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Over the past 30 years, virtually every industry has undergone a radical change. We buy or lease electric cars, everyone has a mobile phone with a fast internet connection, and everything around us is transforming and/or digitalising. However, houses, offices, and commercial buildings are still being built on a large scale in exactly the same way as 80 years ago...

Cost-saving and environmentally friendly

As already indicated during the introduction. The world has changed. We have changed. And that is not strange, considering:

• there is more pollution on Earth than ever before,
• there are more people on Earth than ever before,
• There has never been as much demand for residential and office space,
• The current generation realises how quickly this planet is changing. This is one of their biggest concerns.

For this reason, at Ripstaal we are changing the way we build. So we can build houses faster, cleaner, smarter, more economically and stronger, at lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), while also doing a little bit better for the planet.

In this article, more information about How This is what steel framing can do with Ripstaal.

Steel frame construction – the building process

Engineering: At the start of the project, our engineers will set to work converting the design into a suitable steel frame. In doing so, we will look at, among other things, the load-bearing capacity the steel frame needs and, of course, the dimensions of the various elements.

Production Once we have mapped this out, it's time to fabricate the steel frames in the production hall. During this step, the frames will be given the correct dimensions, fitted with drill holes and rebates, and prepared for assembly. 

Transport: This is followed by transporting the parts to the construction site.

Assembly: The final step is assembly. The parts are labelled so they can be put together like a construction kit. The level of finishing is determined in advance with the client.

The video above clearly shows how the different elements in the production hall are assembled. Ultimately, all elements are sent to the customer as a flat-pack kit to be assembled quickly and effectively on-site.

Curious about the possibilities of combining steel frame construction with your project? https://www.ripstaal.nl/steel-framing/staalframebouw-informatie/

Ripstaal Steelframing: The smart solution for Dutch construction

We are suppliers of turnkey concept homes. Robust homes designed by you or your architect, ready to live in within weeks. This is achieved through the application of innovation, technology, and sustainable materials. We deliver complete homes based on a “design & build” model. Homes for permanent or temporary use. Nitrogen and concrete-free. Homes with minimal on-site transport and that do not require demolition. Modular, circular, and scalable. Affordable homes. Homes that can be adapted to the living and lifestyle needs of the resident. Adaptable to visual quality and the environment. Now and in the future. Almost any design is possible.

The homes comply with building regulations and will withstand extreme weather events such as hurricanes, earthquakes or floods.

Ripstaal steel framing offers a complete solution for individual and collective clients or self-builders, entrepreneurs, housing associations, municipalities, and project developers. We collaborate within a team of stakeholders such as suppliers, architects, and contractors.

The system is not only more economical, faster, cleaner, stronger and smarter, but also more versatile. Some examples of products from Ripstaal Group are:

• Building prefabricated homes
• Prefabricated commercial building
• Facade Closing Elements – from office building conversions to facade renovation
• Topping up (commercial) property

Why build with steel frame construction?

• Precision: Steel construction is extremely dimensionally accurate, especially when compared to its counterpart, timber frame construction. This, along with its high dimensional accuracy, makes fitting other building components such as windows and frames very simple.
• Robust: There is no risk of mould forming on the supporting structure, which is a possibility with timber frame construction.
• Quality: Elements are manufactured in the factory under ideal conditions, which benefits the quality.
• Lightweight: Steel construction can be applied almost anywhere directly without needing to reinforce the existing supporting structure. Ideal for the repurposing of existing buildings.
• Versatile: The architect retains design freedom due to the many different finishing options available.
• Effective: The construction time is many times shorter than traditional building.
• Less weather dependent: The building is exposed to the elements for a minimal amount of time because the method of construction means the building is quickly made wind and watertight.
• Adding value: Due to its lightweight nature, steel construction is extremely suitable for adding storeys to existing buildings, thereby creating more square metres for rent or sale.
• Outcome: Steel construction can help solve the inner-city housing shortage by adding storeys to existing buildings.
• Broadening: Steel construction complies with all applicable building regulations and, combined with the reduced wall thickness, ensures more internal square metres become available, thus leading to higher rental or sale prices.;
• Outlook: The steel frame can be fitted with pass-through holes during production, allowing the installation of electrical, water, and heating pipes to be carried out very quickly and easily.

Why Ripstaal Steelframing?

• Experience At Ripstaal Steelframing, there's a wealth of experience (15 years!) that we apply in production and in customer relations. We know the pitfalls and help customers to avoid them too.
• Production in the Netherlands All products for Steelframing are manufactured in our Dutch factory. This allows us to guarantee the continuity of quality and delivery.
• Computer-aided manufacturing Advanced systems provide millimetre precision
• High-quality For steel framing, Ripstaal is used. Magnelis Steel. This type of steel offers exceptional resistance to corrosion and has a longer warranty than ‘normal galvanised steel’.

Warranty

The fear of a home buyer is that the property will turn out to have defects such as cracks or poor insulation. Your home must meet the new build requirements of the new Building Decree and the requirements for good and sound workmanship. We provide guarantees in accordance with legal regulations. The warranty for most materials ranges from 10 to 25 years. We focus on materials with a long lifespan and that require little maintenance. In addition, all executing parties are insured according to current standards. Thanks to the fast construction methods, you also run less risk of irregularities and price increases.

Quality

One of the causes of high costs for existing homes relates to the maintenance of often inferior but attractive-looking materials. Maintenance that deals with rot or damaged material, moisture problems, leaks or cracks, or is a consequence of construction defects. The materials we use are sourced from internationally recognised global players and suppliers of high-quality products. The construction concept makes maintenance and any necessary repairs simple and affordable. Our construction method and choice of materials comply with the safety requirements for public buildings.

For us, quality also means safety and future-proofing. A building must meet the demands of the future. No one wants to incur costs when housing requirements change. However, even in the insurmountable event of damage (for example, flooding) or adaptation to the home, repairs must be easy to carry out. The maintenance and energy costs of our homes can be lower than traditional or wooden homes.

High-quality, durable materials also ensure a very long lifespan and low depreciation. Collaboration between suppliers, contractors, agents, and architects guarantees quality. This is for the benefit of the customer. You can determine the design, layout, and parts of the material package yourself. After all, you are now making an investment that will yield returns for generations to come.

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Interesting? Read more about Steel framing and prefabricated construction in our other blogs

• Prefab holiday home construction: what does it cost?
• Trend: garden offices, what real estate investors need to know
• Prefab construction: The solution to the alarming housing market?
• Research: The future of prefabricated construction
• What is the difference between Prefab and Modular construction?

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Hoe werkt het?

It all starts with a wish and a plan. The system is modular, allowing you to start small and end big, or vice versa. A building plot is a requirement, followed by your design, material selection, order placement, building permit, house production, building materials inspection, construction by the contractor, final inspection, and handover.

How long does it take to build your own house?

Pre-phase and design 4-10 weeks

A lot You can acquire a plot of land through local estate agents or the municipality. Land rental is also an option. The system is well-suited for temporary land rental due to the house's movability.

The Design: The zoning plan or plot passport indicates what you are allowed to build on your plot. The estate agent can advise you on the design, which will then be further developed by the architect to ensure it complies with the requirements set by the municipality. Ultimately, the architect will start with your vision.

Correct Material Choice From our materials list, you can choose from a variety of materials including heating and cooling equipment, facade and roof finishes, doors, flooring, taps, bath and kitchen appliances, and so on. This will give you an immediate overview of the expected costs.

Building permit application and preparation 6-8 weeks

Building Permit Application: After you have approved the architect's design, the application for the environmental permit will take place.

Order placement Once you have approved the final design, the materials will be ordered.

Preparation During the permit application process, the plot will be prepared, including piling, foundation, drainage, and utility connections.

Manufacture and delivery of materials: 4–6 weeks

Manufacture and supply of building materials: Whilst the permit application is pending, the components of the dwelling are manufactured, and materials and equipment are collected, tested, checked, and shipped.

Control The contractor and the architect check the materials package against the materials passport / order list. Before the construction process begins, it must be clear whether everything has been delivered.

Assembly (Construction time) 6–12 weeks

Start: Construction can begin. First, the Alpha Cubes are assembled and made wind and watertight, after which the interior finishing and installation of the external cladding are carried out. All equipment is installed at the same time and tested immediately. This ensures that everything is properly coordinated.

Completion: During and after construction, the architect and other stakeholders carry out a building inspection. Once the property has been approved, the transfer takes place.

The total lead time is approximately 16–34 weeks from the design phase right through to final handover.

Conclusion

Despite prefab construction not being the norm yet, this form of building has a future. It is better for people, the planet and wallets in many ways.

Would you like to find out more about prefabricated construction using steel framing and what Ripstaal what we can do for you? Please use the contact form below or visit our Contact page.