Design Considerations
Individual and Specific
Each project is reviewed individually to meet the specific design requirements to maximise the open spaces within the structure.
The modern method of construction reduces the need for traditional support elements and selected internal walls can be designed as loadbearing elements. Window and door openings can be incorporated within loadbearing external wall panels to suit the architectural design requirements.
Intermediate Floors
These can be constructed as either:
- Concrete floors: composite steel/concrete deck clear spanning between load bearing walls and is suitable for spans up to 6m. Longer spans may be possible depending on the building geometry.
- Alternatively, composite steel/concrete deck spanning between secondary beams and is suitable for spans up to 10m
- Steel Casette Floors: cold formed steel profiles in a panelised format pre-sheeted with water and slip resistant chipboard clear spanning between load bearing walls and is suitable for spans up to 8m depending on deflection criteria and floor zone depth limitations.
- Impact Resistant Timber Floors: T & G chip boarding laid over timber battens with resilient bases to provide excellent acoustic performance
Performance
Fire Resistance
The CFS structural walls and floors are non-combustible and have been tested in accordance with BS476 & BS EN 1365 and complies with the 60 minute requirement for most applications. This can easily be upgraded to 90 & 120 minutes for buildings above 18m.
Sound Resistance
The CFS System produces excellent levels of sound performance with the use of high performance finish plasterboards. The system has been tested in accordance with BS2750, BS.EN140.
Thermal Insulation
The CFS System external finishes vary depending on the project and can comfortably exceed the Building Regulation requirements.
Lead in Time and Programme
The CFS Stud and Track Infill System lead in time is generally 3 weeks from order. The CFS Steel Structure lead in time is 10-14 weeks from order or frozen design, whichever is later. Buildings with floor areas ranging from to 800-1200 sqm are on average constructed with a cycle time of 2 weeks per floor and depending on layout will incorporate majority of internal walls.
Fully Certified
Specifiers can have confidence in the fact that all systems have been individually and independently tested for performance and suitability by the BRE, BBA & NHBC. Full test details are available upon request.
Quality Assurance
All products are manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO 9002: 1994.
Advantages over Timber Frame
- Non-Combustible construction
- Incorporate concrete floors
- Compatible with modular pods
- Greatly reduced maintenance
- Typically £2000 per dwelling
- facade can commence earlier
- Sustainability (90% steel recycled)
- overall programme savings upto 20%
Advantages over Masonry
- foundation loads reduced by upto 70%
- Greatly reduced maintenance
- Typically £2000 per dwelling
- Dry envelope without masonry outer leaf
- Significant programme savings upto 50%
- Just in time deliveries
- Reduced waste and materials on-site
- Quieter - consideration for local residents
A 30 minute system presentation is available upon request
