD integrated machinery for straight, true, accurate results, which saved time on install (the result of these efficiencies saw the project completed 2 months ahead of deadlines)!
• In environments with children, light gauge steel also provides added peace of mind for all involved: staff, children and their parents. It is non-combustible and therefore a safer choice when compared to alternatives like timber 

Education

Project: Wollert East Primary School & Community Centre 

Another of our more recent 2022 projects is the newly constructed Wollert East Primary School, which included 5 buildings in the development.

Wollert East is a Supported Inclusion school with additional capabilities and facilities to cater to a higher proportion of students living with disabilities;

• The builders favoured a faster, readily available and more reliable alternative to traditional timber frames, so we knew light gauge steel framing was the ideal material
• During concept stage, the local Wollert community were surveyed for their input into the new development in their area, and this feedback showed a preference for a sustainable, eco-friendly school
• Light gauge steel frames are not only recyclable, but also low on lifecycle energy usage. They decrease the need to cut into the ground, which in turn condenses impact on the construction site
• Cortek Framing 3D modelled, fabricated and delivered Truecore steel frames to site on schedule – prefab framing is much quicker to install than the traditional stick build method!

Aged Care & Retirement

Project: Skye Lodge Frankston (builder: Aged Care Developments) 

Skye Lodge (2022) is a development for senior citizens to enjoy retirement in the privacy of their own homes, with the peace of mind of knowing aged care support is available 24/7 as needed. 

The Skye Lodge residences are divided into three smaller communities, with top level structure, lower-level external walls and portico steel framing by Cortek:

• We worked closely with the client’s in-house design team to create the light gauge steel framing solution that best fit the needs of this project
• The properties and benefits of this material were of the utmost importance, as the construction had to adhere to a range of specific project requirements; including fire ratings, exact measurements to accommodate solar panel locations, ceiling hoist specs and more. We are glad we had this better alternative available for utilisation.

The above projects share one major commonality, which is how Cortek light gauge steel framing solutions not only help improve build longevity, but also facilitate efficiencies (such as cost and install) so you can construct with confidence!

Ready to discuss your project? Get in touch with us at sales@cortekframing.com.au, or call us on 1300 782 950.