Joss Hudson got his start working on high strength commercial buildings. He wanted to make his business more personal by exploring steel residential buildings. So, he set out to find a steel kit that would be easy to assemble, energy efficient and pleasing to the eye.
Steel Prefab DetailsIn order to turn his eco cottage idea into a prefab reality, Joss investigated options for the various kit components. He searched off the beaten path and found Galvamet Industries in Shelbyville, Indiana where they make commercial strength insulated panels. Galvamet's automated production line churns out 2000 insulated panels a day (figure A). Joss was impressed with the "roll form" where the factory line creates a tongue-and-groove shape onto the steel, making for easier assembly. At the foam station, machines inject insulation into the center of two steel sheets. This "sandwich" is what keeps the homes insulated and energy efficient (figure B). The panels are cut to length by the flying saw, shrink wrapped and sent to the cooling rack, where they cure for 48 hours. Then they head off on a flatbed to the construction site. Not only are the panels energy efficient, but their factory-made precision makes on-site assembly fast and uncomplicated.
RESOURCES :
Northern Steel International
Joss Hudson
Website: www.nsteel.com
SCS Construction Management
Website: www.scs-prostar.com/scs.htm
Galvamet America Corps
Website: www.galvamet.com
SoftMirage
Website: www.softmirage.com
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