At the Westerly 2 South Tower in Etobicoke, Tridel Corporation is advancing a major mixed-use development that blends residential towers, retail and public space. The project forms part of the broader Westerly community, a large-scale urban infill effort designed to activate the surrounding neighborhood.

At street level, a sculptural canopy defines the tower’s entrance. Designed by Kirkor Architects, the free-form structure serves as more than weather protection. It creates a distinct visual identity and establishes a strong pedestrian presence through expressive form and detail. Maxan Interior Systems, a specialty interior contractor based in the Greater Toronto Area, worked on the project.

Architectural Design Detail

Maxan Interior Systems received the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention in the Architectural Design Detail  category for the Westerly 2, South Tower canopy. The SFIA Awards recognize excellence in the use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing across design and construction. Doug Villeneuve of Maxan Interior Systems submitted the award entry.

Featured image (above): Maxan Interior Systems worked on a unique cold-formed steel (CFS) framed exterior building canopy for the Westerly 2, South Tower.

The Westerly 2, South Tower, canopy features a stud-beam system, made up of interconnected studs and tracks, which establishes a robust structural backbone.

Maxan Interior Systems’ win was announced during the 2025 SFIA Awards live ceremony and posted online. The SFIA 2025 Industry Project and Product Awards, an annual steel framing industry awards competition, focuses on CFS manufacturing and construction. Designers, manufacturers, distributors and contractors entered a variety of projects in the latest competition.

Design Quality

How did this project use CFS efficiently and what was the value engineering solution?

This innovative project employed standard metal studs and angles to create a dynamic, free-flowing architectural shape that aligned seamlessly with the architect’s vision.

MTE Consulting Engineers undertook meticulous calculations to ensure the support structure effectively transferred loads back to the foundational concrete and the underlying steel stud “rib” framework. The project features a stud-beam system, made up of interconnected studs and tracks, which establishes a robust structural backbone. This provided secure support for the ribs.

“This design not only fulfilled the aesthetic aspirations,” the award submission says, “but also adhered to engineering principles, ensuring stability and durability throughout the structure.”

This design shows the proposed steel outrigger locations to support the canopy framing at the Westerly 2 South Tower.

The team used 3D scanning to confirm outrigger locations that would support the cold-formed steel (CFS) canopy framing at the Westerly 2 South Tower.

Installation Complexity

Did this project require special methods or conflict resolution?

The team used 3D scanning to plan and install the structure. Crews scanned the existing space before erecting the steel canopy. The Raw laser scan data captured millions of data points and generated a Point Cloud. The team used that model to design the canopy in three dimensions before installation.

The architect reviewed and approved the 3D model. The fabricator then produced metal sheet templates to define the planar regions. The team issued a series of installation packages that showed each cold-formed steel (CFS) stud layout, angle and location in 3D, in relation to the templates. These drawings established the canopy geometry.

Installers followed the model to lay out, cut and fit each stud with precision. The finished canopy matched the 3D model exactly. The team could not have achieved the canopy’s unique geometry without 3D modeling.

Manufacturing Complexity

Were the materials custom made or were they modified standard pieces?

The team ordered standard CFS stud profiles and thicknesses. The steel structure was built on-site. The fabricator created templates from CAD files and laser-cut them to match scanned locations of steel outriggers and the concrete structure.

East elevation detail shows template layout used to define planar regions and guide the placement of the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing system.

This detail shows templates for the South and West elevations.

Overall Job Quality

How did the completed system perform in alignment, finish, and overall design intent?

The team re-evaluated the canopy installation after placing the steel backbone and ribs. Metal panels allowed a 10 mm tolerance, and crews achieved 2 to 6 mm in the field.

Even though the canopy lacked a defined gridline reference, the team maintained tight control over its execution. In the end, the canopy’s high level of accuracy reflects strong installation practices and quality workmanship.

Maxan Interior Systems received the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention in the Architectural Design Detail  category for the Westerly 2, South Tower canopy.

Additional Resources

• The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Names 13 Recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards
• SFIA Unveils 9 Winners of the 2024 Industry Project Awards
• SFIA Reveals 7 Winners of the 2023 Industry Project Awards in Online Ceremony

The post Maxan Interior Systems Earns SFIA Honors for Sculptural CFS Canopy in Etobicoke, Ontario appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• 9-Story Hotel Features Minimal Structural Steel with Cold-Formed Steel, Earns SFIA Award for raSmith
• Excel Engineering Wins Top 2025 CFSEI Creative Detail Award for Harrah’s in New Orleans
• Ensign Engineering Wins Top 2025 CFSEI Design Excellence, Commercial, Award for Onset Financial

 

Carl Welty of The Banning Land Trust and W. Donald Wheeler of Wheeler Steel Framing Supply will present the session titled, “Building for the 21st Century: Noncombustible Construction with Cold-Formed Steel.”

The 2026 CFSEI Expo will take place May 18-20, 2026, at the Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, California. Attendees who participate in the keynote will earn 1 PDH / 1 AIA LU Credit.

The session will provide engineers, designers and industry professionals with a practical look at how cold-formed steel (CFS) enables noncombustible construction. It will also examine how material choices influence fire performance in modern buildings.

Fire Risk Demands a New Approach

Cold-formed steel construction provides a practical and affordable way to build noncombustible homes. But this is not always apparent in studies examining the damage after an urban wildfire event. Industry discussions tend to focus on reducing fire risk, not on building with noncombustible materials.

“Recommendations for fire risk reduction typically focus narrowly on ‘home hardening’ strategies designed to protect combustible wood construction from embers and other ignition sources that threaten our wooden homes,” says the abstract for this intriguing 2026 CFSEI Expo session.

Welty and Wheeler will show session attendees a broader approach. They’ll examine how noncombustible construction can address fire risk right at its source.

In the Palisades Fire, a home’s wood studs and plywood (left) burned away completely (right), leaving only cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, nail heads and the back of the exterior stucco.

The Data Reveals Wood Is a Problem

What does wildfire data reveal? 

• The January 2025 Los Angeles fires destroyed more than 11,500 homes and killed at least 31 people.
• Single-structure fires claim more lives than large conflagrations. They kill 2,600 to 2,800 people each year in the United States.

“Modern conventional wood-framed houses present an alarming reality,” the session abstract adds. “They burn 8 times faster and generate 200 times more smoke and toxic gases than older homes.” 

Adhesives and chemicals in manufactured lumber release deadly gases during a fire. Toxic outgassing causes more fatalities than flames, Welty and Wheeler say. 

At the Palisades home, cantilevered cold-formed steel (CFS) deck joists and their foundation connection remained intact — where less wood meant less fire intensity.

Steel Framing Changes the Equation

Welty and Wheeler’s presentation will show how steel framing can build noncombustible homes at costs comparable to wood construction. Their session will address two critical challenges.

1. Fire ignition
2. Toxic outgassing

“Steel framing prevents fire ignition and spread at the source, while eliminating dependence on manufactured lumber that outgasses toxic chemicals responsible for rapid incapacitation and death in fires,” the session abstract notes. 

The increase in large-scale fires reflects broader issues. Faster-burning modern homes highlight the need for change. The industry must rethink materials and construction methods, Welty and Wheeler say.

This 2026 CFSEI Expo session poses critical questions. It also provides insight into how noncombustible steel construction can solve these challenges.

Partially constructed when the wildfire hit, this Malibu home’s cold-formed steel (CFS) framing package provided by Wheeler Steel Framing Supply withstood the flames.

What Keynote Attendees Will Learn

The 2026 CFSEI Expo keynote session will highlight key lessons on fire performance and noncombustible construction. Welty and Wheeler will explore:

• CFS framing vs. wood framing performance in fires
• Home hardening compared to noncombustible construction
• Cost-effective methods to build noncombustible homes with CFS
• Fire impacts on structures in wildfires and single-family homes
• Drivers behind faster-burning modern homes and material influence

These insights help engineers and designers understand how cold-formed steel reduces fire risk and improves building resilience.

Industry Experts Leading the Session

The session will be presented by two experienced professionals in design and construction.

Carl Welty, Carl Welty Architects

Carl Welty

Carl Welty is a California licensed architect and principal of Carl Welty Architects. He has led green building and sustainable design for more than 30 years.

Welty serves as Director of Architecture and Planning at The Banning Land Trust. He focuses on affordable, energy-efficient design and resilient building systems.

He applies solar orientation and climate-responsive design to improve performance. He delivers durable, low-maintenance structures with improved fire, mold and termite resistance.

Welty designed a 9,000-square-foot Water Conservation Education Center using CFS framing. The design achieved a Title-24 Energy Compliance score 60% above baseline.

He also designed a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse using CFS framing. The structure met California school seismic requirements and reduced construction cost by 20%.

Welty earned his Master of Architecture from Yale University and his bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.

Carl Welty, Carl Welty Architects

W. Donald Wheeler

Donald Wheeler is a general contractor with more than 50 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. He specializes in custom residential steel construction from foundation to finish.

Wheeler manufactures and installs steel trusses and pre-cut framing materials, including concrete form material. He manages supervision, cost control and complex construction challenges.

He coordinates all phases of construction, from permit through open house. At Wheeler Steel Framing Supply, he supervises pre-cut steel framing at the Fullerton warehouse and supports onsite installation.

Wheeler taught CFS framing at Chaffey College for three years. He has presented on CFS internationally, including in Japan.

Wheeler participates in industry associations and appears in professional publications.

Join the Industry in Long Beach

The 2026 CFSEI Expo session will provide a timely opportunity. Attendees will hear directly from industry professionals advancing noncombustible construction with CFS farming. 

Professionals attending the 2026 CFSEI Expo will gain insight into how CFS improves fire performance and reduces risk. “Building for the 21st Century: Noncombustible Construction with Cold-Formed Steel” offers a practical look at design strategies that support safer, more resilient buildings.

Attendees packed last year’s CFSEI Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. More are expected this year.

Additional Resources

• Register for the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• CFSEI Announces Speakers for 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• Insights and Inspiration Take Center Stage at 2025 CFSEI Expo in Raleigh

The post Building for Fire: How Cold-Formed Steel Is Changing Noncombustible Construction appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFS-NHERI and CFS10 Capstone Seismic Research Takes Center Stage in Keynote at 2026 CFSEI Expo
• Update #5 | Defining Excellence with Scottsdale, Salas O’Brien and Steel Dynamics
• SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program

 

BuildSteel is spotlighting Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) members who are defining excellence in the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing industry. Here are the latest updates recognizing milestones in international growth, integrated project delivery and social responsibility that demonstrate their leadership and commitment to advancing steel framing solutions.

Scottsdale Steel Framing Technology Drives Indonesia Milestone

PT Prima Unggul Persade celebrates 25 years of steel framing leadership in Indonesia by advancing cold formed steel (CFS) framing with Scottsdale Construction Systems technology. Scottsdale, an SFIA member, supports this progress through high performance roll-forming machines. PT Prima Unggul Persade has completed more than 1,000 steel framed structures while building strong customer trust across Indonesia.

PT Prima Unggul Persada celebrates 25 years advancing cold-formed steel framing in Indonesia with Scottsdale technology

PT Prima Unggul Persade uses steel framing to deliver durable structures in demanding environments. These include remote mining locations, where worker housing, offices, cafeterias, warehouses and workshops are needed. CFS framing improves installation speed and simplifies transport to these locations. Scotpanel 5090 and Scotpanel 7090 machines roll form accurate and durable steel framing systems.

As PT Prima Unggul Persade grows, the company plans to add new building systems, including infill wall systems that improve thermal and acoustic performance. Scottsdale roll formers provide the flexibility to add new systems without disrupting production. 

Read the full article from Scottsdale Construction Systems.

Salas O’Brien Named to System Integrator Giants List

Salas O’Brien, an SFIA member, earned a spot on WTWH Media’s 2026 System Integrator Giants list. The list recognizes leading providers of automation, controls and digital systems solutions. This marks the firm’s second appearance and reflects its focus on connecting complex technologies. WTWH Media is publisher of Control Engineering, Plant Engineering and the Global System Integrator Report. 

Salas O’Brien earned a spot on WTWH Media’s 2026 System Integrator Giants list, recognizing leaders in automation and digital solutions.

Ranked #42 on the list, Salas O’Brien supports clients across life sciences, food and beverage, data centers and other sectors. Its digital and automation teams deliver end-to-end services across project lifecycles. Of course, cold formed steel (CFS) framing design forms a large part of its work, enabling efficient project delivery.

“Salas O’Brien is uniquely positioned at the intersection of engineering, system integration and turnkey delivery,” says Darin Anderson, chairman and CEO of Salas O’Brien.

Read the full article from Salas O’Brien. 

Steel Dynamics: Named One of World’s Most Admired Companies

Fortune named Steel Dynamics, Inc., an SFIA member, one of the World’s Most Admired Companies for 2026. The company earned high marks in the metals industry. The recognition reflects strong performance, clear leadership and a culture grounded in operational discipline.

The annual list ranks the world’s most respected companies. A survey evaluates corporate reputation across nine attributes, including innovation, social responsibility and long-term investment value.

Steel Dynamics applies its expertise to deliver reliable, efficient results across markets. It emphasizes teamwork and continuous improvement, strengthening customer outcomes. Its workforce drives quality and advances performance across operations.

“Earning a place on this list for the ninth consecutive year reflects the unwavering commitment, passion and excellence of our teams,” says Mark D. Millett, Steel Dynamics chairman and CEO.

Read the full article from Steel Dynamics, Inc.

Additional Resources 

• Update #4 | Defining Excellence with Steel Dynamics, U.S. Steel and Simpson Strong-Tie
• Update #3 | Defining Excellence with Simpson Strong-Tie, CFSEI Honoree Vince Salvador and ClarkDietrich
• Update #2 | Defining Excellence with T.J Wies Contracting, U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs
• Update #1 | Defining Excellence with Simpson Strong-Tie, U.S. Steel and Steel Dynamics

The post Update #5 | Defining Excellence with Scottsdale, Salas O’Brien and Steel Dynamics appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Building for Fire: How Cold-Formed Steel Is Changing Noncombustible Construction
• SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program
• CFSEI Announces Winners of 2026 Expo Stipend Program

 

AD, a member of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), announced that its owner/members elected one new director to its LLC Board of Directors and re-elected two directors following its annual Board nomination and voting process.

Each year, AD’s owner/member-led Governance & Nominating Committee evaluates candidates submitted from across the membership. The committee presents a slate of nominees for vote by AD owner/members. Directors are elected by their peers to represent the interests of the membership and help guide the strategic direction of the organization.

A New AD Director, Two Re-Elected

Following the most recent vote, Bill Condron, CEO of The Granite Group Wholesalers, LLC, was elected to the Board for the first time. Karla Neupert Hockley, Chair & CEO of Consolidated Supply Co., and George Vorwick, President and CEO of United Electric Supply Company, Inc., were re-elected to additional terms.

Bill Condron leads The Granite Group Wholesalers LLC. The Granite Group is a third-generation, privately held HVAC and plumbing distribution company with more than 70 locations across New England. Ranked among the 25 largest wholesalers in the United States, The Granite Group distributes plumbing, PVF, HVAC, propane and industrial products. It also operates 17 Sink & Spout showrooms in addition to a growing e-commerce platform.

“AD plays a critical role in helping independent distributors scale, adapt, and compete,” Condron shared. “To be elected by fellow owner/members is a meaningful responsibility. I look forward to contributing to Board discussions that strengthen our governance and position AD for continued long-term impact.”

‘Value to Independent Distributors’

Karla Neupert Hockley is Chair & CEO of Consolidated Supply Co., an independently owned distributor established in 1928. Representing the fourth generation of family leadership, she oversees 22 locations across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, serving contractors and municipalities in the plumbing, waterworks, and hydronics markets. Neupert Hockley joined the AD LLC Board in 2022 and currently serves on the Organizational Development Committee.

“I’m grateful for the continued confidence of AD’s owner/members,” Neupert Hockley shared. “Serving on the LLC Board is both a responsibility and a privilege, and I look forward to building on our progress to ensure AD remains forward-looking, disciplined in its governance, and focused on delivering value to independent distributors.”

George Vorwick is President and CEO of United Electric Supply Company, a nationally recognized 100% employee-owned electrical distributor offering a comprehensive range of electrical supplies and services. With more than four decades of industry experience, he has also served in leadership roles with NAED, IDEA, and IMARK Group.

“It’s an honor to continue representing AD’s owner/members,” Vorwick shared. “I remain committed to helping guide decisions that strengthen our collective position and deliver value across our industries.”

The 2025 AD LLC Board

The members of the 2026 AD LLC Board are:

• Bill Condron, CEO, The Granite Group Wholesalers, LLC
• François Deschênes, President & CEO, Deschênes Group Inc.
• Clay Geary, President, Interior Exterior Building Supply
• Karla Neupert Hockley, Chair & CEO, Consolidated Supply Co.
• Paul Kennedy, President & CEO, DSG & Organizational Development Committee Chair
• Dr. Don McNeeley, Chair & CEO, Chicago Tube & Iron & Investment Committee Chair
• Donald Slominski, Jr., Executive Chair, McNaughton-McKay Electric Company & AD LLC Audit Committee Chair
• John Thomspon, CEO, First Electric Supply Company, LLC & Governance and Nominating Committee Chair
• George Vorwick, President & CEO, United Electric Supply Company
• Scott Weaver, President & CEO, APR Supply Co.
• Bill Weisberg, Chairman & CEO, AD
• John Wiborg, President & CEO, Stellar Industrial Supply, Inc. & AD LLC Board Lead Director

Read the complete AD news release.

Additional Resources

• AD Names 2025 LLC Board of Directors After Vote, Some Are New to the AD Board
• AD Announces Record Sales in First Nine Months of 2024
• AD Partners with Case for Smiles in Giving Back Event

The post AD Names 2026 LLC Board of Directors Following Owner/Member Vote appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• AD Names 2025 LLC Board of Directors After Vote, Some Are New to the AD Board

 

The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) has approved updates to its Code Compliance Certification (C3) Program, advancing the industry’s benchmark for third-party verification of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing products. The changes were approved by SFIA members during a voting process in February and March and announced at the SFIA’s March 16 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

The updated SFIA certification program marks a deliberate shift from identifying defects to preventing them — strengthening quality assurance while aligning with rising expectations for resilient, sustainable and code-compliant construction.

“Today’s market expects verified performance,” said Don Allen, SFIA executive director. “Designers, builders and owners want systems they can trust. Our program updates reinforce that trust by ensuring that certified products meet building codes and perform as intended.”

Allen added: “SFIA’s C3 Program is designed to give the market confidence in cold-formed steel framing — from specification and design to installation.”

SFIA members welcomed the C3P updates, which are expected generally to reduce compliance costs for them, while maintaining the rigor that defines the program.

Designers, builders and owners want systems they can trust. The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) certification program ensures products meet building codes and perform as intended.

Audit Structure Rewards Performance

SFIA’s revised code compliance certification program introduces a tiered audit structure. The program recognizes consistent compliance and addresses deficiencies more efficiently.

Following an Initial Audit, members enter a Primary Audit frequency of two inspections per year. After passing two consecutive Primary Audits, members move to a Continuing Audit frequency of just one inspection annually. This would significantly reduce their program costs. Members that do not meet requirements shift to a Remedial Audit frequency. Remedial Audits occur quarterly until compliance is restored.

At the Continuing level, a failed audit returns a member to the Primary frequency. At the Remedial level, members that pass two consecutive audits may return to Primary status.

The updated program maintains the threshold of three Notices of Non-Compliance to trigger revocation while strengthening how those actions are applied. Revocations now extend to all product classes at the affected facility, reinforcing that quality control systems must be consistent across operations. At the same time, revocations remain limited to the facility where the issue occurs. Certification can be restored with a new Initial Audit.

The updated C3 Program places increased emphasis on compliance traceability. During audits, members must demonstrate that steel coils meet required limits for five key attributes — yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, coating weight and base steel thickness. Members may document this compliance through mill certificates, third-party testing by an accredited laboratory or in-house testing performed on calibrated equipment by a Qualified Technician.

In fact, the updated program establishes formal roles for Qualified Technicians and Quality Control Agents. These new positions help ensure that personnel understand program procedures, testing protocols and documentation requirements.

Core Program Elements Remain Unchanged

SFIA emphasized that the C3 Program’s foundation remains intact. The quality manual, enrollment process and third-party verification framework continue unchanged, preserving the credibility of C3P.

Developers, designers and building officials are placing greater emphasis on documented performance, supply chain reliability and code compliance. The enhanced SFIA C3 Program meets those expectations while reinforcing cold-formed steel framing as a dependable, noncombustible solution.

“These changes make it easier for design professionals to confidently specify SFIA-certified products, reduce headaches for distributors and builders, and position steel competitively against competitive products such as wood and concrete block,” Allen said. “They position our members — and the industry — for what’s ahead.”

For more information about the SFIA Code Compliance Certification (C3) Program, visit steelframing.org.

Additional Resources

• SFIA Certification Program Guards Against Shortfalls in Imported Steel
• Cold-Formed Steel Framing Quality Assurance and Quality Control
• SFIA: Setting the Bar for Quality

The post SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Steel Framing Shows Strength Amid Price Pressures and Uncertainty, Says SFIA’s Don Allen
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• Insights and Inspiration Take Center Stage at 2025 CFSEI Expo in Raleigh

 

This project was designed to accommodate varying floor-to-floor heights, including extra-tall levels for professional athletes. Each level was engineered to optimize material use and structural performance. Where possible, structural steel was avoided in favor of CFS. The design team communicated efficiencies through approver notes.

Efficient Use of CFS Framing

raSmith received the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention in the Mid-Rise category for The Trade Milwaukee. The SFIA Awards recognize excellence in the use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing across design and construction. 

Susan Dzibinski of raSmith submitted the award entry. BuildSteel previously featured The Trade Milwaukee project in a detailed case study on how CFS framing tackled custom window systems, stacked atrium spans and complex architectural detailing.

Featured image (above): raSmith designed the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing for The Trade Milwaukee.

The Trade Milwaukee demonstrates efficient use of CFS by tailoring the framing design to accommodate varying floor to floor heights.

raSmith’s win was announced during the 2025 SFIA Awards live ceremony and posted online. The SFIA 2025 Industry Project and Product Awards, an annual steel framing industry awards competition, focuses on CFS manufacturing and construction. Designers, manufacturers, distributors and contractors entered a variety of projects in the latest competition.

Design Quality

How did this project use CFS efficiently and what was the value engineering solution?

The Trade Milwaukee demonstrates efficient use of CFS by tailoring the framing design to accommodate varying floor to floor heights, including extra tall levels for professional athletes. 

Each level was engineered to optimize material use and structural performance. Where possible, the team avoided structural steel in favor of CFS and communicated design efficiencies through approver notes.

At lower levels with greater spans, the team selected 8 inch and 12 inch studs in many cases to reduce required mil thickness while meeting strength demands.

Late in construction, the team identified that steel lintels had not been provided to support brickwork above first level openings. The team worked with the engineer of record to use already installed CFS studs to support the brick, eliminating the need for additional steel members and maintaining the project schedule and budget.

Second floor restaurant balcony framing with partial window openings and mullions, engineered to support future enclosure and exterior wind loads.

This view highlights detailed framing at partial window openings and mullions, designed to support future enclosure and resist exterior wind loads on both inner and outer frames.

Installation Complexity

Did this project require special methods or conflict resolution?

The installation required a high level of coordination and sequencing, particularly at the feature window openings. 

The team uniquely framed each opening with interwoven CFS members to support a range of window sizes within a single area. This approach required precise load transfer to full width headers, sills and full height jambs.

The team also adapted to varying floor heights and integrated framing solutions that supported the architectural intent without compromising structural integrity.

Framing elevation view illustrating the interwoven cold-formed steel (CFS) members at feature window openings. This configuration was engineered to support multiple window sizes within a unified framed area, ensuring precise load transfer and structural continuity across the elevation.

Manufacturing Complexity

Were the materials custom made or were they modified standard pieces?

The team used standard CFS components throughout the project and strategically combined them to create custom profiles and shapes that met the architectural and structural requirements. 

This approach allowed the design to remain flexible while maintaining cost and production efficiency.

The Trade Milwaukee is a standout addition to the Deer District in Milwaukee.

The design required raSmith’s expertise in tackling complex structural challenges. 

Overall Job Quality

How did the completed system perform in alignment, finish, and overall design intent?

The completed framing system closely aligns with the architectural renderings and design documents. The team made some field modifications to address missing structural elements or deviations, and the final product fulfilled the design intent. 

The result is a clean, well-aligned structure that meets both aesthetic and performance expectations.

raSmith is the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Honorable Mention winner in the Mid-Rise CFS Framing category.

Additional Resources

• The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Names 13 Recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards
• SFIA Unveils 9 Winners of the 2024 Industry Project Awards
• SFIA Reveals 7 Winners of the 2023 Industry Project Awards in Online Ceremony

The post 9-Story Hotel Features Minimal Structural Steel with Cold-Formed Steel, Earns SFIA Award for raSmith appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Maxan Interior Systems Earns SFIA Honors for Sculptural CFS Canopy in Etobicoke, Ontario
• Excel Engineering Wins Top 2025 CFSEI Creative Detail Award for Harrah’s in New Orleans
• Ensign Engineering Wins Top 2025 CFSEI Design Excellence, Commercial, Award for Onset Financial

 

The program supports young engineers and university instructors in civil and structural engineering. Winners receive $1,200 to help cover travel and lodging expenses associated with attending the Expo. Registration to the 2026 CFSEI Expo also fully covered.

This year’s program attracted more than 35 applicants from across North America, South America, Europe and Africa.

CFSEI Expo Stipend Winners

• Aaron Boucher, Modulus Designs
• Zachary Johnson, Devco Engineering
• Michael Keegan, Milwaukee School of Engineering
• Elizabeth Viox, McClure Engineering Co.
• Jiachen Zhang, University of California, San Diego
• Lia Zhu, MTE Consultants

‘Competitive Group of Candidates’

“CFSEI developed this program to inspire young engineers to explore careers in the cold-formed steel industry,” said Jeffrey Klaiman, P.E., CFSEI managing director. “As the program grows, we are actively seeking ways to broaden its reach and give more emerging professionals the chance to connect with industry experts at the Expo and ultimately become part of our industry.”

Aaron Boucher

Zachary Johnson

Michael Keegan

Elizabeth Viox

Jiachen Zhang

Lia Zhu

Josh Garton, P.E., S.E., Technical Manager at McClure, and Chair of CFSEI Stipend Program Task Group, said, “This year’s program drew a diverse and highly competitive group of candidates, with applications nearly tripling from previous years—underscoring its growing global reach.”

Winners will have the opportunity to network with CFSEI Executive Committee members, attend the Young Member Group mixer on Monday, May 18, and enjoy a breakfast hosted in their honor at the Expo on Tuesday, May 19.

Additional Resources

• • CFSEI Announces Winners of 2026 Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design
  • CFSEI Announces Winners of the 2025 Design Excellence and Creative Detail Awards
  • CFSEI Releases Tech Note J200-26: Vibration of Cold-Formed Steel Joist Framed Floors

The post CFSEI Announces Winners of 2026 Expo Stipend Program appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFSEI Announces Winners of 2026 Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design

 

The competition promotes higher education in cold-formed steel (CFS) structural design and encourages students to use creative thinking skills to solve engineering problems.

This year’s competition attracted entries from universities across the United States, Canada and India. To ensure their success, participants were paired with industry mentors who have expertise in CFS design and construction. A panel of industry professionals judged and ranked all entries based on the design’s quality, constructability and presentation.

CFSEI Student Competition Winners

First Place

Michael Keegan
Milwaukee School of Engineering

Michael Keegan

Second Place

Luke Albert
Lindenhurst UFSD

Luke Albert

Third Place

Maihan Ali
George Mason University

Maihan Ali

‘Only Competition of its Kind’

“This is the only competition of its kind in the cold-formed steel industry,” said Jeffrey Klaiman, P.E., CFSEI managing director. “It promotes CFS in higher education and requires participants to apply creative engineering solutions to develop a cold-formed steel design, addressing a specific challenge they may encounter in the workplace.”

Tammy Gleed, P.E., general manager at ClarkDietrich Engineering Services, LLC, and a CFSEI competition organizer, said: “This year’s participants were tasked to design a cost-effective, dignified tiny home that can be mass-produced and rapidly deployed to provide transitional housing, offering safety, comfort, and stability for families displaced by wildfires.”

The top winners receive monetary awards and award plaques and will have an opportunity to attend the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

Additional Resources

• CFSEI Announces Winners of the 2025 Design Excellence and Creative Detail Awards
• CFSEI Releases Tech Note J200-26: Vibration of Cold-Formed Steel Joist Framed Floors
• CFSEI Releases Updated Tech Note G500-25: Field Guide – Inspection Checklist for Structural CFS Framing

The post CFSEI Announces Winners of 2026 Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFSEI Announces Winners of 2026 Expo Stipend Program

 

In the Walls & Ceilings article, “Modern Steel Framing,” Marco Johnson, editor of BuildSteel.org, highlights 10 applications that show how CFS framing helps contractors deliver improved performance, speed and resilience across today’s most demanding projects.

“CFS has become a problem-solving material of choice,” Johnson says. “Its dimensional stability, light weight and resilience let contractors build faster, waste less and fulfill complex design intents.”

Featured image (above): South Valley Prefab’s Carlos Mendez assembles cold-formed steel (CFS) framing.

10 CFS Applications Driving Performance

1. CFS-Framed Rounded Windows

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing makes complex geometry buildable. In Denver, crews shaped curved openings for the Populus hotel by hand with precision on site. Bridging and bracing maintained strength at every edge. The result met the architect’s design intent without sacrificing performance.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framed the window openings of all shapes and sizes at Denver’s Populus hotel. Image courtesy of CEMCO

2. CFS-Framed Sculptural Structures

For a themed attraction in Central Florida, crews used CFS framing to execute complex, asymmetrical structures. The system supported varied angles, slopes and vertical elements up to 90 feet. Steel framing reduced facade weight compared to heavier materials. The approach improved constructability while maintaining design intent and performance.

At a central Florida theme park, cold-formed steel (CFS) studs frame fantasy structures. Image courtesy of KHS&S

3. CFS-Framed Pods

On complex interior projects, contractors use CFS framing to deliver prefabricated pods with precision. Crews build pods offsite and deliver them ready for installation. Steel framing provides the rigidity to lift fully finished units without damage. The approach reduces labor, improves safety and accelerates schedules.

T.J. Wies Contracting prefabricated 277 bathroom pods and 224 headwalls for a healthcare project in St. Louis. Image courtesy of T.J. Wies

4. CFS-Framed Panels

On large-scale projects, contractors use CFS framing panels to accelerate enclosure. Crews fabricate panels in controlled environments using automated systems. Steel framing enables faster installation with fewer onsite workers. The approach improves speed, consistency and integration with structural systems.

South Valley Prefab builds cold-formed steel framed exterior finished panels.

5. CFS-Framed Fire Resilience

As risk exposure increases, developers turn to steel framing to improve fire resilience. Noncombustible CFS framing lowers premiums and improves fire performance. Research confirms structural stability under extreme conditions.

Last summer, UC San Diego and Cal Poly researchers tested a 10-story cold-formed steel framed structure with 18 simulated earthquakes and a controlled burn.

6. CFS Framing for Hurricane Recovery

CFS framing is reshaping rebuilding in hurricane-prone regions. After Hurricane Ida exposed the limits of wood framing, builders turned to stronger solutions. Steel framing resists moisture, pests and extreme weather while maintaining structural integrity. Communities use CFS framing to reduce long-term damage and recovery costs.

Cold-formed steel does not warp, rot or crack under pressure. It can endure harsh weather conditions.

7. CFS-Framed Barndominiums

As housing demand rises, builders use CFS framing to deliver efficient residential solutions, including barndominiums. Prefabricated systems speed construction and simplify assembly. Steel framing provides strength, durability and long-term performance to scalable housing with consistent build quality.

A Scottsdale team assembled a cold-formed steel framed barndominium live at METALCON 2025. Image courtesy of Scottsdale

8. CFS Framing Trusses

On large hospitality and commercial projects, teams use steel trusses to accelerate schedules. Prefabricated CFS framed systems arrive sequenced for efficient installation. Steel framing reduces weight while maintaining structural strength. Crews install long spans quickly with fewer delays.

MiTek’s Ultra-Span trusses were installed quickly at Great Wolf Lodge. Photo courtesy of MiTek

9. CFS Framing for Acoustics

CFS framing chase walls help control sound in multi-unit construction. SFIA resources guide proper detailing and assembly. Decoupled configurations reduce vibration paths and improve performance. Steel framing delivers reliable acoustic separation and code compliance.

SFIA’s Tech Bulletin Vol. 2, No. 4 shows how cold-formed steel (CFS) chase walls can enhance acoustical performance.

10. CFS-Framed Multilevel Decks

In outdoor applications, including multilevel decks, teams rely on steel framing for durability. CFS framing enables longer spans and lighter structural systems. Installation moves quickly with minimal labor. Steel framing withstands weather, pests and long-term wear.

A remodeler used cold-formed steel (CFS) framing and helical piers to build a strong backyard deck.

Read the full article from Walls & Ceilings. 

Additional Resources

• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing 101: A Practical Guide for Designers, Builders and Owners
• Steel Stands Firm as Termites Threaten Homes, Real Estate Agents Say
• Steel Framing: The Often Overlooked Key to a Better Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel

The post 10 Ways Steel Framing Solves Modern Construction Challenges appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Negwer Materials Wins SFIA’s Mid Rise Category Award for Kindred Resort in Keystone, Colo.
• T.J. McCartney Wins SFIA’s High Rise Category Award for Allston Labworks in Boston
• 12 Tips to Frame Basement Walls with Metal Studs

 

Tara Hutchinson of University of California, San Diego and Benjamin Schafer of Johns Hopkins University will present the session titled, “Advancing Cold-Formed Steel in Mid-Rise Building Systems in High Seismic Zones: Accomplishments of the CFS-NHERI and CFS10 Capstone Programs.”

The keynote session will provide engineers, designers and industry professionals with a close look at the research behind the CFS-NHERI program and the landmark CFS10 shake table testing project.

CFS Research Targets Mid-Rise Seismic Design

The NSF-sponsored Cold-Formed Steel – Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure program, known as CFS-NHERI, aimed to advance the seismic resilience and design capabilities of cold-formed steel lateral force-resisting systems.

“While CFS is commonly used in low-rise buildings, its application in mid-rise and taller structures in moderate-high seismic zones as the core load-bearing system remains limited,” says the CFSEI keynote abstract. CFS framing’s limited use is, the abstract says, “due to a lack of full-scale validation under seismic loading, and specific height limits in U.S. building codes.”

The CFS-NHERI program set out to overcome these barriers. University researchers and industry partners, which included the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), launched a coordinated effort that combines material testing, subsystem experiments and advanced numerical modeling. CFS-NHERI culminated in a full-scale structural test of a 10-story cold-formed steel building, CFS10.

Tara Hutchinson, a professor in the UC San Diego Department of Structural Engineering, is the lead researcher on a series of tests on a 10-story, cold-formed steel (CFS) framed building at the UC San Diego outdoor earthquake simulator. Photo: David Baillot/UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering

CFS10 Shake-Table Testing

CFS10 is a landmark experimental project. The tests were conducted at the NHERI 6-DOF Large High Performance Outdoor Shake Table at UC San Diego. Here, researchers constructed a 10-story cold-formed steel framed building and subjected it to a series of earthquake simulations.

Specifically, CFS10 experienced multi-directional earthquake motions that increased sequentially in intensity. After the seismic testing concluded, the researchers conducted post-earthquake fire tests.

Comprehensive CFS Data

The CFS10 project produced one of the most comprehensive datasets ever assembled on the seismic behavior of cold-formed steel buildings. The test structure incorporated several construction approaches common in modern projects. Researchers integrated stick-built framing, 2D panelized systems and 3D volumetric construction methods.

The test building integrated conventional stick-framing, panelized and volumetric modular construction within one building specimen, allowing a unique opportunity to document and compare the efficiency of each construction method, and any differences in structural performance.

The building also included a range of nonstructural components and systems. This allowed the team to study how full buildings behave during major seismic events.

“Results from CFS10 demonstrate that engineered CFS systems can perform robustly under significant seismic demands, with stable energy dissipation, and minimal damage propagation,” says the 2026 CFSEI Expo keynote abstract.

CFS10 research provides learnings on functional recovery — that is, returning buildings to service quickly after earthquakes.

“Complemented by material, connection, and subsystem tests, the full-scale CFS10 seismic tests provide a landmark dataset to validate analytical tools for future design,” the keynote abstract adds.

The program sets a new benchmark for performance-based seismic design in CFS structures. Ongoing work is focused on documenting the earthquake and fire testing results and conducting complementary simulations. Hutchinson and Schafer will share with 2026 CFSEI Expo attendees how the findings translate into “design guidance, industry adoption and broader applications in high-performance CFS construction,” their abstract says.

With the CFS10 controlled burn in progress, a San Diego firefighting crew drill on-site, while researchers monitor heat, smoke and response coordination. Monitoring included heat and motion sensors, cameras and multiple drones.

What Keynote Attendees Will Learn

The 2026 CFSEI Expo keynote session will highlight several key lessons emerging from the research program. Hutchinson and Schafer will explore:

• Seismic detailing strategies for tall cold-formed steel buildings
• Findings from the ten-story full-scale shake-table testing program
• Fire testing and modeling approaches relevant to CFS systems
• Differences between stick-built, panelized and modular CFS construction methods

These insights will help engineers and designers better understand how cold-formed steel systems can support taller buildings with improved seismic performance.

Leading Researchers Behind the CFS10 Program

The keynote will be presented by two internationally recognized researchers in structural engineering.

Tara Hutchinson, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego

Tara Hutchinson, Ph.D.

Tara Hutchinson is a professor in the Department of Structural Engineering at University of California, San Diego. Her research spans geotechnical, structural and earthquake engineering.

Much of her work involves large-scale shake-table and fixed-reaction experimentation. Hutchinson earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, and her M.S. from the University of Michigan.

She joined the UC San Diego faculty in 2007 and currently serves as director of the Powell Laboratory. In 2024, she was appointed the Jan Talbot Endowed Chair in the Jacobs School of Engineering.

Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University

Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI

Benjamin Schafer is the Hackerman Professor of Civil and Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and director of the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute.

Schafer is widely recognized for his contributions to cold-formed steel structural research and design standards. He serves on several national committees focused on steel building engineering.

His work has earned numerous awards for research, teaching and professional leadership.

Join the Industry in Long Beach

The 2026 CFSEI Expo keynote will provide a rare opportunity. Attendees will hear directly from researchers leading one of the most significant structural experiments ever conducted on cold-formed steel buildings.

Professionals attending the 2026 CFSEI Expo will gain insight into the research shaping the future of cold-formed steel construction. The keynote offers a timely look at the data and design insights that could expand the material’s role in seismic regions.

Attendees packed last year’s CFSEI Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. More are expected this year.

Additional Resources

• Register for the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• CFSEI Announces Speakers for 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• Insights and Inspiration Take Center Stage at 2025 CFSEI Expo in Raleigh

The post CFS-NHERI and CFS10 Capstone Seismic Research to Take Center Stage in Keynote at 2026 CFSEI Expo appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing plays a critical role in wildfire mitigation. The noncombustible structural system resists flame spread and maintains structural integrity during extreme heat exposure. Builders increasingly specify CFS framing to strengthen structural performance and improve resilience in wildfire-prone areas.

Communities rebuilding after major fires must balance safety, speed and affordability. Homebuyers, insurers and public officials now demand construction methods that reduce risk and improve long-term durability. Builders increasingly specify CFS framing and strategic site planning to deliver safer homes.

Cold formed steel (CFS) framing delivers noncombustible strength and dependable fire performance for homes built to last. Image provided by FRAMECAD, an SFIA member.

Guidance For Rebuilding After Wildfires

Communities recovering from wildfire damage face difficult rebuilding decisions. Builders must deliver housing quickly while improving protection against future wildfire events.

California has taken a leading role in developing rebuilding guidance. In April 2025, the U.S. Green Building Council California released the California Wildfire Rebuilding Guide. The guide provides practical strategies for homeowners and builders reconstructing homes in wildfire-prone areas. Experts from CAL FIRE, the National Fire Protection Association and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety contributed to the document. 

The USGBC wildfire rebuilding guide targets suburban and urban communities, like Altadena and Pacific Palisades, where wildfire risk intersects with the potential for earthquakes and extreme heat. Residential builders in these regions must address multiple potential hazards while working within the tight constraints of their residential projects.

“The guide outlines cost-effective, sustainable rebuilding strategies at the community scale,” according to an article in Forbes. “The guide is tailored for areas with defined lot lines and limited space, where rebuilding must be efficient and disaster-conscious.”

Steel Improves Wildfire Structural Performance

Structural materials play a critical role in wildfire resilience. Combustible framing increases ignition risk and accelerates structural failure during fire exposure.

Noncombustible materials can significantly reduce these risks. CFS framing provides strong structural performance while resisting ignition.

Steel does not burn, rot or attract pests. These properties improve long-term durability and reduce maintenance requirements.

CFS framing also maintains structural stability during high heat exposure. This performance helps structures withstand fire conditions longer, which protects occupants.

CFS Helps Homeowner Obtain Insurance

Homeowners increasingly recognize the value of these characteristics in wildfire-prone regions. Structural materials now directly influence insurance availability and property risk.

One homeowner encountered this challenge while building in Arizona’s mountainous terrain. The property carried an ISO fire insurance rating between 9 and 10, indicating extremely limited fire protection.

“I’m in one of the most dangerous fire zones in Arizona,” says Arizona homeowner Mike Lynch, who built his home using CFS framing.

Companies like SFIA member Scottsdale Construction Systems are leveraging advanced roll-forming technology to deliver homes built with noncombustible cold-formed steel (CFS) framing.

Lynch originally planned to build with wood framing. A change in fire risk ratings threatened his ability to obtain insurance coverage.

“We had a wood-framed house designed and into the county for approval,” says Lynch. “I put a halt to it when they changed our ISO rating – homeowners around here were losing their insurance.”

Lynch switched to CFS framing to address those risks. The noncombustible structural system improved fire resistance and allowed the project to move forward.

This experience reflects a growing trend. Builders and homeowners increasingly select steel framing to improve fire performance and maintain insurability in high-risk areas.

AI And Data Improve Wildfire Planning

Advanced data analytics now helps builders evaluate wildfire risk before construction begins. Property risk analysis platforms use large datasets and artificial intelligence to identify wildfire exposure at the parcel level. 

Builders can analyze vegetation, topography, climate patterns and historical fire behavior during the earliest planning stages.

These insights allow project teams to design safer communities from the start. Builders can adjust site layouts, select noncombustible materials and incorporate wildfire-resistant construction strategies based on measurable risk data.

20% Insurance Premium Reduction

Risk modeling also shapes insurance decisions. Insurers increasingly evaluate mitigation measures when underwriting new policies. Builders who integrate wildfire-resistant design features can improve a project’s insurability and reduce long-term costs.

“It’s estimated that completing all 12 California-required mitigation actions can lead to a 20% insurance premium reduction,” says Jamie Knippen, senior product manager at Cotality, a property data analytics firm.

These incentives encourage builders to prioritize wildfire-resistant design and noncombustible structural systems such as CFS framing. Data-driven planning helps reduce wildfire exposure while strengthening the economic case for resilient construction.

SFIA member Industrialized Construction Solutions used prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing to shorten exposure and lower the contractor’s liability insurance for the West Point Apartments II in Tucson, Arizona.

Insurance Economics Favor Noncombustible Buildings

Insurance markets are shaping building decisions in wildfire-prone regions. Builder’s risk policy premiums increasingly reflect the financial impact of wildfire damage.

Underwriters incorporate combustion risk into their pricing models. Combustible structural systems typically produce higher premiums.

Steel framing construction reduces insurance costs. Developers recognize the financial advantages of noncombustible framing systems.

One six-story hotel project illustrates the difference. A steel framing design carried a builder’s risk premium of about $92,000. A comparable wood-framed design carried a premium near $450,000. Developers reviewed the pricing and selected steel framing to reduce project costs.

Insurance Costs Favor Steel-Framed Construction

Insurance brokers report similar trends across the construction industry. Wood-framed projects often cost between $0.30 and $0.40 per $100 of project value to insure. Comparable steel-framed projects frequently cost between $0.15 and $0.20.

Prefabricated steel systems also reduce exposure during construction. Faster assembly shortens project timelines and limits vulnerability during the build phase.

Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) member Industrialized Construction Solutions used prefabricated CFS framing for the West Point Apartments II project in Tucson, Arizona. The approach shortened construction timelines and reduced contractor liability insurance exposure.

As wildfire risks continue to grow, insurers increasingly favor noncombustible construction systems.

Modular Steel Homes Improve Affordability

Communities rebuilding after wildfires often face severe housing shortages. Builders must deliver durable homes quickly without dramatically increasing costs.

Modular construction systems help meet this challenge. Prefabricated steel framing allows builders to produce housing efficiently while maintaining structural performance.

Hapi Homes provides a clear example of this approach. The company manufactures modular housing systems built around light-gauge steel framing. Demand for wildfire-resistant homes has surged in recent years.

“We’ve seen a 300% to 400% increase in inquiries after the Los Angeles fires,” says Mary O’Brien, CEO of Hapi Homes.

 

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Each Hapi Homes kit ships in a single 14-foot container. A container carries the structural components for a 1,200-square-foot home. Factory production ensures precise fabrication and consistent quality. Automated equipment cuts and assembles steel components to exact specifications.

Steel framing reduces structural build time by 40% and labor costs by 20%.

Because the homes incorporate wildfire-resistant features, homeowners may qualify for insurance discounts approaching 20%.

“Resiliency starts with the light-gauge steel,” says O’Brien. “It forms the core frame, manufactured to spec using automated factory tools.”

Building Resilient Communities With Steel

Wildfires continue to reshape residential construction across the nation. Communities rebuilding after catastrophic fires must prioritize safety, durability and long-term resilience.

CFS framing helps meet these demands. The noncombustible structural system reduces ignition risk while maintaining structural performance during fire exposure.

Faster construction, stronger insurance outcomes and durable building performance further strengthen steel’s value. As fire risk grows, builders increasingly rely on steel framing to deliver safer homes and more resilient communities in wildfire-prone regions.

Additional Resources

• Fire Changes Everything: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Reshaping Housing Construction
• Update: Insurance Costs Are Re-Shaping Construction Choices — And the Data Speaks for Itself
• Data and Noncombustible Materials Hold the Key to Safer Construction, Says SFIA’s Don Allen

The post Home Builders Turn to Steel as Wildfire Threats Intensify appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Insurance Costs Are Re-Shaping Construction Choices — And the Data Speaks for Itself
• Fire Changes Everything: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Reshaping Housing Construction
• New Bushfire Research Confirms Cold-Formed Steel Retains Load-Bearing Strength in Fire

 

SFIA Annual Meeting Addresses Code Compliance

At the SFIA Annual Meeting — held privately at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 342 — association members officially approved updates to SFIA’s Code Compliance Certification Program (C3P). The SFIA C3P applies to cold-formed steel (CFS) framing products.

Attendees of the 2026 Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) SFIA General Session held in conjunction with BUILD26 in New Orleans watch the 2025 SFIA Awards presentation.

Don Allen

Don Allen, SFIA executive director, discussed what the new C3P changes mean for members amid growing market expectations for resilient, sustainable and code compliant construction.

“The market is demanding buildings that are resilient and sustainable, and non-compliant products and combustible construction threaten those tenets,” Allen said.

Members expressed excitement over the enhanced program, which is expected to reduce the costs of compliance for SFIA’s manufacturing members without any loss to the quality assurance the program sets.

“SFIA’s certification programs and our member base aim to deliver products and systems that give designers and builders confidence in choosing cold-formed steel framing,” Allen said.

Pat Ford

SFIA leadership shared important messaging on why product certification matters to SFIA Annual Meeting attendees.

“Certification supports our manufacturer and contractor-manufacturer members,” said Patrick W. Ford, SFIA technical director. Ford added: “It strengthens confidence in the supply chain and helps protect the steel framing industry.”

Also, SFIA’s updated C3P reflects shifting expectations across the construction market. Developers, designers and building officials increasingly seek verified products and systems that support resilient, sustainable building practices and dependable performance.

Industry Alignment Through Partnerships

In addition, the 2026 SFIA Annual Meeting presented the broader context on SFIA’s forward priorities. This included a presentation of SFIA’s recently completed strategic planning and coordination with allied organizations focused on quality and performance in construction.

Jeffrey Klaiman, manager of the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) spoke for a few minutes on the “State of the CFSEI,” noting several of the institute’s accomplishments during the prior year.

Don Allen, SFIA executive director, speaks during the 2026 SFIA Annual Meeting in New Orleans about updates to the SFIA C3P program.

At right, Andrew Vargo and Ryan C. Smith of KHS&S Contractors accept the 2025 Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) 2025 Judges Choice Award from SFIA Technical Director Pat Ford during the 2026 SFIA General Session in New Orleans.

At right, Dan Lasata of T.J. McCartney accepts the 2025 Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) 2025 High-Rise Project Award from SFIA Technical Director Pat Ford during the 2026 SFIA General Session in New Orleans.

SFIA President Eric Larson and Rob Waterhouse, president and CEO at GRABBER Construction Products, visit the SFIA booth #631 at BUILD26. In back, CFSEI’s Jeff Klaiman mans the booth.

SFIA General Session Awards Ceremony

The public was invited to attend the SFIA’s General Session, which was held immediately after the SFIA Annual Meeting. Specifically, Allen hosted a special ceremony recognizing this year’s SFIA Awards winners — showcasing how steel framing continues to expand design options and improve constructability across building types.

2025 SFIA Awards — Winners

1. Low-Rise Project: raSmith for the Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino, East Hazel Crest, Illinois
2. Mid-Rise Project: Negwer Materials and Engineered Steel Products for Kindred Resort / One River Run, Dillon (Keystone), Colorado
3. High-Rise Project: T.J. McCartney, for Allston Labworks, Boston, Massachusetts
4. Efficient Use of CFS Framing: Industrialized Construction Solutions, for West Point II Apartments, Tucson, Arizona
5. Conversion from Another Material: CEMCO for Mullin Transportation Design Center, Pasadena, California
6. Architectural Design Detail: CEMCO for the Populus hotel interior, Denver, Colorado
7. Sustainable Project: Industrialized Construction Solutions, for Sunset & Decatur Industrial Park Phase 1, Las Vegas, Nevada
8. Judges Choice: KHS&S Contractors for a Themed Attraction in Central Florida
9. Innovative Product: StepStuds from Horizontal Base Studs, LLC

StepStuds from SFIA member Horizontal Base Studs, LLC, is the 2025 Innovative Product Award winner. The product is simple to install — 36 seconds per 8′ piece.

At right, wearing a goldenrod colored jacket, Michael Cox, founder and CEO of Horizontal Base Studs LLC, accepts the 2025 Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Innovative Product Award for StepStuds from SFIA Technical Director Pat Ford during the 2026 SFIA General Session in New Orleans.

At right, Matthew Comber, SE, PE, of Industrialized Construction Solutions accepts one of two SFIA awards the firm received during the 2026 SFIA General Session in New Orleans.

2025 SFIA Awards — Honorable Mentions

1. Low-Rise Project: CEMCO for UCSC Student Housing, Santa Cruz, California
2. Mid-Rise Project: raSmith for The Trade Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3. High-Rise Project: ClarkDietrich for 24th & Rio Grande Housing, Austin, Texas
4. Architectural Design Detail: Maxan Interior Systems for Westerly 2 — South Tower Canopy, Etobicoke, Ontario

In reflecting on the 2025 SFIA Industry Project and Product Awards, Allen noted several encouraging trends compared with the 2024 winners.

“What stands out this year is the growing versatility of cold-formed steel framing,” Allen said. “The projects show how CFS can handle increasingly complex designs and structural demands. Our Innovative Product award reflects the innovation happening across the steel framing supply chain.”

Steel Framing’s Growing Versatility

This year, SFIA introduced an Innovative Product category. The winner is StepStuds from Horizontal Base Studs — a product that elevates moisture resistance and installation efficiency in interior framing. The new award category signals SFIA’s increasing emphasis on excellence in cold-formed steel framing products.

Additionally, Allen observed that this year’s winners showed greater application breadth and technical sophistication. In 2024, the SFIA Awards focused on nine project categories, including efficient use, conversion from another material and sustainability. The 2025 awards expanded the slate to include architectural design detail, judges’ choice and multi-discipline execution across low-, mid- and high-rise projects.

Left to right: Maura Norlander, Intertek program manager; Pat Ford, SFIA technical director; Don Allen, SFIA executive director; and Charlie Meyers, Intertek senior manager, mingle at BUILD26 in New Orleans.

Jeffrey Klaiman, manager of the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), highlights the institute’s accomplishments.

At right, Steve Farkus of CEMCO accepts one of three SFIA awards the firm received during the 2026 SFIA General Session in New Orleans.

At right, Pat Hainault of raSmith accepts the 2025 Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) 2025 Low-Rise Project Award from SFIA Technical Director Pat Ford during the 2026 SFIA General Session in New Orleans.

Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Technical Director Pat Ford (left) presents the SFIA 2025 Mid-Rise Project Award to Karl Klostermann of Engineered Steel Products, a division of Negwer Materials, during the 2026 SFIA General Session in New Orleans.

Growing Demand for CFS Solutions

Notable SFIA Awards winners showed how vertically aligned CFS walls can eliminate concrete podiums. Some projects highlighted how CFS can frame curved architectural fenestrations. Others showcase complex structural geometries featuring CFS framing systems. Some projects addressed immersive design requirements.

Collectively, Allen sees these patterns as evidence that SFIA certified cold-formed steel framing continues to push design and performance boundaries.

“Our recognition of both innovative products and versatile project applications reflects growing market demand for CFS solutions,” Allen says.

SFIA is exhibiting at BUILD26: AWCI’s Convention + Expo at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Hilton New Orleans Riverside on Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18. Attendees are encouraged to visit SFIA at booth 631. SFIA members can attend the Expo trade show for free using the Build26 registration code VIP26.

Spotlight on BUILD26

SFIA exhibited at BUILD26: AWCI’s Convention + Expo in New Orleans. Many attendees stopped by the SFIA booth. Here are shots of some SFIA members who showcased their wares and expertise at BUILD236:

Nate Wright of SFIA member JN Linrose Manufacturing welcomes attendees to the Linrose booth during BUILD26 in New Orleans.

SFIA member raSmith‘s booth: (left to right) Pat Hainhault, Jake Wagner, Susan Dzibinski and Jeff Derra. The team featured its cold-formed steel (CFS) engineering expertise at BUILD26 in New Orleans.

At the SFIA booth, Executive Director Don Allen (center) connects with Jason Warren of SCAFCO and Brett Thompson of CWallA during BUILD26 in New Orleans.

Steve Farkus of SFIA member CEMCO engages visitors at the company’s booth. CEMCO showcased cold-formed steel (CFS) framing solutions — and its SFIA Awards win poster — during BUILD26.

Skip Edward Miyamoto, Marco Beltran, Raymond Christman and Mayra Godoy pose at the Panel Rey booth. The firm, an SFIA member, highlighted its wall solutions during BUILD26.

Jonathan Klein, Gerry Compton, Anabelle Broduer, Chad Onofrio and Jeff May of SFIA member Super Stud | EB Metal connect with attendees at BUILD26.

Ricky Wimberly of Arkitech America, an SFIA member, chatted with SFIA’s Don Allen and Pat Ford during BUILD26.

SFIA member ClarkDietrich featured its low-embodied carbon steel framing products at BUILD26. Thomas Curran, Nick Apan, Andrew Miller and Adam Shoemaker manned the booth.

Steve Deller and Dave Dunbar of SFIA member Alpine TrusSteel showcased impressive projects at BUILD26.

Ken Sobel of Hyperframe stopped by the SFIA booth at BUILD26. Sobel chatted with SFIA Executive Director Don Allen and SFIA President Eric Larson.

Representatives from Excel Engineering, a CFSEI member, showcased cold-formed steel (CFS) design, prefab panel engineering and BIM services during BUILD26.

Additional Resources

• The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Names 13 Recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards
• SFIA Unveils 9 Winners of the 2024 Industry Project Awards
• SFIA Elects Leadership, Presents Awards and Strategy Insights at 2025 SFIA Annual Meeting

The post SFIA 2026 Annual Meeting Features Newly Approved Certification Program, Industry Awards and More appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• SFIA Annual Meeting Theme: ‘Supporting Members Through Certification and Industry Alignment’ (Mar. 16)
• SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program
• SFIA Gears Up for New Orleans Annual Meeting Featuring Award Winners and Revelations on Certification