Spanning over 5.6 hectares, the VUE Terrace Homes development was an ambitious undertaking by the Robina Group. At completion, this development is the largest in the southern hemisphere to utilise suspended concrete slab construction which is elevated up to 6m above the swampy ground below.
The use of light gauge steel (LGS) framing contributed to a two-month reduction in the build program for this ambitious townhouse project.
The key parties involved in delivering this project, Australian Framing Solutions (AFS), Hutchinson Builders, TVS Architects and Andrew Halstead Architect, highlighted the following benefits in utilising LGS framing made from TRUECORE® steel:
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Appointed as the principal builders, Hutchinson considered using block party walls and timber framing for this project but dismissed this option in favour of LGS framing made from TRUECORE® steel. “The sheer volume of work and construction speed required to complete the works, meant that the LGS framing and lightweight party walls were a far superior solution,” said Murray Emmerson, Project Manager at Hutchinson Builders.
Having partnered with Hutchinson previously, AFS re-worked the plans to replace structural steel with LGS framing made from TRUECORE® steel. The result was a cost saving of approximately 8% (equivalent to $495k) on the steel framing supply and installation component of the project.
While maintaining the integrity of the design, TVS Architects and Andrew Halstead Architect worked collaboratively with AFS to refine the shop drawings and incorporate LGS framing where possible. TVS Architects noted that reviewing the LGS frames within their 3D modelling software during the design stage, allowed them to identify and resolve potential clashes in this phase thereby reducing the risk of construction delays and cost overruns.
To help compress the 18-month build program to 16 months, the AFS design team expanded its detailing and manufacturing capacity. At site, AFS also appointed a full-time manager to oversee the complexity of site deliveries. This resulted in a seamless coordination of deliveries ahead of the need by trades. The net effect of these resource changes was the critical compression of Hutchinson Builders’ construction timeline.
The VUE Terrace Homes gated community was completed in 2020. Each of the 263 homes include three bedrooms, two multi-use living areas, two covered outdoor spaces and parking for two cars. The community boasts uninterrupted views of the newly upgraded Robina City Parklands and is now home to more than 500 residents.
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