Retiring university lecturer Stuart Helliwell has found a way to put waves on his roof, with the help of some innovative local design work and some lightweight framing made from TRUECORE® light weight steel framing.

Moving from Wagga to Long Beach on New South Wales' south coast to their dream beach-side residence, Stuart and his wife specifically asked for steel framing and roof cladding as a way to get the modern and interesting look they wanted for their home.

The roof will have six separate roof sections, to be clad in COLORBOND® steel, each forming a curving wave. These will provide an impressive cover to the split-level, open-plan house, which internally will benefit from steel framing because of the spanning capability it gives the structure. The house will have a large open living area, ideal for casual beach living and for entertaining when friends and relatives come to stay, something the Helliwell's anticipate.

"Using steel for the framing was really the only option for me because of the look I wanted," explained Stuart Helliwell. "The house has a very contemporary, beachy feel, which we really love. It seems to fit the environment at Long Beach perfectly. Also, on a practical maintenance level, I'm confident the curving roof design will help prevent the build up of leaves which does spoil the look of a building, clog up drains and pose a bushfire risk."

COLORBOND® steel was the only realistic option for the roof cladding because of its modern look that suited the innovative roof design. Also, it made practical sense for the future, offering long-term durability and ease of maintenance.

According to local building designer Michael Hallahan, who designed the house, "Stewart really wanted something functional, but that would stand out too, which this kind of design really does well. It's definitely a good fit for the area."

House frames made from steel framing are strong, lightweight and have excellent spanning capabilities, which lends itself well to designs for modern open-plan living. They are extremely durable, not warping, rotting or twisting over time, and can't be eaten by termites. Because of this, house frames made from steel are thought of as very 'future considerate' and are ideally placed to meet environmental and building design regulations.

Stewart's house, due for completion later this year, was built by Aussie Steel Homes, a fast growing company on New South Wales' south coast.

"This is a great example of how people are embracing steel products, for both creative and functional reasons," said Dean Busse, director of Aussie Steel Homes. "Our business is booming in New South Wales and all the people who come to us do appear to have similar, and very high, expectations. They want style, innovation, but also durability and peace of mind.

"Our business comes from direct referrals and from people driving past a house they like the look of, and enquire after. That alone is keeping us more than busy!"

Another company being kept busy is Aussie Steel Home's sister company Truss Steel, which manufactures the frames made from TRUECORE® steel at its facility in Moruya, near Nowra.

Errol Roulstone, co-owner of Truss Steel, makes of the Helliwell house's steel frame, said "Steel frames are definitely growing in popularity because of the different benefits they bring. From the architect designing the house, to the builder on site and the proud homeowner, steel house frames seem to tick all the boxes."

Types of steel used in building

Living area	220 m2
New-build home

Location of steel solutions

Beams
Doors
External wall
Floor
Foundation
Light steel sections
Roof
Window

Types of steel used in building

Long carbon steel
Metallic coated flat carbon steel