The framing solutions company and South Australia-based construction group have joined together to deliver a fast and efficient build for the Insight Early Learning Centre in WA.

Project Goal:

• Utilise prefabricated light gauge steel (LGS) framing to save time and reduce costs in the build of the two-storey Insight Early Learning Centre in Port Coogee, WA, on a challenging narrow block.  

Key Benefits Delivered:

• Design Versatility: Frames made from TRUECORE® steel have an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for the three-metre-long roof eaves to be created with LGS framing.

• Fast and Efficient Installation: Prefabricated and dimensionally accurate, the light yet strong the frames made of TRUECORE® steel were quick and efficient to unload and install and required less on-site adjustment.

• Cost and Time Savings: Badge Constructions reflected positively on the use of framing made from TRUECORE® steel for this project. The installation of the framing was completed in only six weeks. Based on prior experience, Badge Constructions estimated that using an alternative material such as brick, construction would have been weeks longer.

Summary:

Engaged in the early stages of the project (ECI phase), Badge Constructions was initially appointed to make recommendations on the selection of building materials and methods that would reduce cost and shorten the construction program. Badge Constructions proposing the use of LGS framing for the build for its versatility and speed.

Badge Constructions was awarded the Design and Construct contract, and it subsequently engaged fabricator, Steelscene to design and fabricate the LGS framing made from TRUECORE® steel. Brendan Luxford-Sweett, General Manager at Steelscene, says, “They [Badge Construction] came to us early in the design stage so we could advise on cost of various steel frame methodology for the project.”

Precast panels along with 21 concrete columns at the ground level provided the support for the first floor suspended concrete slab. Prefabricated framing made from TRUECORE® steel was then used for the internal framing and three of the four external walls on both floors, and the roof trusses on the first floor.

The restrictive site of the childcare site posed challenges for material delivery scheduling. Steelscene needed to coordinate the prefabrication of framing in order of the installation at the site.

The construction of the ~three-metre eave overhangs was another challenge that required out-of-the-box thinking by Steelscene.  The roof trusses were designed with engineered precision, and then prefabricated to the required strength by combining various profiles rolled from TRUECORE® steel in several different gauges.

Following the 33-week construction period, Insight Early Learning Centre was completed and handed over 10 days ahead of the targeted completion date.

Badge Constructions reflected positively on the use of framing made from TRUECORE® steel for this project and was particularly happy with the positive feedback that they received from trades. Construction Manager Brenton Rzepecki says, “Our site manager really liked the product because it’s quick. If you put the time in during the design phase, you definitely get the benefit of building quickly.”

Project Details:

• Client: RG Property
• Project: Insight Early Learning Centre
• Location: Port Coogee, WA
• Project Value: $3.7 million
• Segment: Education
• Principal Steel Products:
  • Framing: Approximately 11,000 linear metres of TRUECORE® steel
• Builder: Badge Constructions
• Steel Fabricator: Steelscene  
• Client: RG Property

Disclaimer:
The content of this case study is based on statements made by the source/s listed above and is a reflection of their views and experience on this project. Same/similar results are not guaranteed for each user and outcomes may vary across projects. TRUECORE®, COLORBOND®, BlueScope and the BlueScope brand mark are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2021 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved