5 Common Steel Frame Myths You Should Stop Believing

Steel frame is an increasingly popular construction technique due to its many advantages, such as durability, efficiency and sustainability. However, there are often myths and misunderstandings surrounding this innovative construction technique.

In this article, we debunk five of the most common myths about Steel Frame.

Discover the reality behind these erroneous claims and understand why Steel Frame is a safe, reliable and versatile option for home construction.

1. “The industrialised Steel Frame construction system is less resistant than traditional construction”..

Contrary to popular belief, the steel frame is highly resistant. The steel structure used in the steel frame has an excellent capacity to withstand loads, including seismic forces and high winds.

In addition, building regulations ensure that the necessary safety and strength standards are met. The steel frame has proven its durability in numerous projects around the world, withstanding the tests of time and adverse weather conditions.

2. “Steel Frame is prone to corrosion”.

Although steel can corrode in certain circumstances, measures are taken to prevent this in the steel frame. Protective coatings and treatments are used on steel structures, such as galvanisation and specialised painting, to ensure corrosion resistance.

In addition, proper design and regular maintenance help prevent corrosion problems, maintaining its integrity and appearance for decades.

3. “Steel Frame is flammable and not fire safe”.

The Steel Frame is designed with additional fire protection features such as fire resistant cladding and insulation systems. These measures ensure that the steel frame meets the fire safety standards set by building codes.

In addition, compared to other building materials, steel has a lower fire spread and emission of toxic gases.

Stalart also has a fire warranty certificate.

4. “Steel Frame is more expensive than traditional construction”.

Although steel frame may have a slightly higher initial cost than traditional construction, it is important to consider the big picture. Steel frame offers efficiencies in terms of faster construction time and less need for long-term maintenance. It is a lightweight material, which reduces foundation and transportation costs. In the long term, steel is durable and strong, which means lower repair and replacement costs. In addition, steel frame is highly energy efficient, which can result in significant savings in energy costs over the life of the building.

Overall, when all these factors are considered, steel frame is a cost-effective and economical option compared to traditional construction.

5. “Steel Frame limits design and customisation options”.

This is one of the most unfounded myths. The steel frame offers a wide range of design and customisation possibilities. The steel frame allows the creation of open and flexible spaces, which gives the freedom to adapt the interior design according to individual needs and preferences.

In addition, steel frame can be combined with other materials, such as glass and wood, to achieve a variety of architectural styles. From modern and minimalist houses to traditional styles, steel frame adapts to different styles and design visions.

 


 

By understanding the reality behind the common myths, one can appreciate the versatility, strength and efficiency of steel frame as a reliable option for housing construction.

By putting aside the myths and knowing the facts, it is possible to make informed decisions and consider steel frame as a safe and attractive alternative in the construction sector.

House in Los Olivos. Balzar Architects and STALART

Casa en los Olivos, a living testimony to excellence in industrialised steel frame construction, harmoniously blends the environment, the client’s needs and avant-garde architecture. The Barcelona owners have forged a deep bond with the picturesque Mediterranean village of Quesa in the province of Valencia, where they spent unforgettable summers during their childhood.

Located on the outskirts of the city centre, this plot stands as the last urban olive grove that unites the built with the rural, an exceptional opportunity to develop a revolutionary project in industrialised steel frame construction. For this, Balzar Architects have relied on the experience of the leading company in the steel frame sector, STALART.

This magnificent single-storey dwelling blends perfectly into its surroundings thanks to the architectural resources that rely on the steel frame structure. Firstly, three courtyards that open up to the sky and the olive trees, providing an intimate visual connection and offering privacy to its occupants. Secondly, a wide porch, characteristic of Mediterranean culture and warm climates, shelters from the heat of the west and creates a fluid link between indoors and outdoors. Thirdly, an extensive longitudinal platform with a spectacular swimming pool that extends towards the olive grove, offering breathtaking views of the sunsets. Finally, generous windows connect the entrances, gardens and patios with all the interior spaces of the home.

The Casa Olivos project stands out for its exceptional integration between the interior and exterior, highlighting the beauty of the olive grove, the main element that takes centre stage thanks to the steel frame construction. Each room offers a unique experience of connection with the environment. The daytime spaces and the entrance are directly connected to the porch and terrace through imposing motorised glass.

The aquatic element takes on a prominent role at Casa Olivos. The outdoor swimming pool, with its semicircular shape and partially covered by an elegant dome, is perfectly integrated into the olive grove, which becomes the lush garden of the house.

The materials, colours and textures used in Casa Olivos are another distinctive element of the project. Terracotta tones predominate on the floors and façades, achieving a perfect harmony with the natural surroundings. Exquisite marbles, such as Iranian travertine, together with galvanised steel elements and olive green carpentry, contrast and fill the spaces with a unique atmosphere in harmony.

Source text and photos: archdaily.com

Plaza Radio 99.9 Interview

Resumen del audio de la entrevista realizada en Plaza Radio 99.9

This song was not chosen by the music programmer but by Manuel Marrama, the CEO of STALART, a steel frame housing construction company. We’re also joined by Felipe Pérez from Madrid, the strategy director of Alberta, Norway. How are you, Felipe?

I’m delighted to be with you all, also with Manuel, and to share insights about the houses we create, why we make them, and with a little surprise we have for this afternoon.

– Manuel, why did you choose this song? Welcome, good afternoon.

Hello, thank you for inviting me again, I’m pleased to be here. I remember we were in another studio about 2 years ago. You’ve improved a lot in the studio.

The song was chosen by my 9-year-old son Cedric, as I’m not good with music, and he always plays the same one in the car.

– The song “A Head Full of Dreams” is incredible and talks about dreams, like having a home. What is a Steel Frame house? What is that?

Well, it’s a house. The advantage we can offer is the planning in the initial design phase, which provides us a great competitive advantage in installation. This allows us to minimize errors and provide a higher quality product in the end result.

– Why choose this methodology?

Apart from what Manuel has already mentioned, the result is a modern house with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation due to more advanced materials than the bricks of 3000 years ago. A higher quality house that doesn’t make sense to build in an outdated way. The industry has advanced in materials, and having a self-supporting steel structure is marvelous. There are no big and unsightly columns. All rooms are square, which expands the house and makes it comfortable, with sound and energy insulation. We offer customized and unique designs for each client, inspired by other houses but with specific details. Each house is different, and no two are the same. The option to choose a more traditional or rural design.

We had a problem in the early years, and that was that we didn’t know how to tell the story very well. We expected to have the finished house to show to the client and other interested parties. But we had no graphical documentation of the process. People would come, visit the house, and ask for a steelframe house to see it, and we showed them that.

From there, we started recording the process of assembling a housing structure using cold-formed steel over a week with time-lapse. You can see how it’s built from start to finish in a very short time.

We turn steel coil into profile structures, respecting architectural design and certified structural calculation. We ensure approval in all our profiles. And this is the great advantage of combining technology and digitalization in design processes, something essential to avoid mistakes. All online, in a digital cloud. Once the final file is agreed upon, it’s sent to a CNC machine that produces with complete accuracy.

There’s an intermediate step for the client to visit the house with Oculus glasses and experience the render. With them, changes can be made on the spot, avoiding future regrets. It’s not the same as being in the actual house, but it’s very interesting. Once the structure is ordered from Manuel, changes can’t be made.

If another advantage is sometimes seen as a disadvantage, it’s actually an advantage because we don’t give anyone time to regret. You have your house in 20 weeks, so you’ve probably waited almost 1 year for the permit. 5 months+. It’s very short.

It’s short because houses grow rapidly. Very importantly, energy efficiency, long-term savings, and sustainability. We have a significant advantage in the lifecycle, as we can fit 5 200m2 houses on a single truck using the same raw material. This minimizes the environmental impact compared to traditional systems.

– What’s in the truck?

Structural panels and frames in 2D,

– Similar to a plasterboard wall? All in 2D? And what about the internal aspect of the house? Because I suppose it’s later covered with whatever we want.

You can’t tell, you don’t know what the house is made of, except that you hear very little noise from outside, and it’s true that it retains the ambiance and temperature you want. We’re currently designing a restaurant and a winery with natural stone finishes. Alberta has a varied climate, which generates diversity in the designed projects. But the beauty of this is the freedom of the system, they don’t have to be constrained by anything, they just have to comply or serve their client, giving them the satisfaction of building the house they truly want.

– And Felipe, does being so fast and efficient increase the price?

Much less than an average house, a villa is around 300. From 0€ to 400,000€, depending on the size and other factors. In traditional construction, the price keeps getting closer. Why? Many months of work and scarce and expensive labor. A small difference. Upwards, but insufficient. It almost suits the customer if they want a brick house. But I don’t think it’s much. Renovations in a built house are possible. We’ve already done it in concrete houses, and it was fast using this construction methodology. Very interesting. In summary, the price is similar, and promotions are advantageous due to the reduction of indirect costs. We primarily work in the Valencian Community and are building houses in different cities. Regarding Manuel’s house in Madrid, there’s nothing to mention about it at this moment. We’re

in the last minute of the conversation. This was going to be done in Madrid, but it won’t be. The AI is made with the structure of a house in Madrid, ready to be installed in Valencia. So, if there’s a customer who likes that house, it fits them, there’s a huge discount, because the Madrid customer had already paid half of that structure.

Thank you both for coming, we’ll keep track to see who gets the house.

The importance of collaboration in industrialized construction

The steel frame construction system is highly efficient and offers numerous advantages over other conventional construction methods. However, at STALART we know that, in industrialized construction, to obtain the best results, It is essential that the different professionals involved in a project work collaboratively and maintain fluid communication throughout the entire construction process.

Construction with Steel Frame involves the participation of various professionals, from architects and engineers to builders and suppliers of materials.

Each of these professionals plays a crucial role in the construction process and their collaboration is essential to achieve a quality work that meets customer expectations.

Architects and engineers:

They must work together at the design stage to ensure that the structure is properly designed and meets all safety and functionality requirements. Architects should design the structure and spaces optimally, taking full advantage of the steel frame. Engineers, for their part, must be in charge of calculating and designing the structure and structural elements, so that the resistance and stability of the construction are guaranteed.

Builders:

They must be trained and specialized in the construction with steel frame, so that they can carry out the assembly and installation of the elements correctly and efficiently. It is important that builders are in constant communication with architects and engineers, to resolve any questions or unforeseen events that may arise during construction.

Material suppliers:

Very important that they are also involved in the project from the beginning, and that they work in collaboration with the rest of the professionals to ensure that the materials are of quality and meet the specific requirements of the project.

Éxito del sistema Steel Frame tras la visita de nuestros promotores

Fluid communication and collaboration between the different professionals involved in a project with steel frame is essential to ensure quality and efficiency in construction. Good coordination in the different phases of the project allows identifying possible problems and solving them in a timely manner, avoiding delays and additional costs.

In summary, the construction with steelframe requires constant collaboration and communication between the different professionals involved in the project. At STALART we believe that this collaboration is essential to ensure the quality, efficiency and success of the project as a whole. Therefore, it is important that developers, builders, architects and engineers work together in a coordinated and efficient way to achieve the best results in each project.

The future of the Steel Frame

What we have learned about the future of the Steel Frame after REBUILD 2023.

Industrialized construction and use of the Steel Frame are likely to continue to gain ground in the construction industry in the future until it becomes one of the most construction models market promise.

After attending the REBUILD fair, talks, conferences, visits by architects, promoters and builders …, At STALART we have had the opportunity to acquire a vision of the present and the future of industrialized construction in Steel Frame.

Industrialized construction has evolved significantly in recent decades and steelframe has been a constructive technique that has played an important role in this evolution.

There are several reasons why the Steel Frame is a constructive technique. prometedora para la construcción industrializada del futuro:

  • First of all, construction speed is a key advantage, since precast components can be quickly assembled in the workplace. This translates into a significant reduction in construction times and, therefore, a decrease in costs.
  • Secondly, the steel frame is a highly sustainable construction technique, since the materials used are mostly recyclable and can be reused in future projects. In addition, the use of the steel frame can contribute to the reduction of construction waste and the costs associated with the disposal of this waste.
  • Third, the steel frame is a highly customizable construction technique, which means that buildings constructed with this technique can have a wide variety of designs and styles. This allows architects and designers to work more freely and creatively in project planning.

Furthermore, Steel Framing offers significant advantages in terms of safety and durability. Steel frame structures are resistant to earthquakes and fires, which makes them a safe and reliable option for the construction of buildings in areas of high seismic or fire risk.

As for the future of industrialized construction, the steel frame is likely to remain a popular and constantly evolving construction technique. Over time, new construction materials and techniques will appear that further improve the efficiency and sustainability of this construction model. 

Furthermore, technology and innovation can play an important role in the industrialized construction of the future. For example, 3D printing can be a useful tool in building complex and custom steel frame components.

  • Automation can also play an important role in the industrialized construction of the future. Automated manufacturing and construction can further reduce construction times and costs, while improving quality and precision.
  • Digitization is another key aspect. Digital tools, such as construction information modeling ( BIM ), can improve construction efficiency and allow for greater collaboration between construction teams and contractors.

In short, the future of industrialized construction is promising and the steel frame is a key construction technique that can play an important role in its evolution. Speed, sustainability, customization and security are some of the key advantages of the steel frame, and it is likely to remain a popular option for building construction in the future.

Furthermore, technology and innovation can play an important role in the evolution of the steel frame and of industrialized construction in general, and new techniques and tools are likely to be developed to further improve construction efficiency, sustainability, and quality. The future of industrialized construction is exciting and the steel frame is a constructive technique that will continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of the market.

Stalart revolutionizes the world of construction at Rebuild 2023

Stalart revoluciona Rebuild 2023

Manuel Marrama, CEO of STALART, presented the latest news from the company at the REBUILD construction fair. With a stand installation that took less than eight hours to complete, the company brought a life-size construction section of a home to the fair, a bit of what a real project would be.

 

STALART is a company specialized in the design, justification of structural calculation, manufacture and assembly of steel frame structures, as well as residential buildings at height. The company has managed to generate very fast structures, capable of closing the exterior facades and the interior divisions in a super efficient way, which allows working in buildings without limit of heights.

At REBUILD 2023, STALART presented a construction section in which they combined hot rolled steel with steel frame or cold shaped steel. Through a model, it was possible to see how scalability is generated in the process, in which, from a primary structure of hot laminate, using the cold-formed steel system and light 2D panels, they fill in the different levels.

 

The company proposed the example of how to go one step further, by creating structures for industrialized bathrooms, which are not only structures to generate a bathroom or an industrialized kitchen, they are also carriers in the house, which means that they avoid duplication in the structure and reduce costs. In the construction process, the bathroom first arrives at the construction site and is positioned on the foundation slab, and then the rest of the process is completed with assembly.

 

In short, STALART presented a series of innovations at the REBUILDEXPO fair that point to a revolution in the construction sector in the coming years.

Rebuild 2023: the place where the present and the future of construction converge.

Join us at Rebuild Expo 2023. We will be happy to assist you and receive you at our Stand in Hall 10 – 10I912 on March 28, 29 and 30. 

 

STALART will be present at the annual innovation summit, learning and presenting the latest in construction technology, including the Steel Framing or cold-formed lightweight construction system, a construction method that we apply to carry out efficient, sustainable and lasting projects.

 

The construction sector is in the midst of revolution, more and more construction systems appear capable of adapting to the new times, and to the needs and concerns of a client who is increasingly demanding. This occurs due to the need to believe and bet on a cleaner and more sustainable future for the planet.

This is precisely the focus of the fair that will take place from tomorrow at IFEMA Madrid and where more than 544 exhibiting firms will meet with the aim of continuing to work towards an increasingly industrialized, digitized and sustainable sector. These three pillars are a reflection of the roadmap that is being drawn up in the construction sector and of which STALART is part.

With more than 20 years of experience in the industrialized construction sector, STALART will show its proposal as a leading manufacturer of Steel Framing structures in Poland and Spain, where his own factory is located. More than 450 projects carried out around more than 10 countries around the world demonstrate that a solid position in the industry has been ensured.

The STALART team will be fully present at Rebuild 2023 during the three days of the event, you can visit us and resolve all your concerns. We will be happy to assist you and receive you at our Stand in Hall 10 – 10I912

Manuel Marrama debate Rebuil 2021

Our Speakers at Rebuild 2023

Manuel Marrama CEO and Aida Fernández our architect and director of design and production will have the pleasure of participating in different talks:

→ Aida Fernández

    1. STALART – Accuracy + Scalability = Profitability              Tuesday 28, from 10:45 to 11:00 at the Workshop Arena. Rebuild 2023

→ Manuel Marrama

2. Insindustrialization Challenge

Wednesday 29, from 10:30 to 12-30 at the Workshop Arena.

3. Duets Architect + Manufacturer / Manufacturer + Installer. Digitization and collaborative work

Wednesday 29, from 16:30 to 17:30 in the Auditorium AEDAS Homes

Bonus Rebuild 2023

We want our participation in Rebuild to be a unique experience. For this reason, in addition to working on the execution of projects, we are committed to creating an industrialized construction business ecosystem in which different professionals converge in the different phases of a project, offering exceptional value to the end customer.

If you are an architect, we want to collaborate with you in the different phases of the process, from the preliminary project through the beginning of the project to the end. We take care of providing the justification for the structural calculation previously designed to be subsequently executed on site.

If you are a contractor, we accompany you and help you in planning the work process. In this way, we will significantly reduce planning times.

If you are a builder, we guide you towards the moments of action, as well as the execution times and the necessary materials to carry out the project.

If you are a promoter, we help you in planning by contributing the companies that the project requires, in addition to carefully training the companies that work with you on a daily basis.

If you are an investor, we offer you a complete solution so that you can get the highest return in the shortest possible time.

¿Do you want to contact us?

info@stalart.es


¿Do you want to receive our dossier “STALART, Steel Framing System ( SFS ), Sistma structural Off-site?

As for the future of industrialized construction, the steel frame is likely to remain a popular and constantly evolving construction technique. Over time, new construction materials and techniques will appear that further improve the efficiency and sustainability of this construction model.

Furthermore, technology and innovation can play an important role in the industrialized construction of the future. For example, 3D printing can be a useful tool in building complex and custom steel frame components.

  • Automation can also play an important role in the industrialized construction of the future. Automated manufacturing and construction can further reduce construction times and costs, while improving quality and precision.
  • Digitization is another key aspect. Digital tools, such as construction information modeling ( BIM ), can improve construction efficiency and allow for greater collaboration between construction teams and contractors.

STALART, oriented to volume projects

Stalart is a company specialized in the design, calculation, manufacture and installation of Steel Frame structures.

With more than 20 years of experience in the development of industrialized structures, the company is expanding its production capacity in Spain in 2023.

STALART will focus on volume projects such as student residences, hospitals, and commercial buildings. In addition, STALART will present its innovative out-of-site prefabricated bathroom support structure at the Rebuild 2023 exhibition.

The company is committed to the digitization of its processes and the promotion of collaboration between architects, manufacturers, builders and engineers.

The expansion of STALART’s production capacity in Spain is a sign of its growing presence in the construction market. The company has stood out for its experience in the design and manufacture of steel frame structures, which has led it to work on large-scale projects around the world.

These projects require a large number of cold rolled steel structures, which makes the expansion of STALART’s production capacity a strategic measure to satisfy market demand.

  • The presentation of the innovative supporting structure for prefabricated bathrooms in the Rebuild exhibition is a sign of STALART’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. The supporting structure for prefabricated bathrooms is an innovative solution that allows the construction of offsite prefabricated bathrooms, which reduces construction time and costs.
  • The digitization of STALART processes is a strategic measure to improve the efficiency and quality of its products and services. Digitization allows greater precision in the design and manufacture of cold-rolled steel structures, which translates into higher quality and lower production costs.
Más información: Interempresa

Planning in the Steel Frame process

The planning stage in the steel framing construction process is key to creating a well-defined project. For this, it is essential to take care of even the smallest detail and leave nothing to chance. This will allow us to control costs, improve construction speed and ensure millimeter results through technological systems. 

Planning in the Steel Frame construction system 

Planning is essential in construction for several reasons, including some such as: 

  • It allows the project to be completed within the established term and within the budget. Efficient planning makes it easy for each project to be delivered on time and all planned deadlines are met.
    Helps minimize potential risks and identify problems before they occur. Thanks to planning we can prevent many risks that can be carried out in the construction process, in addition, it reduces delay times and additional costs. On the other hand, it allows identifying and mitigating risks that may endanger the safety of workers, as well as the final quality of each project.

  • It facilitates efficient communication between the different parties involved in the project. Through detailed planning, architect, owner, contractors and subcontractors, they will be able to be aware of the proposed objectives and the evolution of the project.

  • It allows to maximize efficiency. Good planning leads to proper coordination and scheduling of construction tasks, facilitating the efficient use of resources, including time, personnel, and materials. In this way, construction time is reduced. 
    Improves the quality of the building. Planning enables problems to be identified and resolved at an early stage, helping to ensure the quality of construction and final project.
    In general, planning is essential to achieve a correct optimization of resources, both in the use of space and in the materials used, since it allows to identify on time and minimize unnecessary costs. 
    Good planning ensures the accuracy of each of the profiles with which the steel framing construction process works. It is one of the most important characteristics, since these types of constructions are exact, it does not allow errors. This is achieved by working with steel profiles with standardized dimensions and exact cuts. 

  • Sometimes this part of the process is the most expensive in terms of time spent, however it is then recovered during the construction process on site. In this way, in addition to saving time, waste is reduced. 

STALART returns Rebuild 2023

STALART vuelve Rebuild 2023

As happened in 2021, we are pleased to announce that STALART will attend Rebuild Expo 2023.

REBUILD Expo has established itself as the summit event of technological building and innovation, where thousands of companies participate and more than 20,000 prescribers and buyers attend. The main objective of the event is to promote the change of construction model of the building.

Our traditional construction system is becoming obsolete, which is why various substitute methods arise that in the coming years will be consolidated in our society.

REBUILD Expo is an event where these novel methods, which seek the digitization and industrialization of the construction process, in addition to betting on sustainability, they are promoted and exposed to make us aware of the latest news and technologies.

Our experience at REBUILD 2021

At STALART we were fortunate to be part of this event in 2021, where we had a great experience.

  • We had the opportunity to learn about various efficient construction methods for industrialization. In the various stands of the event we met systems that provide a much more sustainable vision of construction.
  • We did not stop learning, thanks to all those interested who came to our stand and gave us their opinions on our Steel Frame system. 

In addition, we participated in various talks and conferences, where STALART CEO Manuel Marrama gave visibility to the Steel frame construction system, talking about its characteristics and advantages. 

REBUILD EXPO 2023, a new opportunity
Our experience at REBUILD Expo was very satisfactory, therefore, in 2023 we sought to improve the experience by focusing on meeting certain objectives such as:

  • Strengthen our brand as a benchmark in the sector. At STALART we are convinced that the Steel Frame steel system is the effective and sustainable substitute for the traditional construction method.
  • Increase and improve the relationship with customers and suppliers.
  • Publicize our latest projects. In order to show what it’s like to work through construction with Steel Frame, we will show our latest projects.
  • Meet with our colleagues from Poland. Our colleagues from the Polish headquarters and the Spanish headquarters will meet again at this event, thus reinforcing the ties of the company.
    ¿And that’s it?

Yes … and no, we have told you about our experiences at the Rebuild Expo, our feelings, everything we learned and our objectives, but we have not told you everything.

We have some surprises prepared for this great event that will take place in 2023. See you at Rebuild Expo 2023.