FRAMECAD’s Recyclable Steel used in high profile pop-up design installation

CAMPBELLS COVE - THE ROCKS - SYDNEY

Steel framing has been chosen for an impressive new pop-up design installation and waste-free cafe – ‘Greenhouse’ – that showcases recyclability and sustainable living. It will soon be open in The Rocks.

Just launched by Minister for Lands Tony Kelly, Greenhouse is a partnership between the NSW Government and designer Joost Bakker.

Greenhouse aims to demonstrate a wide range of sustainable practices in an urban environment: right in the heart of Sydney.

FRAMECAD™ steel framing has been chosen by Joost Bakker because of its many green credentials.

Joost Bakker said: “Steel framing is a perfect fit with Greenhouse thinking. First it’s easily recyclable. Almost half the world’s steel production takes place in efficient electric plants operating exclusively with recycled scrap. And it takes approximately one-quarter of an acre (1012 sq m) of mature trees to produce wood framing for a typical house. The same house can be steel framed from three or four cars.

“Importantly for Greenhouse, FRAMECAD steel framing brings other increasingly valued sustainability credentials.

“For example: energy efficiency. Steel framed houses do not settle or warp remaining more airtight. Design flexibility enables architects to focus on energy-efficient housing features. And efficient manufacturing and construction: steel’s light weight allows smaller foundations and less excavation. Debris from a typical wood framed home account for 1.4 m3 of landfill waste, compared to only 0.1m3 from a steel framed house. Steel doesn’t have to be treated with pesticides, preservatives or glues; steel frame houses offer indoor air quality benefits during construction and long-term for residents.”

FRAMECAD’s Australian Sales Manager, Mr Peter Blythe, noted that the sustainability of steel framing was made more attractive by fact that they are highly efficient across all measures of construction. They are:

• cheaper and faster to construct: production is computer controlled and every piece of framing produced is numbered and coded so it can be easily assembled on site
• lightweight to erect  and lightweight and compact to transport (i.e. assembled on site)
• termite proof, non-warping, non-twisting, water/rain proof and galvanised
• safer to construct (i.e. less OH&S concerns than establishing traditional wood frames with nail guns etc).

Suited to Australian Climatic Extremes

Mr Blythe noted that steel framing was standing the test of recent climatic extremes across Australia.

“Steel frames are flood proof and fire proof.

“After a flood, when walls are stripped back for re-covering, a steel frame is good-to-go immediately. A wooden frame will need to dry out: during which time, if not before, it may warp.
“Steel frames are obviously fireproof. CSIRO studies show that, integrated into houses designed to resist fire, FRAMECAD frames promote the overall fire resistance and, importantly, the structural integrity of the house during a fire.

More FRAMECAD/Greenhouse information: contact Peter Blythe at peterb@framecad.com or at +61 419 101 639.

Tags : Campbells Cove, Greenhouse, Recyclable, steel framing, Sydney