FRAME TYPES

Whilst the majority of the work we do in the UK is with concrete frame buildings, we have also worked with steel frame, and timber frame buildings as well as a number of different pre-fab solutions such as curtain walling and unitised facades.

Reinforced Concrete frame (RC frame)

A concrete frame is a common form of structure, comprising a network of columns and connecting beams that forms the structural 'skeleton' of a building. This grid of beams and columns is typically constructed on a concrete foundation and is used to support the building's floors, roof, walls, cladding and so on

Since concrete has little tensile strength, it generally needs to be reinforced. Rebar, also known as reinforment steel is a steel bar or mesh of steel wires used to strengthen and hold the concrete in tension. To improve the quality of the bond with the concrete, the surface of rebar is often patterned.

Steel Frame

Steel frame is a building technique with a "skeleton frame" of vertical steel columns and horizontal I-beams, constructed in a rectangular grid to support the floors, roof and walls of a building which are all attached to the frame. The development of this technique made the construction of the skyscraper possible.

Timber Frame

Though not common in the UK, is used more in other countries. The term 'timber frame' typically describes a system of panelised structural wall and floors constructed from small section timber studs, clad with board products, in which the timber frame transmits vertical and horizontal loads to the foundations. It is generally not used to refer to timber posts and bean structures or to timber engineered structural frame. Along with all combustible materials, it has been banned in the external walls of residential buildings above 18m.

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Aluminium unitised façades/Curtain walling

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Aluminium unitised façades or curtain walling are prefabricated and offsite assembled units for the external envelope of a building which can be moved direct from the factory environment to site for fast installation on pre-prepared fixings.

An increase in offsite manufacturing is revolutionising the way buildings are being built. Unitised façades can be used for technically challenging projects, as well as fast track schemes, new builds, and refurbishment. Unitised facades have a range of design variations within the façade structure and offer a wide mix of panel sizes, colours, and materials.