Light-Gauge Steel Construction

So there's a slight (30-50% if we're counting) disconnect between how much money we can potentially spare and how much it would cost to build our dream house. As a consequence, we had 2 options. 1) scale back on our dream, or 2)kick the can down the road and dream a little dream at a later time.

With the latter approach, there is no guarantee we'll ever get to it... :(

So we got to thinking... and researching.

One way to get over >3000sq feet of space at under $300 per sq ft in Singapore is to find ways to cut costs. Why construction is so expensive in Singapore is because of labour.

So how do we save time & money? Alternative construction methods. Brick and mortar construction can take up to a year to complete a 3,500 sq ft home. Using light-gauge steel construction however, means that we can cut costs by over 30%... what is it?

https://www.bca.gov.sg/publications/BuildabilitySeries/others/bsl_cp9.pdf

Steel is widely used in the construction of multi-storey buildings. However, steel construction is seldom used and is traditionally considered uneconomical for landed properties. In many parts of the world, timber or structural brickwork is preferred whereas in Singapore, reinforced concrete construction is usually preferred for landed properties. Over the years, various improved systems have been developed for use in landed properties. An economical light gauge steel frame system is increasingly being used in America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. This light gauge steel frame is developed through a cold-formed process without the use of heat. This process enables steel manufacturers to produce light-weight but high tensile steel sheets. The sheet surface is coated with a zinc alloy that completely covers the steel surface and seals it from the corrosive action of its environment. This results in buildings that are more solid, rigid, stronger, durable and easier to build. As such, the light gauge steel frame system is an attractive alternative for use in landed properties. This is particularly in view of concerns on the depletion of timber resources and low productivities associated with reinforced concrete construction. 

Over the weekend, we visited a 3 storey building that was erected in 1 month. That's right folk - an entire school block. Time being money, is finally playing in our favour.

Reservations

One of the key reservations we have about this form of construction is that impact noise is very perceptible. if you knock on the walls (made of chip board), or jump on the floor, you can hear the reverberation. This gives one the impression that it is not as sturdy as your typical reinforced concrete construction.

Also, I was asked by someone I spoke to: "if there was a riot, could someone hack into your home with an axe?" my immediate reaction was that if someone had an axe, chances are they'd be able to breach any door or window in a conventional home... but I understand where he was coming from. There is a certain disconcerting feeling around chip-board or even concrete-fibre walls when you've lived your life around concrete... maybe it's time for a change. 


light gauge steel construction in action