Alaskan Framing Solutions
Alaskan Framing Solutions: A Fresh Look at Steel Framing in Alaska
In 2017, Anchorage resident Michael Shestakov sat down with a cup of coffee and prepared to design his new hillside home. As he pondered the design, he asked himself a simple question, “why not steel framing?” His quest for answers led him to a solution: Alaskan Framing Solutions, Alaska’s first local manufacturer of steel wall panels, trusses and joists for panelized construction.
Traditionally, most homes are built with lumber and other building materials. However, steel has many benefits including being the most cost-effective and boasting the highest strength-to-weight ratio. Steel is five times lighter than wood. Significant savings are immediately realized because the foundation requires less material. The same weight difference also means lesser forces being imparted by seismic activity.
Steel is 100% recyclable which makes it a low carbon-footprint and energy efficient material. It’s excellent for C-PACE and LIHTC funding. Steel is durable, inorganic, non-combustible and dimensionally stable. It will not rot, fuel a fire or warp as wood would do. It’s also more likely to withstand high winds, due to the strength of its connections.
When paired with the benefits of panelized construction, AFS provides an unmatched and superior solution to residential and commercial builders including shorter jobsite times. With AFS, jobsite times are measured in days not weeks or months. This also allows for predictable construction schedules. Steel also improves build quality with straight walls, perfect corners and accurate dimensions. Steel significantly discounts the builder’s risk insurance. There’s also less scrap and waste.
AFS employs Scottsdale Construction Systems equipment to roll-form framing materials out of steel coils. Individual pieces are quickly riveted together, as they come off the machine, to form wall panels, trusses and joists. An entire house frame can be produced, packed and shipped in a single 20-foot shipping container. Each component is labeled and marked in specific sequence, allowing the on-site crew to erect the frame in a handful of days.
Existing lumber designs can be redesigned to steel, complete with engineering, using Scottsdale software. AFS offers this service to help builders use their existing catalog of house plans. Located in Anchorage, AFS became operational in February 2023. We have test bed projects in queue with several builders. We have also partnered with Nordic Builders for experienced frame installation. Schedule a visit today to see our facility. Viewing our purpose-built framing demo will allow an in-depth view of the final product including aspects of fastening, bracing, plumbing and wiring.
AFS is funded by a group of private investors, including the 49th State Angel Fund (Municipality of Anchorage).
We have partnered with several other successful manufacturers, including Australian Framing Solutions and StrongBuilt Construction Services. We’re a member of the Steel Framing Industry Association and a Registered Contractor with C-PACE. For more information visit alaskasteelframe.com.
Additional Resources:
AFS is funded by a group of private investors, including the 49th State Angel Fund (Municipality of Anchorage).
We have partnered with several other successful manufacturers, including Australian Framing Solutions and StrongBuilt Construction Services. We are a member of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) and a Registered Contractor with C-PACE.
We suggest the following additional resources to learn more about us and what we aim to achieve:
Scottsdale Technology: https://www.scottsdalesteelframes.com/
Australian Framing Solution Partner: https://framingsolutions.com.au/
StrongBuilt Construction Services Partner: https://www.strongbuiltla.com/
Steel Framing Industry Association: https://buildsteel.org/
C-PACE Funding Program: https://cpace-plus-site-muniorg.hub.arcgis.com/
LIHTC Funding Program: https://www.ahfc.us/pros/homelessness/develop ment-grants/low-income-housing-tax-credit
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