Fusion’s Range of Fire Tested Walling Systems is Evolving
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Fusion Steel Framing has combined two decades of industry experience and technical knowledge to expand their award-winning range of solutions. Providing precision-engineered light steel framing systems offering high performance combined with numerous safety and sustainability benefits, Fusion works with clients to achieve exceptional programme benefits through a range of fully integrated solutions, including through-wall systems, pods and prefabricated utility cupboards.
Established as a sector leader for over twenty years, Fusion offers unparalleled experience in design, manufacture and installation of light steel framing systems. Working at the forefront of high-performance structures, the company has collaborated with some of the largest contractors and developers in the UK construction sector to deliver over 20,000 student bed spaces, apartments, care homes and low-rise homes.
Tried and Tested FusionX™
FusionX™ is a fully tested non-combustible unitised walling solution which has been developed in response to Building Regulation changes. Approved by the NHBC, registered under NHBC Accepts, FusionX™ also holds LABC Warranty and is BOPAS accredited. This loadbearing system is SCI and NHBC certified up to 10 storeys and can form part of a structure up to 14 storeys.
Enhancing onsite productivity through maximised Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) – FusionX™ is factory assembled for fast, cost-effective and quality-assured construction. Precision manufactured for rapid installation, FusionX™ can achieve U-values of 0.20W/m2k. The system provides developers and investors with a solution that offers a better strength to weight ratio than concrete, minimising groundworks and aiding sustainability outputs.
Fusion garnered further recognition for the FusionX™ system, with the company named as one of the finalists at the 2022 Offsite Construction Awards for their work on Holburne Park in the Best Use of Steel category. The project was an ambitious £26 million high-end residential development in the World Heritage City of Bath. By utilising the FusionX™ system for the superstructure, the project achieved a fast-track building programme. Fusion Steel Framing supplied the cold-rolled light steel system, delivered in collaboration with lead construction contractor, BECT.
Introducing Xterion™
Through technical know-how gained by delivering more light steel structures than any other European producer, Fusion has created Xterion™ – an innovative through-wall solution that incorporates a range of cladding solutions researched and developed specifically to enhance their FusionX™ system.
Launched at Offsite Expo 2022 to great acclaim, Xterion™ is the result of an extensive research and development programme which involved close collaboration with leading cladding and facade companies such as Benx. Creating a rapid dry building envelope, when combined with FusionX™ this warm frame solution delivers optimum performance values from 0.18W/m2K to Passivhaus standards – depending on the specification. The 2D panelised system has factory fitted non-combustible external boarding and is completed onsite with a range of lightweight render, brick and contemporary cladding finishes. Stringently tested to assure outstanding fire, thermal and acoustic performance, Xterion™ reduces the overall weight of the superstructure for lighter foundations but most importantly, delivers a watertight structure for synchronised activity with follow-on trades.
Talking about the addition of Xterion™ to the product portfolio, Fusion Managing Director, Mike Fairey said: “Our team has put a lot of research, time and expert knowledge into creating the Xterion™ through-wall system and the attention to detail shows in the result. FusionX™ is well established as one of the best light steel frame systems in the market and launching Xterion™ allows us to enhance the innovation that Fusion has become known for over two decades.”
Delivering Exceptional Performance
FusionX™ with the Xterion™ cladding range has been tested thoroughly as a unitised system for thermal performance and fire resistance at 60, 90 and 120-minute durations – permitting accurate value-engineering and exacting performance. This complete through-wall system is manufactured with a standard build-up of insulation between the studs and a 100mm mineral wool slab outside the frame. The complete unitised system has been developed to meet exceptional environmental performance and offers generous acoustic values with ratings up to Rw + Ctr 55dB – subject to build-up. This is further enhanced by the addition of the Xterion™ cladding range.
Outstanding Benefits
Fusion produces bespoke systems offsite at their advanced 80,000sqft lean manufacturing facility in Northampton, where they can output more than 30,000m2 of light steel frame annually on a single shift pattern. The long-term benefits of light steel frame usage such as its recyclable nature and the fact that steel does not shrink or warp over time – are well-evidenced and Fusion’s portfolio of third-party accreditations underpins this.
Fusion is committed to furthering the advancement of steel as a material that offers significant performance and sustainability benefits. As Fusion continues to further its reputation as a market leader at the forefront of the offsite sector, adding bathroom and en-suite pods and prefabricated utility cupboard supply to the portfolio, enhancing the available levels of PMV and minimising follow-on trades co-ordination.
Fusion also offers tours of their advanced manufacturing facility in Northampton at selected intervals throughout the year. You can register interest by contacting the Fusion team.
For more information visit: www.fusionsteelframing.co.uk
