AXXIS® couldn’t be safer. Standard practice is to earth steel frames, so even if they are exposed to a live wire the earthing trips the residual current safety switch to reduce the chance of electrocution.
In fact a steel frame offers better protection in a lightning storm than any other, as any charge to hit the frame will be redirected to the ground, reducing the likelihood of fire or injury.
Steel framing is typically galvanised or coated to protect against corrosion. When designed and installed correctly, it performs well in most environments and has a long service life.
Steel framing uses cold-formed steel sections manufactured to precise dimensions. Compared to timber, it is straighter, more consistent, non-combustible, and not affected by moisture, pests, or warping over time.
Upfront material costs can be higher than timber, but steel framing can reduce overall build time, minimise waste, and lower long-term maintenance costs, which may offset the initial investment.
Yes, steel framing is commonly used in residential construction, including single homes, townhouses, and apartments. It works well with standard building methods and finishes while offering long-term durability.
Yes, steel framing is engineered and prefabricated to suit specific plans. This allows for flexible layouts, accurate construction, and easy integration with modern architectural designs.
Steel framing is lightweight but very strong, allowing it to flex without failing during seismic events. This strength-to-weight ratio also makes it highly effective in high-wind conditions.
No, there is no difference in the finished look of a home that has a steel frame. Steel frames are compatible with concrete slabs and other sub-floor construction, as well as any type of wall, ceiling and roof materials. Steel has a very high strength-to-weight ratio, making it excellent for spanning and providing more freedom to design and create wide, open living spaces.
Even if your house plans are already drawn up to include timber framing, it’s a small change to switch to steel. You’ll be surprised at how competitively priced the steel option is, especially considering the benefits that come with an AXXIS® steel framed house.
As strong and immovable as a steel frame is, it’s still relatively easy to make alterations and additions to a steel framed house. What’s more, with the versatility and strength of steel, lining up new alterations and additions will be easy.
AXXIS® is manufactured in New Zealand by New Zealand Steel. The rollforming technology behind steel framing means the product is fabricated to the exact specifications of each home, which means minimal cutting, wastage and less environmental impact. AXXIS® doesn’t emit gases or vapours and steel is 100% recyclable.
Just like timber framed walls, lightweight pictures can be hung from adhesive hooks or on nails. Heavier pictures should be hung with screws or specialist nails to the steel frame stud.
AXXIS® steel is made from galvanised steel. The zinc metallic coating provides protection against corrosion, even for cut or drilled edges. This is supported by industry research by BRANZ and NASH.
Wall-linings are screw-fixed in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications. The NASH Technical Bulletin ND-07 provides guidelines on fixing wall and ceiling linings (see www.nashnz.org.nz). AXXIS® steel has a similar expansion coefficient to gypsum plasterboard, which means minimal cracking. It’s already common practice to fix ceiling linings to steel ceiling battens.
Steel does not absorb moisture, so no dimensional change occurs as a result of variations in moisture levels. Steel framing is a relatively stable product, with a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 12 x 10-6 m/m/°C, which equates to just 0.012mm per lineal metre of expansion for every degree celsius change in temperature.
AXXIS® steel framing systems are engineered to meet structural, durability, and compliance requirements under the NZ Building Code when installed as specified. NASH Standard Part 2:2019 Light Steel Framed Buildings is referenced as an Acceptable Solution by the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) clauses B1 Structure and B2 Durability.
AXXIS® systems use engineered screw fixings designed for steel-to-steel and steel-to-cladding connections, in accordance with project specifications and NZ Building Code requirements.
Service holes are pre-punched where specified, allowing efficient installation of plumbing and electrical systems. Coordination during design ensures compliance and avoids on-site modifications.
Most standard carpentry tools can be used, along with appropriate screw guns and metal-cutting equipment where required. No specialised heavy machinery is typically needed for residential-scale builds.
Prefabrication and dimensional accuracy reduce on-site adjustments and rework. This can streamline sequencing, minimise delays, and improve overall programme certainty.
AXXIS® steel framing is supplied prefabricated and clearly labelled for efficient assembly. Installation follows engineered shop drawings and standard trade practices, using specified fixings and tools.
