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Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing continues to gain traction in modern construction for its resilience, efficiency and sustainability. While CFS offers many advantages over competing materials, its thermal performance in cold climates has limited its adoption in regions with harsh winters.
The article, “Steel Framing: A Powerful Response to Thermodynamic Challenges,” by Scottsdale Construction Systems, an SFIA member, says advances in roll forming and wall system design are now overcoming this barrier, allowing CFS to meet stringent energy standards without sacrificing its core benefits.
“These breakthroughs enable steel framing to meet stringent thermodynamic standards while preserving all the advantages of cold-formed steel construction,” says the Scottsdale article.
Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing continues to gain traction in modern construction for its design flexibility, resilience, efficiency and sustainability.
Innovation for Cold Climates
Thermal conductivity has long been a drawback in cold-weather construction. To address this challenge, Scottsdale and its partners have developed a thermally efficient double-wall CFS panel system. The design uses two steel-framed walls formed with C-90 mm profiles, separated by a cavity filled with lightweight, air-entrained concrete.
“This system significantly enhances thermal insulation by limiting heat transfer through the steel,” the Scottsdale article explains.
This infill not only improves thermal resistance but also adds mass and vibration resistance, giving the structure strength characteristics closer to a solid monolithic system. The result is a highly durable, energy-efficient building envelope that performs well in cold climates.
The thermally efficient double-wall cold-formed steel (CFS) panel system uses two steel-framed walls formed with C-90 mm profiles, separated by a cavity filled with lightweight, air-entrained concrete.
Precision Meets Performance
The double-wall CFS panel system design is made possible by Scottsdale’s advanced roll-forming equipment, including models from its Scotpanel, KFS Framemaker, and KFD Framemaker series. These machines allow for precise cutting and punching of each steel component, streamlining fabrication and ensuring design accuracy.
“Buildings go up faster, with greater accuracy and less waste,” says Scottsdale, emphasizing the efficiency gains of their system.
In addition to thermal performance, the system has been shown to withstand other environmental challenges, including seismic activity, making it a well-rounded solution for demanding construction conditions.
Scottsdale’s Scotpanel roll-forming machines produce precision-engineered C-section 90 mm (3.5-in.) profiles, such as Scotpanel 5090 and Scotpanel 7090, which serve as the core structural element of the thermally efficient double-wall cold-formed steel panel systems.
Global Scalability
The success of the double-wall panel system has broad implications for the future of steel framing. With proven results in cold regions, the design is scalable and adaptable to climate conditions around the world—from urban centers in Europe to remote areas in North America and Asia.
“Builders worldwide can unlock the full potential of steel framing without sacrificing energy performance,” the Scottsdale article says. “It’s a true fusion of traditional thermal principles and modern steel framing solutions.”
Read the full Scottsdale Construction Systems article.
About Scottsdale Construction SystemsScottsdale Construction Systems is a global company focused on research and development and the innovative development of light gauge steel technology for the house building and construction industries.
Scottsdale Construction Systems has been providing world leading solutions for the manufacture of steel frames and trusses for both the residential and commercial construction markets since its inception in 1995.
We are based in Australia and have North American operations and a rich history in the United States and North America. We have an established network here in North America and also in almost 100 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit scottsdalesteelframes.com.
Additional Resources
- Scottsdale Posts Comprehensive Guide to Steel Framing for Modern Construction
- Scottsdale Posts Guide for Engineering Cold-Formed Steel Framed Homes
- Scottsdale’s Mahsa Mahdavian and SFIA’s Don Allen Discuss Steel Framing Innovations