Anthem Homes always searches for new and affordable ways to build homes. With supply chains squeezed by the global pandemic, the New Zealand homebuilder recently began to explore the use of cold-formed steel (CFS), also known as light-gauge steel, as a solution to ongoing lumber shortages.
Through a partnership with SFIA member FRAMECAD and local supplier Perry Steel Framing, Anthem Homes successfully transitioned to CFS to deliver builds that meet their clients’ site, design and budget requirements.
“Light-gauge steel framing is a much better outcome for our clients,” says Douw Van Der Merwe, director at Anthem Homes. “I wish we had done it sooner.”
Anthem Homes transitioned to cold-formed steel (CFS) framing to deliver builds that meet their clients’ requirements.
Lumber Shortage Leads to New Partnership
Since 2010, Anthem Homes has been building homes in the Waikato region of New Zealand. A core company value involves forging partnerships with key market providers, one of them being Perry Steel Framing.
Perry Steel Framing produces frames, trusses and wall panels for the residential and low-rise commercial building sectors. In September 2021, the company bought a FRAMECAD cold roll-forming machine at their Leamington, Cambridge facility, which helped the company transition to providing panelized and modular framing options for customers.
The company was looking to produce metal framing systems faster and more affordably for clients, a FRAMECAD-produced video says.
Perry Steel Framing bought a FRAMECAD cold roll-forming machine which helped the company transition to providing panelized and modular framing options for customers.
“We chose the FRAMECAD solution because the system is not just about the machine, it’s also about the software,” said Peter Botting, general manager of Perry Steel Framing. “It uses the best technology and has a great team behind it who are always innovating.”
Steel Framing: Faster, More Affordable
According to the Anthem Home website, cold-formed steel (CFS) is:
- Lighter than lumber
- More accurate than lumber
- Faster predictable delivery times
- No toxic chemicals or mold
- No shrinkage, twisting or cracking
- Not affected by rain
- Less waste on site than lumber
- 100% recyclable
- Non-combustible
Anthem Homes adapted quickly to building with cold-formed steel (CFS) framing and became more confident as they gained experience with the material.
“Overall Quality of Steel is Better”
The team at Perry Steel Framing worked closely with Anthem Homes to create an innovative steel solution to work faster and smarter. Anthem found the transition to steel was much easier than expected.
“The overall quality [of steel framing] is much better,” says Van Der Merwe. “The straightness of the walls makes everyone’s job easier, which means less time is spent on all the other jobs that follow.”
The team at Anthem adapted quickly to building with CFS and became more confident as they gained experience with the material.
Additional Resources
- Steel Framing System Cuts Construction of 90-Unit Apartment Building by 75%
- 5 Reasons to Use Cold-Formed Steel on Building Projects
- Stakeholders Discuss ‘Significant’ Benefits Steel Framing Offers for Multifamily Project
Cited from BuildSteel