Have you heard of a house that is built using LGSF (Light Gauge Steel Frame) technology? Then look no further than this 'lightweight house' made by laying fiber cement boards on steel frames. This fascinating house was supposed to be a weekend getaway for Dr Jayakumar and his wife Bindu.
The house is located at 5 cents in Kozhikode. Its architects are ODF Group, which manufactures prefab houses. This plot is on two levels. The ground floor was used for parking and the upper floor for buildings.
Mode of construction
After laying the foundation, the framework is constructed as per the plan with a Light Gauge Steel Frame. In this, the fiber cement panels are screwed and attached to form the wall. The roof is similarly trussed, and a fiber cement board is attached. The top is covered with roofing tiles or shingles. Interiors are separated by fibre cement boards.
Wiring and plumbing can be done easily in a concealed style as there is no need to cut through the wall. The house is about 1000 Sq.ft. Entering the home through a long veranda, there is an open living room, kitchen with breakfast counter, and an indoor gym nearby.
Basically, the doctor and his family intended this house as a retreat from their busy lives. And they are elated to see that happen. Since it is a lightweight construction, only a basic foundation is enough. The house can be completed in three months with few workers. As there is no need for curing like a concrete house, programs such as watering after roofing are avoided.
It is also very eco-friendly and can be disassembled if necessary, modified inside, and re-installed elsewhere. There is also zero wastage of construction materials and also guarantees resale value as steel prices are on the rise. It is also resistant to earthquakes and fire. By reducing the thickness of the walls, taking 1000 Sq. ft gives an additional 100 Sq. ft of carpet area. Since there is better energy efficiency; there is less heat inside due to thermal insulation.
