Now in their 21st year, the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards honour the inspiring achievements, capabilities, and talent of Victorian manufacturers across 15 award categories. Dynamic Steel Frame was lucky enough to be one of three finalists in the Medium Business Manufacturer of the Year Award.
Managing director Peter Blythe and the team at Dynamic Steel frame were recognised for their ongoing dedication and involvement in the light gauge steel manufacturing industry, at a gala dinner at Palladium at Crown on Thursday 10 August 2023.
Founded in 2012 by Peter Blythe, starting with only one man and a roll former machine in an 800 square meter factory in Dandenong South. Dynamic Steel Frame has since grown significantly. DSF have upsized an addition three times since its inception.
As a business owner, I’m incredibly proud of our team, who perform at the top of their game day in, day out. Watching their development is a constant source of pride and motivation for me, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how far we have come in just 11 years
Peter Blythe – Managing Director
Although Dynamic Steel Frame didn’t take out the first prize, being top three in the state amongst some pretty tough competition is something to be proud of.
Dynamic Steel Frame would like to congratulate each and every winner on their achievements.
Dynamic Steel Frame is Victoria’s leading independent light gauge steel framing manufacturer and recognised globally as a leader in the field.
DSF began when director Peter Blythe identified a gap in the market for light gauge steel. There was demand for product but a distinct lack in production capacity. Starting with one man and a machine, growing over the years, to where we are today.
We manufacture for all segments of the building industry including commercial, residential, medium density, modular, social housing, bespoke homes, façades, and even tiny houses. Builders appreciate the BIM / Digital Twin approach to design enabling the designs to be ironed out before manufacture, resulting in reduced rework on site, fewer trades and faster erection times.
Combining design and engineering software with an automated rollformer to produce wall frames, roof trusses, floor joists and panels quickly and accurately. With our extensive experience and unmatched knowledge base we offer innovative solutions to your challenges.
The team at Dynamic Steel Frame pride themselves on impeccable, robust and fully compliant designs, customer service and industry knowledge.
Creating complex award-winning designs using innovative, cutting-edge technologies, the company has driven industry development and played a major role in the evolution of consumer embracement of using light gauge steel in the building process. Proudly Australian owned, supplied and manufactured, Dynamic Steel Frame is providing a Lighter. Straighter. Better. way to build.
If you can imagine it, we can build it.
DSF’s Operations
We currently operate the following machines and steel gauges:
Machines Operating
4 x 89mm
3 x 75mm
1 x 140mm
1 x 200-350mm
Steel Gauges
0.75 -1.6mm
1.2 – 2.4mm
Our production team has worked on various sized jobs, from tiny homes to large scale townhouse developments and facade’s.
Dynamic Steel Frame was apart of a ground breaking project, producing 18 light gauge steel modules each spanning 8m wide & 15m high and requiring over 3 tonne of Truecore steel. Contain the worlds largest light gauge steel facade modules, this project went on to win the Victorian Steel Excellence Award for steel clad structures in 2020.
How do you manage client expectations and ensure we deliver on time?
Ensuring our clients time frames are met is extremely important to us as a company. We work closely with external crane truck services where required whilst also utilising our own crane truck and driver, this helps us achieve customers delivery targets to the best of our ability.
Alvin – Production Manager
Since the arrival of the deep c machine (Bertha) how has this helped with production of flooring systems?
Since the arrival of our Hyperspan machine, production of floor members is a lot quicker with less man power required. Bertha produces approximately 4 townhouses worth of floor systems a day with 2 people, in comparison to 2 townhouses a day with 4 people. That said, productivity has increase dramatically since.
Alvin – Production Manager
How has the implementation of mission control been a game changer for production?
Implementing Mission Control into Dynamic Steel Frame has dramatically impacted production. As a rapidly growing business, Mission Control empowers us to effectively manage projects, foster transparency, and accommodate future growth. It’s integration with Salesforce provides a unified customer view, cross-departmental transparency, and scalability for our expanding operations. Making the change to Mission Control has caused greater customer satisfaction and has been immensely helpful for all staff when scheduling deliveries and staff requirements.
Tasha – Business Administration Manager
In ensuring frames are good to go prior to rolling, what processes are implemented?
Before the frames are sent into production for rolling, we take a look through the 3D generated model and frame drawings to ensure there are no clashing members and the dimensions specified on the detailed plans are actually achievable. We also must ensure that the frames will be safe for transport before being produced. If the frames don’t work, a quick query with the detailer of that project will help us come up with an alternative solution. By double checking everything prior to rolling this reduces the likely hood of variations due to detailer errors and slowing down production times.
Alvin – Production Manager
If an issue comes up during the production of frames, how do you go about rectifying this?
The main issues that arise is the machine breaking down, putting a halt on production. Fortunately this is addressed almost immediately and fixed by the team if possible. Depending on the urgency of the job that was rolling through, we may move production of those frames onto another machine.
Alvin – Production Manager
What does the future of production at Dynamic Steel Frame look like to you?
As we figure out the nuances behind production of flooring joists on our newest hyperspan machine, we can see most of the floor joist production going to that machine. This allows us to produce more product in a shorter time frame.
And with construction timber prices to remain high all the way to July 2024, according to Lumber futures contracts, steel is only getting more price competitive against timber, as steel prices seem to be holding steady at the moment.
With the new machine taking up the brunt of the production load of flooring members, we can concentrate on more wall and truss jobs. It is quite exciting as there is a massive shortage of housing at the moment, and knowing that steel will inevitably come to occupy a larger part of this market means DSF will be getting quite busy, very soon.
Alvin – Production Manager
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.
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.
Dynamic Steel Frame’s talented detailers and manufacturing team came together to create the first ever light gauge steel X-Wing fighter this year for may the 4th.
The X-Wing was then sent out for flight on the day!
There is a reason steel frames are emerging as the way of the future for the construction industry. The rigidity, strength and customisation of steel frames have made them the material of choice for all framing needs.
The below images show the impact caused by Tropical cyclone Ilsa, when winds of 288km/h ripped through the Pardoo Roadhouse in Western Australia. Fortunately the frames were left standing. This demonstrates how durable a light gauge steel frame is. If this building had been constructed out of timber frames, you can almost guarantee there would be nothing left standing. Causing the rebuild process to cost more than it would if you use light gauge steel frames.
Damage to the Pardoo roadhouse after cyclone Ilsa tore through WA.
Benefits to using light gauge steel:
Disaster resistant – Your building will remain a quality piece of architecture even through the toughest natural elements. Steel is completely non-combustible material, so your frames won’t burn, char or contribute to the spread of a fire. It’s also coated in a zinc-aluminium alloy to resist rusting. After a bush fire, steel frames can be the difference between fixing your building or having to rebuild entirely.
Unlike timber, steel frames are 100% termite proof. No termite treatment or ongoing maintenance required.
Engineered light gauge steel will not rot, warp, twist, bow or shrink over time, so your frame will always look as good as the day it was installed.
Steel is the environmental building choice. It’s completely recyclable, although this is rarely required given its infinite lifespan
Why choose Dynamic Steel Frame?
A Dynamic Steel Frame’s wall frame is durable, accurate and incredibly strong. In fact, our TRUECORE® steel features one of the highest strength to weight ratios of any conventional building product. Plus, it comes with a 50 year corrosion warranty from BlueScope Steel*.
We combine superior design, engineering software and automated roll formers to produce steel framing with the strength and performance which is unmatched by conventional wood framing systems.
Over time, your building retains the same superb quality it was delivered with, eliminating upkeep and maintenance costs. What’s more, large span of LGS allows for greater creative freedom when designing your building, compared to timber.
So when your looking for high quality light gauge steel frames for your next build. Call the team to discuss.
Dynamic Steel Frame detailed and manufactured the frames for this recent project at Nuville Court, Mt Eliza.
This residential build showcases the beauty and ease of using light gauge steel frames.
DSF’s detailer Michael, worked closely with the client. Ensuring communication was maintained throughout the project to establish the best outcome on site.
Nuville Court showcases Dynamic Steel Frame’s residential steel frame service. Producing a precise, durable and robust metal house frame from the ground up.
Below both the client and detailer speak on their overall views of the project. From their favourite aspects of the project, to the hurdles they faced during the design process and how they were able to overcome these.
Detailer Notes:
What is your favourite design feature?
My favorite design feature is the cathedral / rafter roof which was designed to blend in through the split-level roof lines which once finished, will look amazing.
Michael – Detailer
What did you enjoy about detailing this project?
I really enjoyed detailing this job. Designing the cathedral roof, attics in roof space and figuring out wall height’s due to the split levels. Peter made the process of this job easy. With every bump we came across, we sat down and fixed it. It always comes with great pleasure to help our clients build their dream home for their family.
Michael – Detailer
Were there any difficulties that you came across during the detailing process? How did you overcome this?
The most difficult design aspect to this project was the roof over the stair area. I worked alongside our engineer, trying to tie this in to match the roof lines and coming up with a solution that would not only give the client (Peter) what he really wanted from this area but put a huge smile on his face with how amazing it looked in the 3D model.
Michael – Detailer
How did you manage client expectations?
Communication. Communication was a big part to this job as it is in every job we take on. I thank Peter, for not only understanding the prosses, but understanding when things had to be altered. And because of this we were able to achieved every expectation of his dream home.
Michael – Detailer
Client Notes:
How was DSF able to meet the architectural intent of your design?
DSF took on the challenge to build my multi split level house, they were confident they could achieve this build with minimal Structural Steel which they did. The design has extensive cathedral and pitched rafter roofs which were required to blend in through the split level roof lines which they got perfect. Another great feature they were able to complete upon request was extensive attic space within the truss’s to house the projects mechanical system and gain further storage space.
Peter – Owner builder
Were there any issues that arose during the detailing process? How was DSF able to overcome this?
During the detailing process we became aware of multiple design ceiling height issues, DSF managed to work through these with their engineer to ensure the final product was what we wanted. Further to this, the detailer worked hand in hand with us to make sure all the finer details workedsuch as inwall toilet systems, vanity mirror nooks, studs correctly aligned for plumbing fixtures, stud setouts for weatherboards taken into consideration, this list could go on.
Peter – Owner builder
Was DSF able to meet your project’s timeframe?
From detailing through to production and final delivery, DSF hit all timelines promised. I was extremely impressed on how well the final delivery process went. We worked together to split the project up into separate delivery bundles that worked for the stages I wanted installed onsite. With deliveries coming on time, it made for a smooth process, allowing us to utilize the delivery crane to get these in the most beneficial location.
Peter – Owner builder
Why did you choose to use light gauge steel framing for this project?
Lighter. Straighter. Better… Long term, maintenance free house.
Peter – Owner builder
A home built from a Dynamic Steel Frame represents the future of house framing. Over time, your house retains the same superb quality it was delivered with, reducing upkeep and maintenance costs.
If you are looking to use light gauge steel framing made from TRUECORE® steel for your next project, contact the team at sales@dynamicsteelframe.com.au to get your project underway.
Watch as this project takes shape from start to the final stages of framing. Encapsulating the beauty of a TRUECORE® steel house frame.
Dynamic Steel Frame has been working on this recently completed townhouse development for a year now.
Our detailer Dai worked closely with the client to ensure the best outcome for this project. Below he speaks on some key points from this project.
Are there any houses that stood out to you? What is your favourite design features?
“Type F – unit 56 is a unique design. This particular type was one that was not repeated across the project. It’s got the largest amount of steelwork and the most complicated hip roof design compared to the rest. Saddle trusses were used to achieve the architectural intent, as well as making for easy installation onsite.“
Dai – Detailer
What was your favourite and least favourite part of the design?
“The design of a hip roof is always challenging. This can either be the most or lest favourite part of any design. It was a very challenging aspect of this project, but it was very satisfying to see it work so well onsite, once completed.“
Dai – Detailer
How did you manage the potential material delays and client expectations?
“We work very closely with our client’s in every project. However in a large townhouse project like this one it is essential! I had efficient discussions with the client’s draftsperson on the design intent which helped to minimise unnecessary rectification of frames onsite. Communication with the site manager assisted with anticipating the production workload along with site demand. With this we managed to deliver frames within the clients requested schedule.”
Dai- Detailer
Check out the below video’s of 151 chapel road and the progress of this site from flight one to flight six.
Flight 1 – Check out this 56 townhouse development in Keysborough. Using approx. 250,000 lineal meters of Truecore Steel. Lighter. Straighter. Better.
Second flight of this 56 townhouse development in Keysborough. Using approx. 250,000 lineal meters of Truecore Steel. Lighter. Straighter. Better. Best.
Flight number three of this 56 townhouse development. Check out the progress that has been made! Lighter. Straighter. Better.
Flight number four of this 56 townhouse development. Check out the progress that has been made! Lighter. Straighter. Better..
Flight number five of this 56 townhouse development. Check out the progress that has been made! This site is now nearing completion. Lighter. Straighter. Better.
Sixth and final flight of this 56 townhouse development. Check out the progress that has been made! This site’s framing is now completed. Lighter. Straighter. Better.
Dynamic Steel Frame uses the most advanced light gauge steel framing system available in the world today. Combining design and engineering software with an automated rollformer to produce wall frames, roof trusses, floor joists and panels quickly and accurately. With our extensive experience and unmatched knowledge base we offer innovative solutions to your challenges.
Unlike timber, metal house frames are 100% termite PROOF. You’ll never splash a single dollar on termite treatment or ongoing maintenance.
A steel framed house offers added fire protection to your building through its 100% non-combustible composition. After a bush fire, steel framing can mean the difference between fixing your home or having to rebuild entirely.
Durability – TRUECORE® light gauge steel floor joist have a high resistance to deterioration. They will never rot, warp, shrink or sag.
Steel is the environmental building choice. It’s completely recyclable, although this is rarely a concern given its virtually infinite lifespan.
Lightweight – the metal’s lightweight formula makes it a dream to transport and install. Weighing almost half that of timber, steel trusses can be lifted into place using a single hand.
Why Dynamic Steel Frame?
With Dynamic Steel Frame, you can rest assure you’re receiving the most advanced steel framing system available in the world today.
A comprehensive steel service offering optimised for all segments of the building industry – from tiny scale residential to large scale commercial.
Strength and performance engineered into every frame. Our advanced combination of design and engineering software and an automated roll formers produce frames, trusses and joists quickly and accurately.
Industry leading, highly experienced team of qualified experts who can provide you with innovative solutions to your challenges.
We aren’t afraid to push the bounds of conventional builds, offering you the freedom to achieve a design free from constraints.
A cost effective, environmentally friendly building choice that comes with a 50 year warranty provided by TRUECORE® steel.
Over this past year we have completed many projects from large townhouse developments through to single residential dwellings. Each project being unique and different to the last.
Dynamic Steel Frame’s managing director Peter Blythe also returned to Australia’s favourite renovation show this year. Helping the Blockheads frame their new pavilions with TRUECORE Steel and COLORBOND Steel. Bringing the vision to life of Julian Brenchley (The Block architect).
Pushing the boundaries of height and spans, DSF was able to produce a great rendition of structural intent versus architectural intent.
“Every year when Dynamic Steel Frame completes The Block, we are left with a great sense of pride and achievement”
Peter Blythe, Managing Director
It was a pleasure working with everyone involved with this years production!
The Block 2022
Finally we have ended our year as winners, accepting the award for ‘Innovative cold formed steel buildings’ at the recent Australian Steel Excellence Awards Gala in Sydney for our Grattan street façade project.
This project embodies everything light gauge steel has to offer! A huge congratulations to all who were apart of this project.
The team at Dynamic Steel Frame would like to thank all of our clients, friends and supporters for yet another fantastic year. We look forward to what this new year of 2023 has install for us all!
We loved how the building sloped back from the street to enable light to get to the playground below and the way that the light gauge steel framing was able to faithfully produce the architectural intent.
The challenge we had was enabling the facade to rake back from the street, whilst being accurate and also allowing for deflection in the slab across seven different levels of the building.
Our detailer Brandan Verzantvoort spent a lot of time on this project, ensuring that everything was as per design.
Light gauge steel worked incredibly well and was critical to the success of this project. With our automated roll formers and very high-tech design software we were able scallop the floor joist style members over the edge of the slab both top and bottom then insert bracketry exactly where required. This ensured that onsite it was a simple process of bolting on the brackets and then bolting the brackets to the frames.
Winning this award make us very proud!
This project embodies everything light gauge steel has to offer!
Project Team
Developer: Little Projects Architect: Plus Architecture Steel Fabricator: Dynamic Steel Frame Façade Engineer: Inhabit Group Structural Engineer: Structerre Consulting Builder: Cobild Construction & Bolt Blue Constructions Steel Supplier: Truecore Steel
