House made of steel...some assembly required.

by **Farang1** » July 18, 2009, 4:01 pm

I thought I posted this once. If this is a duplicate, sorry.

Back in December I had mentioned in the thread "House made of wood" I was building a house using light gauge steel framing. I had the foundation and floor built in January but, due to some delivery issues, the frame didn't arrive until Friday. My wife has loaned out the digital camera and all I have is an old fashion film camera so, I will post photos as soon as I can get the film developed and scanned.

They had started the assembly yesterday and said it will take about a week to finish. If you are in the neighborhood, you are welcome to take a peek.

by **Thaitanium** » July 19, 2009, 2:04 pm

Farang,

Are building, using shipping containers? I've been interested in steel homes for quite some time. Has anybody in Udon built any container homes, similar to the Green Container Homes, from the recent Green Home Exhibition in Bangkok ?

I've checked with my own shipping company in Bangkok, and was quoted a thousand USD, up to three thousand USD per 68 CM (40 foot ) containers, depending on condition, and can be shipped easily to Udon. Some containers are free, as long you pay for shipping, but most likely in not so great condition.

by **Farang1** » July 19, 2009, 9:22 pm

Are building, using shipping containers?

Shipping container that are built out to becomes living space. I have seen them. Even lived in one for a couple years. But, no, that's not what we are doing here. We are building similar to a stick house but, instead of using wood, we are using light gauge steel that is formed to resemble wood 2X4's

by **Farang1** » July 19, 2009, 9:33 pm

This was done Friday after the truck was unloaded.

by **Farang1** » July 19, 2009, 9:44 pm

This was Saturday

by **Farang1** » July 19, 2009, 9:48 pm

Comes with holes punched in it for wires and plumbing.

by **BobHelm** » July 19, 2009, 9:57 pm

Ah, thanks for the pictures farang1, I think I now understand what you are discussing.
You are using tubular steel where a Thai builder would use re-enforced concrete pillars..YES???
Do you still use Blocks or bricks as a filler between the pillars???

by **jimboLV** » July 19, 2009, 10:07 pm

I've always used steel for commercial buildings in the USA, very efficient. Some contractors there have started to use steel for residential construction, but face a lot of opposition from the carpenters unions (as can be expected). I wonder about the economics here in Thailand since labor is so cheap, and that's the major advantage of steel framework, reduced labor costs. But I'm sure you've thought that out. Nice pics, looks like a very well run operation.

by **BobHelm** » July 19, 2009, 10:15 pm

I had never seen steel roof construction until I had come to Thailand Jimbo.
It is all wood in the UK..
I have never been "in the trade" but could quickly see the benefits of using steel in roof construction, although the "Health & Safety" in UK would have a fit at construction methods in Thailand

- it is (basically) done "off site" in UK & then just pieced together as a couple of bits on site.
As you say, most of the (concrete) construction in Thailand is done by low paid labourers & so must be relatively cost effective...

by **jimboLV** » July 19, 2009, 11:23 pm

Wow! All wood! I've never seen a wood roof in recent years. Mind you, I'm talking commercial buildings. proceessing plants, warehouses and such. You're right about the H&S aspect of it. I've sent a few pics of electrical construction to my former H&S guy in the States and he was horrified. :shock:

If he were here, I fear that most construction in Thailand would be shut down immediately :fryingpan:

, especially in the rural areas (that is, if he had the authority, which he had when he worked for me). Especially these guys that work on the utility poles in our subdivision with bamboo ladders, bare feet, no safety harnesses, etc. But somehow, they survive. Oh well, TIT.

by **keith555** » July 19, 2009, 11:26 pm

Take a look at the new shopping centre by the train station,steel structure then bricks and blocks on the outside,makes for a strong structure and a fast build time.can also be used so you can have big windows as well.

by **laphanphon** » July 20, 2009, 12:09 am

i like it, nice thread, keep them coming, and if you get a chance, jot down some cost, as if i build another house, it will have no wood, and lots of glass. steel would be a nice and easy way to work with the designs in my head.

thanks.

by **Stantheman** » July 20, 2009, 2:45 am

I would be very interested in seeing more pic's, especially the exterior walls as they are being completed. From what I see so far(with these old eye's) it looks like the steel frame goes all the way to the edge of the cement pad, with no main supports other then the walls. In my area in the U.S. the use of the steel 2x4 walls are only used for non load bearing interior walls. Then sheet rock is hung with special hangers on the steel 2x4's after all electrical wiring is done.

by **tigerryan** » July 20, 2009, 2:56 am

Another great benefit of steel is that they are all dead straight. 20% of the wood studs are bent like my crank and you always have knots exactly where you want to nail them together.

There are interior and structural/bearing wall grades I think they are great, another benefit is all the holes for electrical are already pre punched.

by **NOLA** » July 20, 2009, 7:14 am

Could you possibly give some detailed instructions on how to get to your building site???

House made of steel...some assembly required.

House made of steel...some assembly required.

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Re: House made of steel...some assembly required.

Re: House made of steel...some assembly required.

Re: House made of steel...some assembly required.

Re: House made of steel...some assembly required.

Re: House made of steel...some assembly required.

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