Holiday homes with metal structure

This text is part of an extended series of articles on Holiday homes - why and what to build your holiday home from and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the construction systems commonly used in the construction of such buildings.

Metal frame houses are quite similar prefabricated houses - The structure is made in a specialized factory to an initial design and then assembled on site.

This type of structure might sound tempting enough for relatively quick construction of a vacation home. Like all the other examples of houses discussed in this mini-series, metal frame houses have advantages and disadvantages. The important thing is to be aware of these at the outset.

Light metal structure houses

The most common variants of metal frame houses in Romania are light metal frame houses, where the metal elements are made in the factory, assembled on site and clad. They can also be found in the form of prefabricated metal frame panel houses, where the panels are made entirely in specialized factories, clad with OSB and then erected on site.

The prices of metal structures can be much higher than the prices of other building materials, both the material itself and the labor. It takes skilled people who know how to work with metal in this way. Due to the shorter lead times, metal can be a real advantage for those working against the clock.

Advantages of metal frame houses

1. Versatility of structure

The properties of metal structures make them suitable for any shape, with few limitations compared to wooden structures or traditional houses. Also, later alterations or extensions are much easier to carry out with metal frame houses.

2. Shorter mounting time

As metal structures require metal elements made in specialized factories, their pre-assembly on the construction site can be completed in a relatively short time. In addition, the controlled environment in which the metal elements are made ensures quality and safety control before they are assembled on site, resulting in safer houses.

3. Good resistance to earthquakes

Metal behaves well in earthquakes as it is an elastic material. It is therefore suitable for any area and is guaranteed to be a safe structure. Damage in the event of an earthquake will be less than other types of structures.

4. Reduced structure dimensions

Steel structural elements are sized according to the size of the building openings, which are comparatively smaller than other types of structures such as reinforced concrete frames. In the case of metal structures, the walls are thinner and the difference between the usable area of the rooms and the built-up area is smaller. In this respect, rooms are at least 15 cm larger on each side.

Disadvantages of metal frame houses

1. Lower energy efficiency

Because metal is a good conductor of heat, thermal bridges between elements are easily created. Therefore, extra care is needed when insulating metal-framed houses. In theory, no metal elements should connect the inside to the outside because that is where the heat escapes.

2. Metal structures store heat

Unlike brick houses which work very well as insulators in both winter and summer, being cooler in summer and warmer in winter, metal frame houses absorb heat in summer and can significantly increase temperatures inside. The same goes in winter with the cold outside. Thermal insulation is therefore very important in metal frame houses.

3. Reduced mounting flexibility

While wooden structural elements can be modified on site, metal elements are much more difficult to modify on site. The design of the house must therefore be well thought out and in line with the realities on the ground (e.g. the slope of the land) before the metal elements are made.

4. Rust

If termites and wood decay are wood's number one enemy and need to be treated regularly to reduce the risk of their occurrence, metal is rust. The appearance of rust causes a weakening of the structural capacities of metal elements, which can lead to rapid deterioration of the construction. Fortunately, there are certain special treatments that help to combat the appearance of rust and preserve the integrity of the structure for longer.

5. Sound insulation

Like thermal insulation, sound insulation, which is very necessary in metal structures, must also be considered. Being a good conductor of sound of all kinds, metal needs additional soundproofing material for better utilization of spaces.

These are among the most important advantages and disadvantages to consider if you are thinking about using a steel structure for the construction of your vacation home. Each has a greater or lesser weight in the final design and must be carefully weighed before making a decision.

If you have any other ideas, feel free to leave them in the comments.