Fusion is supplying high performance, fast to erect systems complying with the latest Building Regulation amendments, often as multi-storey structures – to help clients meet the renewed demand for quality accommodation
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Surge in steel construction Four years since the off-site specialist was taken over, Fusion is growing its business in a variety of markets. Robert Clark talks to Bruce Meechan.
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hether you consider the return to apartment developments in our big cities, the boom in student accommodation or the continued construction of primary schools and other education buildings, it is apparent that lightweight steel systems are back on the agenda for many clients seeking to access the material’s multiple benefits.
Robert Clark, Head of Business Development for Fusion Building Systems, comments: "The education market via schools and student accommodation has been very strong for us, but we are now seeing an upturn in the residential and care sectors, which were historically very strong sectors for Fusion." Market dynamics are changing as cost inflation driven by material and labour shortages in traditional construction, is encouraging companies to look to offsite solutions, which typically involve earlier commitment than in first past the post, lowest cost tendering. Partnering principles and talk of collaborative working, which were early victims of the downturn, are now making a welcome return. Choosing offsite does not necessarily involve a price premium, but it does require earlier commitment to the chosen build method, which goes against the grain of traditional construction procurement. However, in the case of Fusion this early commitment acts as a catalyst to create integrated design and supply chains. This collaboration dramatically increases design and pre-con productivity; streamlines procurement; reduces time and risk on site; and above all reduces overall costs. Robert Clark continues saying: “We have recently enjoyed a strong niche in primary school using a collaborative approach as part
of Willmott Dixon’s Sunesis brand. Working closely with Hunters Architects and Tully de-Ath Engineering Consultants, Fusion have helped deliver 8 schools across the South of England. Shared learning and repeat processes have significantly reduced capital cost, with overall build times of as little as 36 weeks, but still retaining flexible design outcomes. “We see this approach developing in the housing and care sectors, as the more forward looking contractors and clients respond to changing market dynamics and embrace the notion of partnering and integrated supply chains.” Add the speed of construction achievable with Fusion’s patented preinsulated wall panel, predictable cost underpinned by a secure supply chain, flexibility of design and the ability to meet ever tougher thermal requirements, and you can understand why steel is on the agenda of forward looking contractors and clients. While initial perceptions of steel are sometimes negative re sustainability, these misconceptions recede on closer examination. Robert Clark points out rightly that light gauge steel actually offers relatively low embodied energy, a 45 per cent recycled content, and total recyclability. “Light gauge steel is very sustainable as you use so little of it to create a structure, because of the strength to weight ratio;” he asserts, “and we
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get an A+ under the BRE Green Guide for all the key components. People might also be surprised to know the headline price of light gauge steel has returned to prices last seen at the turn of the Millennium, so in real terms the cost has fallen.” Beyond this the panels are factory injected with rigid foam insulation and can be faced with cement particle board, ready for cladding; while fire and acoustic performance requirements are also dealt with as part of the package: the latter by paying close attention to decoupling finishes from the structural elements. Specifiers working on sheltered or extra care schemes might also like to consider the fact that light gauge steel is not susceptible to the thermal or shrinkage movement that can affect other design solutions due to the higher heating comfort levels generally demanded by their elderly occupants. Robert Clark concludes saying: “I believe that with changing demographics across the population and such problems as materials and skills shortages affecting the construction industry, there will be a lot more clients looking to light gauge steel for their projects. The forward looking ones already understand the technical benefits of what we are offering along with our integrated supply chains - and choosing steel.” www.fusionbuild.com