Photo Credits: McAleer & Rushe
McAleer & Rushe, a design and build contractor in the United Kingdom, is using prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing to construct a 420-unit student housing project in Liverpool, England.
Prefabricated CFS was selected for the project to minimize material deliveries, reduce carbon emissions and achieve savings for the construction of the purpose-built student accommodation development.
‘Very Good’ Sustainability Rating
The new student development is located within walking distance to the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. In addition to housing, the development will provide additional space for student activities, including a recording studio, half basketball court, fitness studio, library and zero waste shop.
Designed to a BREEAM Very Good rating, the project also offers ample external landscaping features, including two private courtyards, a private dining area, outdoor bar and performance stage and a serene area for yoga, meditation and study.
Prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing was selected for the Liverpool student housing project to minimize material deliveries, reduce carbon emissions and achieve savings.
Contractors Embrace Prefabrication
A growing number of building professionals are embracing prefabrication for student housing projects as a means to speed construction without sacrificing quality. Using CFS framing, contractors are building sustainable structures more efficiently, in less time and with lower costs.
“As construction partner and building on our successful early engagement approach, we are making use of offsite [prefabricated] manufacturing to deliver benefits throughout the construction process delivering the scheme efficiently and sustainably,” says Peter Devlin, contracts director at McAleer & Rushe.
In addition to prefabricated CFS framing, McAleer & Rushe plans to use bathroom pods to reduce site activity and deliveries at the Liverpool student housing project.
Construction has started and completion is expected by June 2025.
Photo Credit: FRAMECAD
Top 5 CFS Qualities
Builders are embracing prefabricated construction practices for a variety of reasons, including:
- Precision Manufacturing: CFS components are manufactured precisely through computer-aided design and manufacturing processes. This level of accuracy ensures that each component comes together seamlessly, reducing the need for onsite adjustments
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle: CFS is 30-60% lighter than traditional framing materials. This CFS characteristic makes handling and installation easier, reducing the physical demands placed on construction workers
- Consistent High Standards: CFS offers consistent strength and durability. Developers can rely on the predictability of the material, leading to fewer on and offsite construction delays
- Pre-Engineered Solutions: Many CFS framing systems are available as pre-engineered solutions. These systems come with detailed plans and components ready for assembly, further simplifying the construction process
- Reduced Waste: The design-led process and precision manufacturing of CFS components minimize waste and contribute to a more sustainable construction process. With less material going to landfills, developers not only save on disposal costs but also reduce the environmental impact of their projects
List provided by SFIA Member FRAMECAD
Student Housing Pioneer
McAleer & Rushe has delivered 11,500 purpose built student accommodation units across the United Kingdom and Ireland, and has an additional 2,500 under construction.
The company has completed several major construction projects in Liverpool and is currently on site at Park Lane, overlooking the Royal Albert Docks, delivering a new Maldron Hotel.
Additional Resources
- Steel at Forefront of Rise in Prefabricated Construction to Meet Housing Demand
- Steel Framing Saves Money, Adds Extra Story on Student Housing Project
- Steel Framing Accelerates Construction of UK School