School and Childcare Centre Projects
January 25th, 2024
New methods of construction deliver improved outcomes for schools and childcare centres.
With the density of our cities rapidly increasing, so too has the need for expanded schools and childcare infrastructure to cater for the growth of the student population and the diversity of learning needs.
New construction methods have paved the way for state of the art buildings to be constructed and delivered in record time, without compromising on the ambition of designing open planned, interactive, multipurpose facilities intentionally designed for our future learners and leaders.
Light gauge steel (LGS) framing made from TRUECORE® steel is used in a variety of school and childcare centre projects and may offer several unique advantages over other construction methodologies:
Precision engineered.
Made to exact tolerances, light gauge steel frames are often pre-modelled, and prefabricated offsite. Being prefabricated offsite means less need for adjustment once on site, which may reduce installation timeframes and in turn deliver labour savings. Often different parts of a project can be progressed concurrently as frames can be delivered in ‘packages’ that support rapid installation.
High strength to weight ratio supports longer spans.
Lightweight framing made from TRUECORE® steel has an impressive strength to weight ratio, which may minimise or eliminate the need for hot rolled structural steel sections on a project. This has been viewed favourably by builders who may be looking to reduce project timeframes and budgets, without foregoing any structural requirements of their projects.
Strong foundations.
Light gauge steel framing made from TRUECORE® steel is straight and true and won’t warp, twist or shrink, providing a solid foundation for buildings that are designed to last generations. Light gauge steel framing provides architects and designers with almost limitless ability to design structures that are lightweight, durable and can be screw assembled. TRUECORE® steel is highly suitable for modular design and can be designed for disassembly and reuse.
Designed to support onsite safety.
Framing made from TRUECORE® steel can be detailed in such a way as to support safe handling onsite and limit the exposure of workers working at height. Pre-fabrication of framework offsite minimises the amount of onsite waste and supports following trades throughout the installation and fit-out phase (as the framework comes pre-punched with service holes).
Supporting healthy learning environments.
Framing made from TRUECORE® steel won’t burn or support the spread of flame, is 100% termite proof, and will not rot or harbour mould. Importantly, TRUECORE® steel has been independently tested and is classed as low volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting. It also does not require ongoing chemical treatments for termites, supporting healthier learning environments for students.
Design durability and versatility.
Light gauge steel lends itself to structures that are designed for long life, resilient and flexible to accommodate multiple future reuse options without reinvestment in structural alteration. The framework can be modelled as a ‘kit of parts’ or modular components that support future plans for expansion or development.
Green Star - Best practice
The combination of the product-specific EPD for TRUECORE® steel, and ResponsibleSteel™ certification for Port Kembla Steelworks where the steel in TRUECORE® steel is manufactured, equates to a Responsible Product Value of 15 in the Green Building Council of Australia’s Responsible Products Score Checker. This is considered “Best Practice” under the Responsible Products Framework and may contribute to a building’s Green Star rating.
Case study examples
To discover schools and childcare projects that have benefited from the use of light gauge steel framing made from TRUECORE® steel, see our Hall of Frame case studies:
