Driven by the demand for more predictability throughout the construction process, EOS, one of the UK’s leading steel framing innovators, has announced that it is expanding its portfolio to include load-bearing light gauge steel frame systems. With 14 years design and offsite manufacturing expertise in panelised, modular and pod technology, EOS is now delivering a range of load-bearing systems, which are supplied in pre-assembled 2D panels and cassettes for installation onsite.
Managing Director Steve Thompson said: “This progressive step has been welcomed by many of our long-standing clients who view EOS as a trusted supply chain partner. The inclusion of load-bearing systems in our portfolio streamlines the design and manufacturing process, and enables both existing and new clients to procure bespoke and standard load-bearing systems and non-structural steel elements through one supplier.
“As part of Etex Building Performance, and being able to combine our expertise with that of our sister companies and dry construction experts Promat and Siniat, it makes perfect sense and is a natural evolution of our offering. EOS will now provide an inclusive service from concept to completion, working with selected partners to ensure the rapid construction of our load-bearing structures.”
Supply chain integration and collaboration throughout the design and installation phases is viewed as crucially important by EOS. Working closely with specifiers, all load-bearing walls can be designed and supplied as light gauge steel frame (LGSF) panels with preformed openings and insulation, with A1 fire rated Weather Defence sheathing board applied to external walls. All floors and roofs are designed and supplied in c-sections, lattice beam cassettes or as individual lattice beams for site installation.
The offsite manufactured panels are delivered to site pre-assembled to highly accurate tolerances of +0mm/-2mm. Frames and cassettes include individual labels with section size, inkjet part marking with panel numbers, and colour-coding by floor or agreed phasing – ensuring just in time deliveries and reducing multiple handling and storage. All deliveries are pre-slung and are safely laid flat on the lorry and strapped securely.
Furthermore, with every project, EOS operatives are available to attend site to offer technical advice, design assistance and installation training. Installer teams can benefit from ‘Tool Box Talks’ and phased site visits to offer independent checks on the installation.
With increasing demand for mid-rise buildings of up to nine storeys, particularly in the multi-occupancy residential sector in its various guises (apartments, PRS, affordable and social housing and student accommodation), the use of load-bearing LGSF systems is increasing, and the new EOS offering has been developed to address this.
Steve Thompson added: “We are operating in exciting times for the built environment – whatever the sector. There has never been a better time to capitalise on the raft of benefits that factory-based offsite technologies can deliver.”
