- Steel tonnage: Six tonnes
- Approximate value of structural steelwork: $50,000
- Nominator and Structural Steel Contractor: Black Steel Mobile
The Project Scope
Steel is a major design feature and structural enabler in this minimalist residential project in Takapuna, Auckland.
The Challenge
As with many projects of this type on sections within built-up urban areas, access was a major challenge.
With 24m-long steel beams and large steel portal frames to install on a small, rear site, Black Steel Mobile had to work around the access challenges to deliver steel materials safely – and without disrupting road and foot traffic.
For this reason, fabrication was undertaken off site and dedicated mobile fabricators were utilised to instal the finished steel. The erection of the lower-level steel was completed in just two days.
The owners wanted their completed home to be as open-plan as possible meaning a minimal use of materials. This is where steel is in its element. The use of steel to construct the living areas minimised the amount of timber framing required to achieve the desired open-plan living space. Steel also features in the interior framing and the floor joists.
The Outcome and Judge’s Comment
Steel portal frames in the living area enable large 10m-long floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, which open out onto an expansive deck area, maximising space and light.
To maintain privacy, the 100sqm bedroom wing is cantilevered off the lower floor structure using 24m-long Universal Column steel beams, elevating the bedrooms above the living areas and accessed by an impressive steel spiral staircase.
Steel beams fixed with cast-in bolts achieve a simple V shape, providing structural support to the other end of the upper floor level, while concealing the stormwater pipes that discharge the water from the roof.
Black Steel Mobile impressed all parties with our efficiency and ability to problem solve on this project. Best of all, the owners are happy and enjoying their new home.
Judges’ Comment:
“A STRIKING STRUCTURE THAT WAS COMPLEMENTED BY THE USE OF STEEL; THIS IMPRESSIVE HOUSE IS THE ENVY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.”
