framecad

We live in a world that is constantly evolving, changing and moving. Technological innovation is reshaping old business models and approaches, including within the construction industry.

Here at Number 17, we are proud to partner with the world’s leading cold formed steel system FRAMECAD, which combines both engineering and design software in one user friendly package. What is more, is that it helps deliver large scale light gauge steel (otherwise commonly known as LGS) construction projects faster with its advanced steel framing automated process.

Advanced construction methods such as the FRAMECAD system brings about many benefits including:

  • Faster build times
  • Lower overall costs
  • Scalable design solutions
  • Better building performance
  • Design versatility
  • Accurate minimal waste
Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, London, Cambridgeshire Light Gauge Steel Suppliers
Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, London, Cambridgeshire Light Gauge Steel Suppliers

why light gauge steel construction?

Lightweight steel is used globally for structural framing in buildings of all sizes and purposes. With the assistance of award-winning software such as the FRAMECAD system, this makes using lightweight steel a superior structural framing model.

Lightweight steel delivers many advantages. It is:

STRONG

It will not burn in a fire like a timber-framed building will.

NON-COMBUSTIBLE

It is one of the robust materials used in the industry and is much stronger than timber.

LIGHTWEIGHT AND COST-EFFECTIVE

It reduces foundation requirements by approximately 2.5 times, therefore meaning costs will be reduced too.

ACCURATE

It is precise to +/- 1mm per 10m, meaning there is very minimal waste during construction.

EFFICIENT

It is up to 50% faster than traditional methods of building.

MOISTURE RESISTANT

Not only is steel moisture-resistant, it is insusceptible to rotting, shrinking or moving under load. Importantly, this means there will be no cracking or long term movement from loss of moisture that you might typically find with traditional methods of construction.

caring for the environment

Here at Number 17, we are focused on providing cost-efficient solutions for your requirements, whilst remaining sustainable and environmentally friendly.

 

Little-to-no waste

First, there’s very little waste — in fact, there’s virtually none. Waste from building projects can be both costly and a burden on local environments, contributing to landfill. These problems are eliminated when building with steel, and particularly with LGS construction.

LGS design methods are highly accurate

This accuracy is a result of material quantities being specified during the design phase, combined with precise manufacturing systems ensuring minimal waste. In fact, the FRAMECAD LGS design and manufacture process achieves less than 1% waste, offering the highest-possible yield from building materials used.

Less energy and fewer resources in manufacture

The process of manufacturing and constructing with LGS also has lower energy impacts and impact on the surrounding environment compared to more traditional methods such as timber. With less requirement for heavy and frequent transportation of materials to site, and overall faster construction times, LGS projects use less overall energy and fewer resources.

Healthier and more sustainable buildings

LGS buildings are healthier, more energy efficient and enable more sustainable living for the life of the building. Steel does not contain additional preservative chemicals and won’t give off gases or emit volatile organic compounds. Steel doesn't support mold growth or rot - listed as one of the top 10 home pollutants connected to heart and lung disease and shortened life expectancy.