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He explains further that LSFB is significantly more
energy efficient than more traditional construc-
tion methods – both with regard to ‘embodied
energy’ of the materials and components, as well
as ‘operational energy’ relating to heating and
cooling of the building over its design life.
“Furthermore, from an environmental per-
spective, steel is infinitely recyclable.”
Barnard says that the steel consumption of
the LSFB industry has achieved double digit
annual growth rates over the past five years.
“The biggest growth area is in multi-storey office
and commercial buildings, where it is replacing
heavy masonry curtain walls and, looking at the
advantages and the successes of LSFB at the
MOA, one can understand why this is the case.”
A major winner
Van Zyl says the entire team is extremely proud
of this award-winning achievement (the MOA was
a joint winner of the Light Steel Frame category
at Steel Awards 2016). “This was a project of real
class and will remain an example of the massive
advantages of the LSFB method in a changing
world where costs are spiralling and construction
efficiency is the name of the game.”
for what is possible for LSF in construction,” says
Van Zyl.
An important requirement on the MOA
project was a high R-value (measure of thermal
insulation) for the external cladding in order
to meet the energy efficiency and energy
saving requirements of the project. In the case
of LSF/ETICS system at MOA the R-Value was
approximately 3.6 as opposed to the R-value of
less than 0.6 for a double brick wall. “Apart from
the substantial energy savings over time these
R-value levels give the architects the freedom
to be as creative and as inventive as possible
while, at the same time, reducing thermal losses
and keeping ambient temperatures comfortable
throughout the year at low cost,”Van Zyl says.
He adds that in the middle of summer – and
even while it was still a building site – it was
palpable how cool the building was.
“Those working inside frequently commented
on this characteristic.”
Benefits
Barnard says the facts are indisputable. “LSFB is
a cost-effective building method, with financial
savings emanating from significant time savings
to complete building projects, less rework,
reduced logistical costs – which are of growing
importance due to the escalation of transport
costs and general construction inflation – and
a drastic reduction of rubble on building sites,
when compared with the brick-and-mortar
alternative. The piles of broken and unused bricks
from the brick sections at the MOA were a glaring
example,” he says.
Being a lightweight
product, it is beneficial
for use where there are
slab loading limitations.
I would definitely rec-
ommend the system to
other architects or en-
gineers – its benefits far
outweigh its limitations,
which can always
be managed.
SASFA
SUPPLEMENT 2017