Building housing on top of existing buildings not only offers a sustainable solution to the housing shortage in big cities, but the complete approach is also very affordable. This solution is called UP. This article explains why uplifting is necessary for the housing shortage and why steel-frame construction is the best choice for the topping up a building.
What is topping?
Optopping refers to raising an existing building by one or more floors. It provides a quick way to expand and optimise the use of a building. The main feature of opopping is the efficient use of available space. There is no need for a "new building site". This also makes optopping very lucrative.
Why topping up?
Optopping is the ideal way to address the housing shortage. Especially in big cities where there is little space available to build new homes. Besides, building land is also very expensive. By adding extra floors, more houses be realised. Moreover, topping up a building offers additional development opportunities. Knowledge organisation Platform31 has indicated that topping up could provide 5,000 to 10,000 new homes annually.
Simply upgrading existing buildings can also give buildings extra prestige. It is not unreasonable that upgrading often goes hand in hand with renovation projects. The building was then completely renovated, with additional floors giving it a completely modern look. Moreover, the income from the additional residential space helps finance the entire renovation project.
Other benefits of opting out include:
- Short construction time on site
- Fully insulated
- Better for the environment
- Fast delivery time
- Fewer craftsmen needed in assembly
- Consistent build quality
Material choice for an optoption
The superstructure of your building can be made of different materials. Depending on the look you want and your budget, you can choose the premium finish of your choice. These are the most common material choices for optics:
- Timber frame construction
- Plastic
- Classic brick
- Steel frame
Why choose steel framing?
In the past, many so-called "traditional" materials were used. However, these materials also proved to have many disadvantages. Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for sustainable and lightweight construction. It is also desirable to build faster to reduce construction time and construction costs. With the above facts, steel frame, also known as steel frame construction, was born. Steel frame meets all contemporary requirements perfectly, making it the fastest growing construction method in the world. The Dutch construction industry is also increasingly aware of this.
Hereby an overview with all the other advantages of steelframe plugging:
- Precision: Building with steel is extremely dimensionally stable. Especially when compared with its timber-frame counterpart. Thanks to its high dimensional stability, the installation of other building components, such as windows and frames, is very easy.
- Robust: There is no chance of mould forming on the supporting structure which is possible with other materials.
- Quality: Elements are made under ideal conditions in the factory which improves quality.
- Lightweight: Steel construction can be directly applied almost anywhere without having to reinforce the existing supporting structure. It is therefore ideal for repurposing existing buildings.
- Versatile: The architect retains design freedom because of the many different finish options.
- Effective: The construction time is many times shorter than traditional construction.
- Less weather dependent: The building is exposed to weather conditions for minimal time because the method of construction means the building is quickly wind and watertight.
- Adding value: Due to its light weight, steel construction is extremely suitable for topping up existing buildings to create more square metres for rental or sale.
- Outcome: Steel construction can help solve the housing shortage by topping up (raising) existing buildings.
- Broadening: Steel construction complies with all set building regulations and together with the low wall thickness, it ensures that more internal square metres become available. This results in more rent or higher selling prices.
- Outlook: Stone frame can be fitted with through-holes during production, making the laying of electrical, water, and heating pipes very quick and easy.
Tops with steel frame construction price
What is the price of upholstery with steel frame? This is a common question and depends on many factors, such as;
- The size of the desired additional floor,
- The number of floors,
- Degree of finishing on delivery (see various options),
- Other choice of materials
Steel framing is a much cheaper construction method compared to traditional construction. With steel framing, you can save up to 30% on structural costs to build additional floors. Ask for a no-obligation more information or request a price for topping up an existing building using steel frame construction.
Want to know more about the possibilities of steelframing?
Then read the following articles on our website:
- Optoppen with steelframing: the solution to the housing shortage
- The construction phase: what happens?
- Prefabricated houses with steel frame
- Prefab holiday chalet: choose steel frame or wood?
- How steel framing ensures the safety of your structure
About Ripstaal Group
Ripstaal is always looking for the simplest and most effective solutions so that you can achieve your goal as quickly as possible. Ripstaal Group was established in the late 1960s as a producer of metal stucco profiles. Over the years, the company has developed into the market leader in finishing products for the professional construction industry. Ripstaal Group now supplies an extensive range of profiles and smart, innovative finishing products in 14 European countries.
