Shospec (Pty) Ltd - Light Steel Framing System
 Bjorn Kahler of Shospec (Pty) Ltd is passionate about alternative building methods and has spent the last four years researching and up-skilling the company on light steel framing systems.
He informs us that his preferred construction method using the internationally approved light steel framing system is not necessarily a cheaper alternative to building with brick, it does however represent an option that is environmentally friendly and allows for a significantly quicker turnaround time.
“The real cost of building is determined more by the quality of the finishes, rather than by structural materials used”, says Bjorn.
The message conveyed is that a light steel frame luxury home is likely to prove as costly as a brick luxury home. The objective was never to introduce  a cheaper alternative, he rather anticipates people coming onboard who, like himself, are passionate about alternative building methods and subscribe more to the holistic benefits, as opposed to financial benefits.
Indicative of the resolute belief they have in their product, Bjorn used the construction of his home as their pilot project and says he hasn’t for a minute regretted it. “We are a company that specialises in shop fitting; I am extremely excited about adapting it into that environment”.
The Kahler home was put together using preformed 0.8mm rolled steel lip section panels and trusses. Walls are cladded with fibercement and osb boards externally with a 102mm insulation in the cavity and 15mm gypsum board internally. From beginning to end, the +- 500sqm home with high quality finishes, took just 5 months to complete. Furthermore the system is SABS approved and the structure has met with NHBRC standards.
Bjorn informs us that his house is 30% more energy efficient than it would be had he built using brick. “It retains significantly less heat than brick and concrete, considerably reducing the need for air conditioning in the summer months.”
 During the construction phase there is minimal site waste and transport requirements are considerably less. In addition, they have adapted a number of green building innovations, which include a grey water system, thermal insulation, 10 skylights, glass frontage to maximize natural light and airflow, a solar geyser, and a rain harvesting system.
“We at Shospec fully subscribe to the need for energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible building alternatives. We are extremely pleased with our findings as well as with the quality of the end product and we will be entering it into the 2011 Excellence in Construction Awards”
Ernest Roper | Webmaster |
