Modern Homes Ireland (MHI)

Description of Modern Homes Ireland (MHI) Volumetric Light Gauge Steel Frame Building System

Modern Homes Ireland (MHI) are a development and manufacturing company supplying “Turn-Key” Volumetric light gauge steel frame (LGSF) accommodation for low and medium rise multiple occupancy facilities up to 6 storeys, throughout the UK & Ireland

The basic principle of the Volumetric structure is that lightweight galvanised steel sections are used to form the Modules based on proven engineering methods. The floor, walls and roof are formed using Light Gauge Steel (LGS) Panels formed in the factory from coils using their own specialist roll former to produce sections and profiles as appropriate. The wall studs are produced to BS EN 10346:2005 from steel type G390GD + Z275. For severe environmental conditions the galvanised coating can be increased to Z450 or Z600. The cold rolled steel elements are certified to SCI NHBC Stage 1.

External cladding where this is required, can be mounted to the external faces of the modules, However this is usually dependent on Logistic and shipping restrictions and depends on the cladding specification and its suitability for transportation. The structural frame is designed to suit a range of lengths and widths of modules, its robust construction makes it an ideal fit for a ‘circular’ approach to sustainability in modular construction. These key structural elements can be repeatedly reused in refurbished or re-purposed modular units, contributing to an 80% proportion of recyclable components and materials in the modules.

Limits on scope

• Maximum 3 storeys for domestic housing using C section or lattice joists
• Bottom members in contact with foundations/sub-structure must be fully isolated from contact with moisture from the ground or external sources
• Where lightweight gauge steel framing is used for ground floor construction, the ground below the floor must be sealed to prevent moisture entering the void, such as a membrane with 50mm oversite concrete, in accordance with the recommendations of Steel Construction Institute publication P262.
• Where a lightweight gauge steel frame ground floor occurs over a void next to the ground, the void must be cross ventilated to a minimum standard of 1500mm2/linear metre, or 500mm2/m2 of floor area.
• Masonry wall cladding cavities should be minimum 50mm and ventilated.
• Conventional cladding, such as timber cladding, should have a minimum 25mm drained back-cavity, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Wetherby Rendered external thermal insulation systems and/or insulated brick slip cladding systems applied to steel-framed structures No minimum drained back-cavity as per BBA certificates
• Stainless steel fixings, such as channels for masonry retention systems, must be isolated from the galvanised steel to prevent bi-metallic corrosion where there is a risk of exposure to moisture.
• MHI must be contracted for the design, manufacture and supply of the structures.
• The structural analysis and design for the structure is undertaken by approved Structural Engineers .