A Steelframe Systems, which opened their doors in George five years ago, is the only alternative building technology business in town and offers you a new, fast innovative and thermal-efficient way of construction.
This alternative building technology, which originated in Australia and New Zealand, is fast becoming a popular alternative to the traditional 'bricks and mortar'.
Light gauge steel gives the buildings their structural integrity, whilst various other building materials provide the exterior cladding, rendering, insulation and interior finishing. The roof trusses are also built from light gauge steel, which results in a considerable weight saving on the entire structure, reducing the foundation costs.
The other main benefits are 'green building materials' which are all totally recyclable, thermally efficient walling systems leading to savings in ever-increasing energy costs, time saving in the construction period (up to 65% faster than conventional building), accuracy and minimal wastage, and easy assembly by a semi-skilled workforce.
SA Steelframe Systems was appointed by Basil Read (Pty) Ltd to construct a village on St Helena Island for a workforce of 300 people, who in turn are building an international airport. This includes, accommodation units, ablution units, recreational units, internet café, laundries, a gymnasium, security offices, kitchen and dining room units and holding cells.
"Our factory was converted into a shipping container and deployed on the island as a mobile factory to construct 28 buildings in six months with a workforce of 30 people. The management and 3 senior carpenters were taken from George, whilst the rest of the workforce are all local islanders," says owners Andy Hall and Johan Marais.
Every single item needed for the project (down to the last bolt, nut and screw) needed to be shipped from Cape Town on a five-day boat trip to the island, in a boat which only sails once a month - proving to be a logistical challenge.
Due to the remote location of St Helena Island, light gauge steel frame construction offers the best solution.
All these structures will be converted into two and three bedroom houses for the local St Helena Government after the initial four year airport project period. The local professional team of Munnik Visser Architects and DMS Consulting Structural Engineering were appointed to design and engineer the project.
SA Steelframe execute projects countrywide with their target market being residential and commercial.
For more information visit our offices on the corner of Merriman and Cathedral Streets or contact us on 044 874 7401.
SA Steelframe Systems was appointed by Basil Read (Pty) Ltd to construct a village on St Helena Island for a workforce of 300 people, who in turn are building an international airport.
