The Steel Frame Casco: The 'Backbone' of the Residential Villa
The steel frame construction can also be seen as the backbone of the home. The steel frame is produced with extreme precision in the factory of our partner M-frame in Zwartemeer. This is done using prefabrication (prefab for short), which means that the elements of the steel frame are built in advance. The prefabricated elements, such as the steel frame walls and floors, arrive at the construction site in parts. At the construction site, these parts are then assembled quickly and efficiently, which significantly speeds up the construction of the home.
An important advantage of this method is that while we are working on the foundation, M-frame is simultaneously working on the steel frame elements. These processes are carried out simultaneously, which not only reduces construction time, but also saves costs. The steel frame, which consists of light, strong and flexible material, is finished with plates on both sides, resulting in a solid, well-insulated wall that provides immediate stability.
The Placement Process: Walls and Floors Form an Integrated System
After installing the steel frame walls, the floor of the second floor is laid on top of the walls. These floor slabs fit perfectly into the steel frame, giving the house immediate stability. The interesting thing about this system is that once the floor is in place, it provides a balanced load for the entire structure. The combination of the walls and the floor keeps the house balanced, giving it immediate stability even before the second floor is added.
The way the elements fit together is designed to support and stabilize each other. The precision design ensures that each floor slab fits perfectly with the steel frame walls, making the whole structure function as a solid unit. This method enables the stability of the house to be achieved at lightning speed.
The Benefits of Steel Frame Construction
The preceding explanation already makes it clear that building with a prefabricated steel frame construction offers significant advantages. In addition to speed and precision, there are a number of other undeniable advantages:
- Durability:
Steel is a strong and durable material that stands the test of time. It is also fully recyclable, which lowers the ecological footprint of the home. Therefore, steel frame construction is not only faster, but also more environmentally friendly.
- Strength:
Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material, making it both lightweight and exceptionally strong. This makes it particularly suitable for creating safe and robust construction.
- Flexibility:
The flexible system of steel frame construction allows homes to be easily modified or expanded in the future, without compromising the stability or safety of the home.
- Cost savings:
Shorter construction time and lower labor costs can significantly reduce overall construction costs.
- Less dependence on weather conditions:
Because the precast elements are prepared in the factory, we are less dependent on adverse weather conditions at the construction site, which speeds up the process and avoids delays.
The Answer to Stricter Building Standards.
Steel frame construction also offers benefits in terms of fire resistance, mold resistance and moisture resistance. Steel is a non-combustible material, which contributes to home safety. In addition, steel frame construction is more resistant to the effects of moisture and mold than traditional wood construction, which extends the life of the home.
The Next Phase: Finishing and Furnishing
With the steel frame construction as a solid foundation, the Residential Villa can be finished further. In this next phase of realization, the house will be insulated, the technical installations will get their place and the finishing of the facades and interior spaces will be tackled. In our next article, we will take you through the finishing of the Woonstaete Woonvilla, in which the house takes its final shape and the real living comfort is created.