Design of the housing product

Light steel framing has been introduced as a substitute for the

block inner leaf in conventionally built housing, and has been

marketed as not requiring significant changes to current practice.

However, theories of industrialised construction have long held

that successful implementation of building systems requires a

thorough re-evaluation of products, processes and practices.

The Hi Spec project investigated the potential for light steel frame

systems in a scenario where the constraint of emulating current

practice and products has been lifted. Recent shifts in the housing

market and its regulatory framework, mean that this kind of

innovation is increasingly required of an industry that has often

been accused of being adverse to change.

During the Hi Spec project, student architects designed housing

'products' that have market appeal and make effective use of light

steel framing; They were not required to reproduce current house-

building products and practices, or to see themselves in the

traditional architect's role, but they were expected to take a robust

attitude towards construction technology.

As a result their designs imply innovative practice for all those

involved in the production of light steel frame houses.