Menu

Update #13: Cold-Formed Steel for a Ski Resort, Apartment Complex and Residence Hall

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 showcase its noncombustible properties, ability to shorten construction schedules and use in prefabricated systems.

Topics
Update #13: Cold-Formed Steel for a Ski Resort, Apartment Complex and Residence Hall by Dan Snyder

Scottsdale Tech Helps Rebuild Argentina Ski Resort in 6 Months

The reconstruction of a ski resort in Las Pendientes, San Martín de los Andes, Argentina, destroyed by a devastating fire in 2023, showcases what’s possible with steel roll-forming technology. After a fire destroyed the original lodge and several nearby buildings, the ski village quickly began rebuilding. Within six months, a new 8,825-square-foot facility was constructed, restoring the heart of the resort community.

Scottsdale Construction System cold-formed steel roll-forming technology

Scottsdale Construction System’s advanced cold-formed steel (CFS) roll-forming technology was central to the accelerated rebuild of a ski resort in Las Pendientes, San Martín de los Andes, Argentina. Image Credit: Scottsdale Construction Systems

Cold-formed steel (CFS) and advanced roll-forming technology, from SFIA member Scottsdale Construction Systems, were central to the accelerated rebuild. Unlike wood, which is combustible and can accelerate the spread of fire, CFS is noncombustible and maintains its structural integrity under extreme conditions. With Scottsdale’s roll-forming equipment, precision steel components were produced on-site, ensuring efficiency, accuracy and resilience throughout construction. The new resort was also engineered for high-altitude performance, with steel framing designed to withstand snow loads ranging from 5 feet at the base to more than 8 feet at the top.

The structure is now safer, stronger and constructed to high-performance standards without compromising architectural quality. By leveraging CFS and roll-forming innovation, the Las Pendientes ski resort is a model of resilient construction for regions confronting both wildfire risk and harsh weather conditions.

Read the full article from Scottsdale Construction Systems. 

Steel Framing Cuts U.K. Apartment Build Time by 30%

The $90 million Indigo apartments in Peterborough, England, were recently completed using prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, reducing construction time and supporting sustainable building practices. The nine-story structure features a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and 37 townhouses. Supported by a $16 million grant, Indigo has quickly established a thriving community in the heart of the city.

The Indigo apartments in Peterborough, England, were completed using prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, reducing the construction timeline by 30% compared to traditional building methods.

A defining feature of Indigo is its use of CFS framing and off-site manufacturing, which shortened construction timelines by up to 30% compared to traditional building methods. The precision of steel framing and the efficiency of prefabrication enabled the project to meet high environmental standards, delivering durable, energy-efficient homes. These benefits translate into lower utility costs and reduced long-term maintenance for the residents.

Just months after completion, Indigo has been shortlisted for two national awards: Housing Project of the Year and Modern Methods of Construction. The recognition highlights the development’s role as a model of speed, efficiency and resilience made possible through steel framing. Award winners will be announced in November, positioning Indigo as a leading example of how steel can shape the future of residential construction.

Read the full article. 

Steel Shortens Build Time for Tampa Residence Hall

The Grand Center Residence Hall at the University of Tampa, Florida, is a 10-story structure that houses nearly 700 students, making it the largest building on campus. Completed in less than two years, the project opened for the 2024 fall semester. In addition to student housing, the hall includes academic space and a parking facility and maintains architectural harmony with the university’s historic campus.

Prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing was essential to meeting the aggressive schedule. The upper levels of the building were constructed using factory-built panels incorporating steel framing, sheathing, air and water barriers and insulation. Delivered fully glazed and sealed, the panels reduced exterior wall installation by 66 days, enabling rapid dry-in and energy-efficient performance suited to Florida’s hot, humid climate.


SurePods prefabricated bathroom modules, also built with steel framing, added further efficiency and quality control. Delivered fully finished, the pods were craned into place with minimal disruption to the active campus. Together, the prefabricated steel-framed panels and SurePods helped the project team cut weeks off the schedule, setting a benchmark for modern student housing construction.

Read the full article.

Additional Resources