“They [Badge Constructions] were aware of our capabilities in relation to design and consulting advice,” said Brendan Luxford-Sweett, General Manager at Steelscene. He continued, “They came to us early in the design stage so we could advise on cost and methodology for various steel frame elements in the building.”

The site for the childcare centre was narrow, with one wall adjoining a grocery store. The restrictive site posed challenges for material delivery scheduling. With one-point unloading in place, Steelscene needed to coordinate the prefabrication of framing in order of the installation at the site.

Precast panels, along with 21 concrete columns at the ground level, provided the support for the first-floor suspended concrete slab. Prefabricated framing made from TRUECORE^® steel was then used for the internal framing, three of the four external walls on both floors and the roof trusses on the first floor.

The construction of the approximately three metre eave overhang was another challenge that required out-of-the-box thinking by Steelscene. The roof trusses were designed with engineered precision and then prefabricated to the required strength by combining different profiles rolled from TRUECORE^® steel of various gauges.

Following the 33-week construction period, Insight Early Learning Centre was completed at the end of 2019 and was handed over 10 days ahead of the targeted completion date. The centre opened its doors in January 2020. Its unique design featuring a custom semi-translucent mesh screen spanning across the whole façade quickly attracted comments from locals.

Badge Constructions reflected positively on the use of framing made from TRUECORE^® steel for this project and was particularly happy with the positive feedback they received from trades. Mr Rzepecki stated, “Our site manager really likes the product because it’s quick. If you put the time in during the design phase, you will definitely get the benefit of building quickly.”

Steelscene has recently expanded its range to include 64, 75, 89, 150 and 250mm profiles, as well as rolling 25 and 40mm battens, across various gauges to suit engineering requirements. Of this development said Mr Luxford-Sweett, “Being able to offer this wide range of profiles, we aim to supply the commercial sector additional options. The prefabricated nature of the product will assist in accuracy, and reduce time on site”.