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44 PROPERTY AND DEVELOPMENT Sustainability: G-frame Structures
SUSTAINABLE
FRAME SOLUTIONS G-frame is a totally new concept in the growing world of low carbon hybrid frames
❱
G-frame Structures is one of only a handful of
Timber (CLT) and Glulam as the primary materials. All
companies in the UK offering sustainable, low-car-
the connection plates are slipped onto the glue lami-
bon construction frame solutions. Using the latest
nated beams and columns, with no need for drilling or
technology to engineer their timbers, they provide an
bolting, joining plate to plate and plate to timber in one
alternative to traditional steel frames, offering clients a
movement. This operation is carried out using a battery
complete package, including design, value engineering,
tool only, meaning there is no requirement for power
supply, construction and project management services.
leads or air hoses.
The seed for G-frame was sown around 2008, when
Another advantage of this design is that changes in
director Lee Murphy was working with his family concrete
the construction phase are simple to incorporate and
business, providing concrete frames for residential apart-
levels of beams can be stepped to allow services to pass
ment blocks and commercial offices. Seeking to diversify,
without cutting. The plates transfer loads from column
Lee and his brothers Damien, Peter and Larry came
to column without loading the beams in between mean-
together with fellow G-frame director Paul Goodge and
ing multiple floors can be constructed without the
started developing a new range of products, as Lee
crushing of timber. It is also possible to partially con-
explains: ‘The area that really interested us was sustain-
nect the G-Frame structure at ground level, thus
able construction, so we started looking at ways we could
reducing crane time and costs.
develop a new, low-carbon frame. Engineered timber seemed the natural solution.’ Unit B2 Beckerings Business Park Lidlington Bedfordshire MK43 0RD www.g-frame.co.uk Tel: 01525 288015
However, it is not simply the speed and elegance of G-frame Structures that has helped win it an army of
Since that initial idea G-frame has evolved over time,
repeat customers over the last five years, as Lee explains.
developing its own range of innovative products. Today,
‘We have a very good reputation for offering excellent
G-frame is able to deliver a complete construction frame
service, high quality and an outstanding health and safe-
direct to construction sites, with no need for onsite cut-
ty record, qualities that mean customers come back, time
ting and drilling of materials using Cross Laminated
after time. What’s more, because of our wide industry