JV Wins Tender for Christchurch Temporary Housing

New JV Wins NZ Government Tender for Christchurch Temporary Housing

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Apr. 21 /Medianet International-Asianet/ --

A joint venture of FRAMECAD and NZ Transportable Units has been awarded a major tender issued by the New Zealand Department of Building and Housing. The tender requires the construction of 300 temporary accommodation units for those affected by the Christchurch earthquake of 22nd February this year.

Out of 226 tender submissions, FRAMECAD's joint venture with NZ Transportable Units Limited was one of the three successful proposals.

FRAMECAD CEO, Mark Taylor, said: "We are both proud and pleased we can assist directly and tangibly in Christchurch's recovery. It's a terrible situation clearly requiring immediate attention to what remains still very desperate need.

"The criteria for tender selection read like a FRAMECAD brochure, notably 'a recognised capability to deliver portable dwellings effectively and quickly, for a competitive price.'

"Importantly though for the people of Christchurch and the NZ Government, FRAMECAD allow the quickest possible construction of dwellings.

"Our technology creates light-weight steel frames on-site: for immediate use. They are made rapidly and precisely to spec meaning this temporary housing is completed and available for occupancy as quickly as possible for Christchurch residents in need."

FRAMECAD and the joint venture will deliver in Christchurch:--

*a construction system that is fast and flexible

*units that can be readily placed on existing house sites allowing home owners to live 'on-site' in comfort while their homes are being re-constructed

*accommodation that is well built, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable: ready to 'plug and play' quickly after they arrive on site

*housing that is durable, safe and an environmentally responsible choice

*a cost effective housing solution: important for the Government and tax payers.

Local Benefits

Mark Taylor underlined that, through the joint venture, FRAMECAD was keenly looking to 'put back' as much into the 'distressed' local community and economy as we possibly can. "We know that recovery requires a breadth of support. So, while completing this tender FRAMECAD will also be focused on bringing about other local benefits where we can. For example via: ---

*use of local suppliers and employees wherever practical

*training or up-skilling local trades people to work with the joint venture in manufacturing, assembling and erecting the new temporary housing units

*seeking to set up operations in Christchurch in association with local businesses."

As part of the joint venture, FRAMECAD will provide:--

*estimating, detailing and engineering services

*a 12.2 m (40 foot) FIAC (Mobile Factory) F300i stand-alone roll-forming machine which delivers high quality, high volume output of light-weight steel trusses and frames ready for assembly on site

*a machine operator to be located in Christchurch.

NOTE: more information below.

Steel Frames: A Sustainable Solution For Tough Times

Recently the homes of many have been seriously damaged or threatened by natural disasters: earthquakes, floods, extreme bushfires and wild storms. With reconstruction comes enforced review of a solution for the future. Steel and steel framing is increasingly the answer. Why?

1. Cost efficient, quick to buildQuick construction is a priority in the wake of a natural disaster, however ‘time is money’. Steel frames are cost efficient and quick to build:--

*Australian case studies prove FRAMECAD™ technology can reduce build time by as
much as 30%.

*Steel possesses the highest strength-to-weight ratio of major building materials today.

*A new compact fabrication machine can produce framing at up to 700 metres per hour, and achieve capital payback in three months based on framing for one 180 -200 sqm house per day.

*Budget accuracy is sharpened and less material wastage.

*Production of steel framing is 100% computer controlled by FRAMECAD Integration Software, accurate to +/- 0.2mm, 100% square and straight, providing downstream benefits for other trades e.g.: -

-installers of plasterboard, windows, doors, and cabinetry spend less time compensating for non-linear framing

-steel framing is supplied with electrical and service holes pre-punched: reduces time on site for plumbers and electricians.

2. Durable and safe*New evidence from CSIRO confirms the superior performance of light gauge steel frame construction in a bush fire.

*Steel frames stay straight, unlike timber which can move, warp, twist and shrink during and after construction which significantly reduces ongoing maintenance.

*Steel is termite-proof and does not rot.

3. The environmental choice
*Recyclability

-Much of the steel used to make light steel framing is recycled; treated pine, which contains chromium, copper and arsenic cannot.

-It takes approximately one-quarter of an acre of mature trees to produce wood framing for a typical house. The same house can be steel framed from three or four cars.

*Energy efficiency

-Steel frame buildings do not settle or warp remaining more airtight.

-Design flexibility enables architects to focus on energy-efficient housing features.

*Manufacturing and construction concerns

-Almost half the world's steel production takes place in efficient electric plants operating exclusively with recycled scrap.

-Steel's light weight allows smaller foundations and less excavation.

-Debris from a typical wood framed home account for 1.4 m3 of landfill waste, compared to only 0.1m3 from a steel framed house.

-Steel doesn't have to be treated with pesticides, preservatives or glues; steel frame houses offer indoor air quality benefits during construction and long-term for residents.

SOURCE: FRAMECAD

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