A New LEAF In Offsite Delivery
Frameclad will be launching its Lightweight Engineered Adjustable Frame (LEAF) system at OFFSITE EXPO – what’s involved and how will it change the face of light steel frame design?.
LEAF is an adaptable solution developed by Frameclad that is simple in form yet revolutionary in application. A finalist in the 2024 Offsite Awards in the Product Innovation category, the four-axis adjustable light steel frame infill system can be extended and aligned in all directions to overcome the challenges associated with mainframe dimensional discrepancies.
LEAF is the result of the total Frameclad team – designers, engineers, manufacturers and technical experts – coming together to create a system that overcomes an issue that is frequently experienced once a light steel frame infill system arrives on-site.
The surrounding structure in which a frame is placed is not always aligned as intended, and it is important for frames to be as adaptable as possible to ‘fill’ the void. This issue is particularly relevant for exterior infill walling applications, where concrete can be mis-poured and adjacent structures may be deflected from the intended design.
In a class of its own
Patent pending, LEAF is a unique innovation. As an exterior high performance infill walling system, it is typically designed to resist wind loads and is engineered to take a wide spectrum of external cladding systems. For interior infill walling applications, LEAF can be engineered to meet design briefs and Building Regulations for fire resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation. In either application, the LEAF infill system can allow flexibility for the sill and head of the window or door to be adjusted as necessary to be level.
“Firstly, I have to say that we are delighted to reach the finals of the Offsite Awards,” said Nik Teagle, Joint Managing Director for Frameclad. “It is testament to our ‘fit first time’ approach which was the motivation behind this product innovation.
“What sets LEAF infill panels apart is that the system can be adjusted on-site in all directions with total ease. From ‘top to bottom and side to side’ without the use of any specialist tools, cutting or welding equipment. When the aperture is totally ‘infilled’ from ceiling to floor and wall to wall, the innovated light steel mechanism is just locked into place.”
Advancing offsite technology
With the option of A1 non-combustible boards and glass mineral wool insulation, LEAF can be designed and tested to meet fire safety regulations so can be used in high-rise buildings over 18m. With zero waste in the manufacturing process and no cutting or welding on-site, the LEAF system has a predicted design life of 250 years in a warm frame environment. At the end of life it can be adapted, reused or recycled.
“Advancing the development and reputation of offsite technology, our product innovation will increase the wider market opportunities for light steel infill frames by offering assurances to installers and contractors,” adds Nik. “Safeguarding our ‘fit first time’ ethos, LEAF offers installers the flexibility to compensate for dimensional issues. Ensuring that the aperture is totally infilled, improves airtightness within the building envelope to enhance thermal performance and help achieve net zero goals.”
Saving a vast amount of time when compared to traditional on-site stick built steel frame system infill methods, LEAF has the flexibility to ensure that the project parameters such as datum levels and windows sizes are met. This in turn reduces costs and enhances building schedules as well as reducing health and safety risks by removing cutting and hot works from the construction process. LEAF is backed by ISO and BOPAS Accreditation, NHBC /SCI Infill, CE Certification and Constructionline Gold.
If you are visiting Offsite Expo, come to our stand for a coffee and check out our new LEAF system on display!
