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Update #12: Cold-Formed Steel for Retirement Housing, University Wellness Center and High-End Galvanizing Lines

BuildSteel is dedicated to tracking the use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing in projects across the globe. This post features CFS framing products and projects that highlight reduced construction time, design flexibility and enhanced coatings.

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Update #12: Cold-Formed Steel for Retirement Housing, University Wellness Center and High-End Galvanizing Lines by Dan Snyder

Steel Framing Speeds UK Retirement Build

Construction is underway on a new retirement community on Duce Drive in Telford, England, that will offer affordable housing for residents aged 60 and over. The project is being developed as part of a government-backed Shared Ownership plan to meet increasing demand for high-quality retirement housing.

The Duce Drive development will use Modern Methods of Construction, with a focus on cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. This approach allows the building process to take place off site, reducing construction time, costs and environmental impact. Steel framing also contributes to improved thermal performance, helping future residents lower their energy bills while supporting long-term sustainability.

 

“We’ve been using [off-site construction] since 2021,” said Declan Fishwick, business development manager at McCarthy Stone. “And it now forms an integral aspect of our new build program, with the ability to cut overall build times by several weeks.” 

The use of CFS framing supports this program, offering a modern, efficient solution for retirement housing. The Duce Drive homes are expected to go on sale in summer 2025, with the first occupants arriving in early 2026.

Read the full news release.

Steel Framing Supports University Wellness Center

Construction is underway on a new Health and Wellness Center at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The $10.4 million, 24,500-square-foot facility will enhance student health, fitness and campus life. The two-story building is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

 

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Steel plays a central role in both the structure and interior systems of the project. The upper floor and roof will be built using conventional structural steel framing with metal decking, while cold-formed steel (CFS) framing will be used for all interior partitions. These steel systems offer the strength, speed and design flexibility needed to meet the facility’s performance and timeline goals.

The use of both structural and CFS framing ensures the facility will be built to last while meeting tight construction timelines. Steel allows for efficient coordination among trades, improved installation accuracy and long-term performance — making it ideal for a modern wellness center designed to serve students for years to come.

Read the full news release.

Nucor Invests in New Galvanizing Line

Nucor Corporation, a Charlotte, N.C., steel products manufacturer, has awarded Fives, an industrial engineering group, a contract for a continuous galvanizing line in Fontana, California. The new line will be installed at California Steel Industries, Inc., an SFIA member and a joint venture between Nucor and JFE Steel.

California Steel Industries, Inc.

California Steel Industries will install a new galvanizing line to meet growing construction demand in the western United States.

The line will help CSI meet growing demand for products to support the need for construction materials in the western U.S.

“The California Steel team carefully selected Fives for this project based on the development of confidence between our two teams as well as the past Nucor collaboration with Fives in the two high-end galvanizing lines in our West Virginia facility,” says Drew Linder, CSI general manager.

Read the full news release.

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