Steel Frame
DESIGN SERVICES
Design & Engineering.
At BAS Frames, design is the bedrock of everything we do. With over 20 years of expertise, we collaborate with our long-standing, trusted designers to ensure that every project, regardless of its complexity, is met with innovative solutions that combine excellence, experience, and precision. Our commitment to quality ensures that clients see us as an indispensable part of their team during their project’s journey.
The design process begins with precise engineering calculations, carried out by our skilled and resourceful engineers who are always ready to tackle new challenges. Our trusted engineers are always prepared for any challenge, and they work seamlessly with our designers to create the perfect solution. This close collaboration, honed through years of experience across a variety of projects, has proven time and again that we can handle even the most complex tasks while meeting our clients’ needs and requirements.
At BAS Frames, we pride ourselves on providing tailored solutions that exceed expectations, ensuring every client’s vision becomes a reality.
DESIGN SERVICES.
3D Modelling
Our 3D models play a crucial role in some of our most complex projects. These models provide a dynamic, detailed view, allowing both our design team and our trusted installation teams onsite to explore the project from every angle. By rotating the model and zooming into specific areas, we can gain clarity and precision in ways that traditional 2D drawings simply cannot achieve. This enhanced visualization ensures accuracy, simplifies communication, and allows us to address even the most intricate project requirements with confidence.
Fabrication Drawings
Fabrication drawings are an essential part of our process, providing the detailed instructions our trusted manufacturers need to produce materials precisely according to the approved designs. These drawings ensure every component is crafted to exact specifications, maintaining the highest standards of quality.
To further streamline the process, we include a comprehensive “shopping list” within the fabrication pack. This makes it simple for our manufacturers to identify and deliver the correct materials efficiently, ensuring smooth and timely execution of the project.
Connection Details
Connection detail drawings are a vital component of our projects, meticulously crafted and reviewed through close collaboration between our engineers and designers. This teamwork ensures precision and alignment at every stage, which is why our long-term partnerships are key to maintaining the high quality and efficiency of our service.
For more complex connection details, we utilize advanced 3D models or traditional 2D drawings to provide clear and comprehensive visualizations. These tools enable us to address challenges effectively, delivering solutions that meet the exacting standards of each project.
Standard Detail Drawings
Our Standard Details are available upon request and play a crucial role at various stages of a project. During the pre-sale phase, they provide clients with a range of options to consider, helping them make informed decisions tailored to their needs.
Standard Details are equally vital during the sign-off stage, serving as key reference points to ensure alignment and accuracy before project handover.
Structural Calculations
SFS Drawings
Full build
Full build SFS drawings usually design all external and internal layouts with all window and door openings incorporated. All floor and slabs are formed from cold rolled steel without the need of concrete. Two options can be choosen from floating floor and lewis deck where screed is poured on top for more solid feel. Point of linings are provided by our engineers to the appointed Groundwork contractors where they tailor their groundwork design as per our engineers’ calculations.
Infill System
Our Infill System is designed to seamlessly integrate with the primary structure, whether it is a concrete frame or a hot-rolled steel frame. This system forms the external walls and openings of the building, ensuring both functionality and structural integrity.
Wind loads are meticulously calculated by our engineers, taking into account the precise coordinates of the construction site and the building’s height. This tailored approach guarantees that our Infill System meets the specific requirements of each project, delivering exceptional performance and reliability.
Panelised System
Hybrid System
A hybrid system combines the best of both traditional construction methods and steel frame systems, creating a unique design solution. While these systems can be complex to design due to the involvement of multiple teams, they often result in innovative and intriguing structures. Hybrid systems not only showcase the adaptability of modern construction but also offer valuable learning experiences for everyone involved in the process.
Fire Ratings
As a system provider, part of our design process is to ensure that all wall and floor specifications meet the required fire ratings as determined by the main architect. Our designers carefully specify the build-up of walls and floors, selecting materials and configurations that comply with these stringent requirements.
Fire ratings of 60, 90, or even 120 minutes demand meticulous attention to detail, and in many cases, the choice of materials and their specific brands plays a critical role in achieving compliance. Additionally, all relevant fire tests are available upon request, providing assurance and transparency for every project.
STEEL FRAME DESIGN FAQs.
Why Use Steel Framing?
A steel frame is a high-quality product that delivers exceptional value for money and peace of mind. Its superior features make it a standout choice for modern construction:
• Lightweight and Strong: Steel combines strength and
durability without the bulk.
• Fire Resistant: Steel will not burn, offering enhanced
safety.
• Pest and Decay Proof: Termite, borer, and fungus-proof,
steel ensures long-lasting structural integrity.
• Dimensional Stability: Steel does not shrink, warp, or
twist over time, ensuring precision and longevity.
• Environmentally Responsible: Steel has low life-cycle
energy usage, is fully recyclable, and helps conserve
valuable timber resources.
Are Steel Frames Expensive?
No, steel framing is not expensive. In fact, it is highly competitive on price, especially when you consider the exceptional quality it offers. Steel frames deliver outstanding value for money, standing out as a premium product that sets the industry benchmark.
Why Steel Frames Are Worth It:
• Superior Quality: Steel frames outperform timber, even the highest quality options.
• Increasing Demand: Discerning buyers are increasingly choosing steel frames for their reliability and longevity.
• Dimensional Stability: Steel frames remain straight and true, even after prolonged exposure to the elements, ensuring long-term performance
Can I Extend or Renovate a Steel Frame Home?
Yes, extending or renovating a steel frame home is straightforward and hassle-free. Steel’s inherent properties make it an excellent choice for modifications:
• Ease of Additions: Extensions are simple and pose no significant challenges.
• Structural Integrity: The existing steel frame remains straight and true, regardless of its age, ensuring perfect alignment with the new structure.
• Better Than Timber: Unlike conventional timber framing, steel eliminates issues like warping or shrinking, making renovations smoother and more efficient.
With steel framing, extending or renovating your home is an stress-free process that ensures long-lasting results.
How Flexible Are Steel Frame Home Designs?
Steel frame home designs offer unparalleled flexibility.
• Unlimited Design Freedom: Steel frames allow for virtually any floor plan or architectural style, accommodating almost any one- or two-storey home design seen in the Australian market today.
• Enhanced Creativity: Steel enables designs that are challenging or impossible to achieve with other materials.
• Cost Efficiency: By leveraging steel’s versatility, homeowners can often create unique and customized designs at a lower cost compared to conventional materials.
With steel framing, you can bring your architectural vision to life without compromise.
Can I Extend or Renovate a Steel Frame Home?
Yes, extending or renovating a steel frame home is straightforward and hassle-free. Steel’s inherent properties make it an excellent choice for modifications:
• Ease of Additions: Extensions are simple and pose no significant challenges.
• Structural Integrity: The existing steel frame remains straight and true, regardless of its age, ensuring perfect alignment with the new structure.
• Better Than Timber: Unlike conventional timber framing, steel eliminates issues like warping or shrinking, making renovations smoother and more efficient.
With steel framing, extending or renovating your home is an stress-free process that ensures long-lasting results.
Do Homes with Steel Frames Look Different?
Yes, they look better.
• Smooth Finishes: Steel frames ensure walls, ceilings, and roofs remain free of ripples, bumps, and “nail pops” in plasterboard linings.
• Long-Term Integrity: Unlike traditional materials, steel-framed roofs do not sag over time, even under the weight of concrete tiles, maintaining a flawless appearance for years.
• Spacious Designs: Steel’s strength allows for larger open spaces in your home’s design, offering modern, airy interiors.
• Classic Exteriors: From the outside, steel-framed homes look like any other home, blending seamlessly with traditional architectural styles.
With steel framing, you get a home that looks better and lasts longer.
Will Temperature Affect a Steel Frame Home?
In a properly constructed and insulated home, thermally induced movement is not an issue. Steel framing expands and contracts at rates similar to other materials used in construction, so temperature fluctuations are unlikely to cause problems.
• No Unwanted Noise: Unlike other materials, steel framing minimizes the risk of noise from expansion or contraction.
• No Cornice Cracking: You won’t experience issues like cornice cracking, which can occur with materials that move more drastically in response to temperature changes.
With the right insulation and construction, temperature will not affect the comfort or integrity of your steel-framed home.
Do Homes with Steel Frames Look Different?
No, steel frame homes are protected against rust and corrosion.
Steel frames are made from steel that is coated with a hot-dipped zinc-aluminium alloy, which acts as a barrier against corrosion. This coating meets the relevant Australian standards or their equivalent, ensuring long-term durability.
• Durable Coatings: In external applications such as roofing, these coatings are exposed to the elements and provide excellent protection.
• Slow Weathering: In less exposed areas, such as inside the building envelope, the steel weathers more slowly, further reducing the risk of rust.
• Corrosion Protection: Where cut edges are exposed, the galvanic action of the zinc-aluminium coating offers sacrificial protection, safeguarding the steel against corrosion.
Steel-framed homes are built to last, with protection against rust and the elements.
How Does Steel Frame Perform in a Fire?
Steel frames offer superior fire safety and performance.
• Non-Combustible: Steel will not burn, meaning it does not contribute to the spread of fire or release harmful smoke or carbon dioxide.
• Prevents Fire Spread: Unlike timber, a steel frame will not ignite from electrical faults, which are a common cause of fires in wall cavities.
• Protects the Roof: In the event of a fire in the ceiling, where timber trusses can rapidly spread flames, a steel roof truss remains unaffected. In bushfires, burning embers often ignite the roof cavity; however, a steel frame will not catch fire under these conditions.
Steel frames provide enhanced protection and help contain the fire, reducing risks and saving lives.
DESIGN CASE STUDY
Client: Erith, The Enabling Specialist
Project name: Fulham Depot
Full Address: Fulham Gas Depot, Imperial Road, SW62AG
Duration: 6 weeks
Fulham Imperial Road –
GAS Depot
The Fulham Imperial Road project presented a unique challenge due to its history as a former gas depot. While the entire site was acquired and managed by St. William, the construction of the GAS depot itself was awarded to Erith, one of Europe’s leading demolition contractors. This project marked a significant milestone for Erith as they ventured into building works, moving beyond their core expertise in demolition. Recognizing the complexity of the task, Erith sought out BAS Frames as their specialist subcontractor, not only for technical execution but also for guidance through the intricate processes involved.
GET IN TOUCH.
In order to get in touch complete the contact form, or see our details below.
Address: 18 Greenacre, Windsor SL4 5LW
Opening times: Mon to Fri – 08:00 – 17:00 Saturday and Sunday and Bank Holidays Closed.
Call: 07463 631303
office@basframes.co.uk
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY.
Professionalism & Guidance
“Our first time using BAS Frames for completing the SFS and the team made it so easy. Clear guidance, professional service, and a smooth process from start to finish.”
Reliability & Timelines
“Great experience for our first Steel Frame System project. Reliable, on time, and delivered exactly as promised.”
Professional Service
“Great service throughout the project. Professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer questions.”
Quality & Expertise
“It was our first time working with BAS FRAMES but the team’s expertise and quality of work exceeded our expectations.”
Efficiency & Delivery
“The SFS package was handled smoothly from design through to installation. The team delivered on time and to a very high standard.”
Reliable Partner
“A reliable and trustworthy subcontractor. Communication was clear, deadlines were met, and the end result was exactly what we needed.”