Australian Framing Systems used light gauge steel (LGS) framing made from TRUECORE steel to reduce two months from the build program at the VUE Terrace Homes project in Robina, QLD.

The project

Spanning over 5.6 hectares, the $105 million VUE Terrace Homes development was an ambitious undertaking by the Robina Group, comprising of 263 townhouses with carparks and other recreational facilities. Key stakeholders in the delivery of the project included Australian Framing Systems (AFS), Hutchinson Builders, TVS Architects and Andrew Halstead Architect.

Completed in 2020, this townhouse development is the largest in the southern hemisphere to utilise suspended concrete slab construction, which is elevated up to 6m above the swampy ground below.

As the principal builders on the project, Hutchinson considered using block party walls and timber framing but opted for LGS framing made from TRUECORE steel. “The sheer volume of work and construction speed required to complete the works, meant that the LGS framing and lightweight party walls were a far superior solution,” said Murray Emmerson, project manager at Hutchinson Builders.

Having partnered with Hutchinson previously, AFS reworked the plans to replace structural steel with LGS framing made from TRUECORE steel. The result was a cost saving of approximately 8% (equivalent to $495k) on the steel framing supply and installation component of the project.

While maintaining the integrity of the design, TVS Architects and Andrew Halstead Architect worked collaboratively with AFS to refine the shop drawings and incorporate LGS framing where possible. TVS Architects noted that reviewing the LGS frames within their 3D modelling software during the design stage allowed them to identify and resolve potential clashes in this phase, thereby reducing the risk of construction delays and cost overruns.

To help compress the 18-month build program to 16 months, the AFS design team expanded its detailing and manufacturing capacity. AFS also appointed a full-time manager onsite to oversee the complexity of site deliveries. This resulted in a seamless coordination of deliveries ahead of the need by trades. The net effect of these resource changes was the critical compression of Hutchinson Builders’ construction timeline.

Key benefits delivered

The following benefits were realised in utilising LGS framing made from TRUECORE steel:

Time Savings

This four-stage development, originally expected to take 18 months to complete, was delivered in only 16 months, thanks in part to the decision to use LGS framing made from TRUECORE steel instead of traditional timber framing, and lightweight party walls over block party walls.

Cost Savings

Hutchinson Builders estimated a material cost saving of approximately 8% (equivalent to $495k) on the steel framing supply and installation component of the project by selectively replacing structural steel with LGS framing made from TRUECORE steel.

Installation Efficiency

By using lightweight and prefabricated framing made from TRUECORE steel, the installation was one week faster for each dwelling than it would have been using traditional timber framing.

Build Efficiency

TVS Architects and Andrew Halstead Architect observed that the use of 3D CAD-based frame modelling software introduced the ability to detect clashes at the design stage, avoiding costly and time-consuming changes during construction. Offsite prefabrication allowed the frames to be manufactured to more accurate tolerances than would otherwise have been possible, further improving installation efficiency on site.

Design Versatility

Frames made from TRUECORE steel have an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, which allows for the strategic minimisation of structural steel elements without compromising the design vision.

Safety Management

With prefabrication of the frames, waste and associated safety issues that could result onsite were minimised.

100% Borer Proof

Knowing that framing made from TRUECORE steel was resistant to termites and borers gave the Robina Group added peace of mind.

The VUE Terrace Homes gated community was completed in 2020. Each of the 263 homes includes three bedrooms, two multi-use living areas, two covered outdoor spaces and parking for two cars. The community boasts uninterrupted views of the newly upgraded Robina City Parklands and is now home to more than 500 residents.

Principal Steel Products

Wall framing, floor joists, structural framing, roof trusses, ceiling panels all made from TRUECORE steel, and other structural steel beams. Upper roof, gutters and fascia made from COLORBOND steel in the colour Surfmist, and lower roof made from COLORBOND steel in the colour Monument.

Sources:

Murray Emmerson, Project Manager, Hutchinson Builders
Brett Harbourne, Director, TVS Architects
Ross Manning, Senior Detailer/Project Manager, Australian Framing Solutions
Rick Rowntree, Site Manager, Hutchinson Builders

Architecture & Design Team

VUE_Terrace_Homes_LGS_framing.jpg

VUE_Terrace_Homes_Light-gauge-steel-framing.jpg

Light-gauge-steel-framing-reduces-build-time-1732071042.png

BlueScope

Let’s connect!