Amara Townhouses: Alvina St, Oakleigh

Posted on 10/07/202303/05/2024 by Tasha Laufmann

Amara Townhouses, Oakleigh is one of the neatest sites we’ve been on. This 96, 3 story townhouse development is on its way to completion.

Check out the progress this site has made since our first flight back in April 2022. With stages 3 and 4 of this build now nearing completion.

What we love at Dynamic Steel Frame is the precision we are able to achieve using our industry best practice design and development process, rigid adherence to robust engineering principles and an undying passion for creating frames as efficiently as possible.
Peter Blythe – Managing Director

DSF’s detailer Minh, worked with the client to ensure expectations of this project were met, both in timeframe and also design. Below he speaks further on how this was achieved.

What did you enjoy about detailing this project?

Being the main detailer for this project was a great experience. I love seeing my frame designs gradually take shape on site stage by stage. It always amazes me seeing the transformation from 3D model to then becoming a reality on the empty block of land with the variable designs throughout the 96 houses.
Minh – Detailer

Were there any issue’s you came across in the detailing process? How did you overcome this?

There were 2 main issue’s I had with this project

Sometimes the frames are installed incorrectly on site due to so many similar designs. Unfortunately mistakes are made when the wrong layout is used for that particular lot, or dimensions are misread on the plans. In some cases, installers forget to install beams or blocking in between joists to support above load bearing walls. To solve this problem – a report from building surveyor will tells us which part of the building has not been installed as per plan provided by DSF. If something relates to our design or engineering, I have to contact our engineer to get their advice and re-detail that particular part to suit on site condition.

Changing of original plans after finalisation of the design and stamp drawing from engineer (for example : adding additional windows/relocating doors/adding a roof hot water system / changing dimensions from architectural plan). For this issue, I was required to re-detail to suit clients request and provide them a numerical plan. This particular job went through 5-6 design changes before it was finalised.

Minh – Detailer

Were you able to meet client expectations?

Yes, one of the biggest expectations from the builder was to complete all 96 house (approx. 20 different designs) within 3-4 months. I was able to finish the design milestones earlier than expect. This included last minute design changes.
Minh – Detailer

Are there any design features that stood out to you?

Yes , the design of Lot 52-56. It is an amazing design from the architect and DSF was able to achieve the design needs. A special portal frame has been used to achieve this design and ensure the structural integrity of the building. The portal frame lands on LGS to support a portion of flooring on level 2 (see photo below)
Minh – Detailer

Also hear from Tarik, Director from CNS who installed Dynamic’s frames on-site for this project and Project Manager Chris from Balmain & Co.

How has working with DSF’s frames on the Amara project been?

Extremely well designed and easy to install correctly and to engineers specifications.
Tarik- Director of CNS steel framing

What advantages does steel framing provide when constructing townhouse developments, specifically Amara?

The speed in which blocks of multiple townhouses can be erected. Additionally, the accuracy we can provide onsite to the original designs and scope.
Tarik- Director of CNS steel framing

How does DSF’s approach to BIM 3D modelling assist your team onsite when erecting our steel frames?

Whenever we come across a semi-complex connection that we have to get right, we cross check our installation method with the layouts, elevations and BIM 3D models.
Tarik- Director of CNS steel framing

Was DSF able to meet your project’s time frame?

In stage 1 (lots 3 – 20) we had some issues receiving frames when requird however this was early 2022 and labour issues were severly affecting the construction industry. From lots 21 – 96 there were no issues receiving deliveries when required
Chris – Project Manager, Balmain & Co

What benefits does steel framing provide when constructing a townhouse development?

Less mess, lighter frames, straighter walls.
Chris – Project Manager, Balmain & Co

Were there issues that arose during the project? How was the team at DSF able to provide a positive result to the issue?

On a few occasions incorrect detailing resulted in issues on site. Dynamic either promptly sent new frames or accepted the costs for rectification works to be carried out on their behalf.
Chris – Project Manager, Balmain & Co

Flight 1

Flight 2

Flight 3

Flight 4

Render vs Reality

Posted on 05/07/202303/05/2024 by Nikita Elder-Ledbury

What you see is what you get!

Here at Dynamic Steel Frame, our detailers take pride in being able to produce accurate BIM models of each project.

These digital twins of your project drastically reduce the chance of on-site errors. We’d even go as far as to say, eliminates them.

Sure, if the slab isn’t right, adjustments need to be made. But with set-out technology progressing as fast as it is, slab problems are becoming harder to justify.

Thus ensuring all details are reviewed thoroughly prior to manufacturing through BIM technology, limiting any issues that may arise.

What is BIM modelling?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of creating and managing information for a built asset. These 3D models allow the discovery of construction related problems prior to erection on-site.

What are the benefits of creating 3D models?

Creating 3D models ensures we do not miss anything prior to construction. These models provide clients with a visual representation of exactly what they can expect on-site. They also allow us to take the client through their project and help not only them but us as the detailer understand what works and what doesn’t.
Michael – Detailer

In what ways do 3D models benefit our clients?

3D models have many benefits for the client.
In the design stage, clients can review and imagine how their project will look in real life before the steel frames are fabricated. When the frames arrive on site, the 3D models bring an advantage in terms of visualisation and helps the installer better understand the overall project reducing the chance of errors.
Johnny – Detailer

How does 3D modelling reduce onsite errors?

3D modeling gives an overall idea of how light gauge steel and structural elements should be connected plus how the walls and trusses should be installed. Hence minimising onsite error. For example, if a wall or joist needs to be flipped/mirrored to its correct orientation mainly due to design intent and/or services run. 3D modeling facilitates the process of installation on-site and avoids unnecessary rectification. Before construction, if installers have a 3D model on hand, it will help them to understand the project thoroughly and foresee things that could be a problem to their work.
Dai – Detailer

How does creating 3D models help you as a detailer?

3D models give everyone involved an angle of the project that can’t be seen from plans & elevations.
We can ensure before anything is produced that everything lines up and fits nicely with minimal tolerance.
Details can be shown from any angle, problems of aspects that weren’t thought of can arise from these but also solutions that aren’t always standard can be found.
Details can be explained and also gone through in great detail before site so everyone has a clear picture of the final product. Builders can sometimes answer their own questions when it comes to the installation process by viewing the model on-site. Overall these models give a clear picture of the design intent and are often invaluable to the installation and completion of a project.
Travis – Detailer

How has BIM modelling improved the construction & manufacturing industry?

The introduction of BIM modeling has revolutionised our industry.
From the outside looking in, there is only so much you can gather from a set of 2D construction plans, no matter how detailed they are. From my perspective as a detailer, being able to have a digital twin of the finished product allows us to get the build near millimeter perfect. Cross-referencing has never been easier and it also is a great tool to explain or showcase what we have been working on to clients. It gives them great confidence knowing that their desired outcome can be seen right before they step onto site.
Roupen – Detailer

With details confirmed prior to manufacturing light gauge steel frames make for ease when it comes to installation, some would even say it’s as easy as putting together a Meccano set. With the use of our 3D (BIM) models, we drastically reduce the chances of on-site errors, saving additional time and costs for your project.

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“We turn architectural intent, into structural reality”
Peter Blythe – Managing Director

If you are looking to use light gauge steel framing made from TRUECORE® steel for your next project, contact the team at Dynamic Steel Frame to get your project underway.

Phone: 03 9701 7342
Email: sales@dynamicsteelframe.com.au