Intellisteel Converts Wood-Framed Project to Steel, Speeds Up Framing Construction by 30%

Images provided by Intellisteel.

A Michigan project has grabbed the attention of multifamily developers, who face mounting pressure to deliver resilient, cost‑effective buildings on aggressive schedules thanks to the analysis, engineering and manufacturing of Intellisteel, a Florida-based engineer and manufacturer of cold-formed steel (CFS) structures.

In taking the lead with client relations, engineering and delivery, Intellisteel successfully transitioned a Brighton, Michigan, development — The Vista at Brighton, originally specified with wood framing — to steel framing. The result was faster framing construction and lower costs, according to the article, “Multi‑family Project Converts Framing from Wood to Steel,” posted by Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) member FRAMECAD. 

Intellisteel successfully transitioned The Vista at Brighton, a project originally specified with wood framing, to cold-formed steel (CFS) framing.

Intellisteel Swaps Wood for CFS

When DTN Management started work on Vista at Brighton —a four‑story, 300,000 square foot luxury apartment complex with 233 units —  insurance premiums tied to the original wood framing threatened the project’s budget and schedule. So, DTN turned to Intellisteel to re-engineer the framing and trusses with CFS members and safeguard the project’s economics and timeline.

Intellisteel employs a “Design for Manufacturing and Assembly” methodology that integrates architects, MEP contractors, general contractors and steel fabricators from project inception. 

Leveraging the FRAMECAD technology system, the team generated 3D, machine‑ready component files. roll formers then produced each stud and truss cut to length with pre‑punched MEP service holes, eliminating onsite fabrication and minimizing waste.

“We can deliver high-quality CFS structures in half the time it would take with traditional methods, all while cutting costs and reducing the need for onsite labor,” says Stanley Adwell, Intellisteel co-founder and CEO. “You just can’t match the speed of CFS construction.”

CFS: 30% Faster Framing, Lower Insurance Costs

Partnering with Wolverine Group, a general contractor with 80 years of design-build expertise, Intellisteel converted the original wood-framing plans to CFS framing, which included modeling all plumbing stacks and electrical chases. Prefabricated CFS components were then delivered to the jobsite, simplifying installation and accelerating construction.

The switch to steel framing achieved several gains:

• Schedule Compression: Steel framing progressed 30% faster than traditional framing methods, with crews installing up to 20,000 square feet of load‑bearing walls and trusses in one week
• Cost Efficiency: Intellisteel’s bid offered a $5 per square foot reduction before factoring in the savings from lower insurance premiums. Steel’s non‑combustibility and resilience to flood and seismic loads translated to lower premiums and further reduced the total cost of ownership
• Quality and Precision: Steel’s dimensional stability eliminated warping and differential settlement. Long corridors remained true and straight, enabling immediate shear‑wall tightening and rapid progression to drywall. Reduced field modifications also enhanced site cleanliness and safety

CFS: ‘A Better Way to Build’

Intellisteel’s work at The Vista at Brighton affirms that steel framing is not merely an alternative to wood. It’s a superior solution for modern multifamily construction. 

“Change is hard, but in our experience, transitioning to CFS was easy and seamless,” said John Law, project superintendent for the Wolverine Group. “In my opinion, CFS delivered with Intellisteel and FRAMECAD is just a better way to build.”

Read the original article by FRAMECAD.

Additional Resources

• Light Yet Mighty: Steel’s Strength-to-Weight Surpasses Wood and Concrete
• Building Stronger, Safer Structures: How Cold-Formed Steel Excels in Hurricane Zones
• FRAMECAD Launches Residential Steel Framing Customer Service Center