North Carolina Town Builds Fire Station with Resilient Steel Framing
The town of North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, began building a new $6 million steel-framed fire station. The existing station, built in 1987, had reached its full life expectancy.
The new two story fire station, spanning 11,643 square feet, will feature load-bearing cold-formed steel (CFS) framing as a key component of its structural system. Steel joists and girders will also be used for the floor and roof framing.
The town of North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, began building a new $6 million steel-framed fire station.
The use of steel framing ensures durability and resilience, particularly against environmental factors like rot, termites, and the damaging effects of a corrosive coastal climate according to the Daily News.
Demolition was scheduled to commence in March 2024, following the completion of financing and construction preparations.
Momo Homes Use Steel for Its Sustainability
Momo Homes, a residential home developer headquartered in Seattle, is redefining home construction with sustainable and efficient solutions. The Seattle-based company prioritizes innovative design to build homes that harmonize with the environment while enhancing the quality of life for homeowners.
At the heart of their innovation lies the use of panelized cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. CFS enhances the homes’ structural strength and resonates with the company’s sustainability objectives. Modern panelization takes advantage of CFS to deliver a more sustainable home with a smaller carbon footprint, according to the Mono Homes website.
For the Momo homes, CFS is printed in a controlled factory environment using the FRAMECAD system. This process ensures the efficient use of materials, minimizing waste and reducing onsite disruptions. The precise measurements and tight construction tolerances of panelized homes mean greater energy efficiency and lower long-term operating costs.
“At Momo Homes, we’re breaking down construction norms and advancing equality and inclusion, striving to create something truly unique together,” said Momo CEO Charles Gale.
NSW Government Greenlights Factory to Ramp Up Steel-Framed Housing
The New South Wales Government aims to bolster steel manufacturing and steel-framed housing supply with the approval of a BlueScope Steel factory in Western Sydney, Australia.
The new factory will strengthen the supply of steel products essential to the building and construction industry. Scheduled for completion by 2025, the facility aims to produce approximately 80,000 steel house frames per year.
The $320 million factory marks a major stride forward in boosting light-gauge steel production and jobs in the area. The approval promises to add over 300 jobs in the region.
“The project will play an important role in supporting housing and infrastructure projects,” said Paul Scully, NSW minister for planning and public spaces. “It’s a vote of confidence in NSW, providing the locally sourced materials we need to build homes.”
Additional Resources
- Prefabricated Steel Framing Helps U.K. Developer Slash Build-Time by 40%
- Steel-Framed Facade Adds ‘Magical Element’ to Multifamily Project
- Steel Framed Home Built in 3 Days Serves as Prototype for Humanitarian Relief in Armenia