GAGA Awards 2023
The Galvanizers Association Galvanizing Awards (GAGA Construction Awards), is an annual competition that has been recognising the use of galvanizing since 1994. We are over the moon to have been nominated and also shortlisted for this prestigious award.
What is special about the Galvanised Steel in the Stables Yard development?
Environmental impact and minimising carbon production in the construction phase was paramount when considering the design of the foundations for the houses and therefore a Galvanized Steel system was selected over the more traditional Reinforced Concrete trenches and dense concrete block foundations.
450m2 of load bearing galvanized steel beams, manufactured by British Steel were bolted to 6m to 8m long galvanised steel helical piles. A galvanized steel ribbed deck was then fixed into the rib of the steel ring beam grid to provide the floor deck.
This method avoided the digging, removing and transporting hundreds of tonnes of earth and replacing it with concrete thus minimising the environmental and carbon impact.
The proximity of an underground culvert running adjacent to the site, meant also that there was a requirement to raise the houses 600mm above the ground to allow the clear passage of surface water under the houses should the circumstance arise.
The galvanised steel system was ideal for this as it allowed the houses to be elevated leaving a clear passage under the houses in the event of increased levels of surface water or localised flooding Galvanised steel was chosen to ensure longevity of the system which offers an 80 year lifespan.