Lightweight, load-bearing steel frame element

Double-shell elements with high Rc and Rw values

In De Lier, De Vries en Verburg is building a new industrial hall followed by a 3-story office building. To minimize construction lead time, the contractor is using the ThermoFrame facade system from Leebo Intelligent Building Systems. The lightweight and load-bearing steel frame element, combined with unique fiberglass coupling anchors, makes the facade wind and watertight in one move and guarantees a high Rc and Rw value.

Rapid construction method

Leebo Intelligent Building Systems is a familiar party to De Vries en Verburg. "We have jointly carried out several projects in the past. It is a very knowledgeable and practical contractor," says Glenn de Vree of Leebo Intelligent Building Systems. "Over a year ago, we started the engineering process. We engineered, manufactured and assembled only the facade of the office building. For this, a relatively high insulation (Rc) and soundproofing (Rw) value was required as well as a relatively fast construction method. With our ThermoFrame facade system, we can meet this requirement perfectly."

Cold-bridge free

The applied ThermoFrame façade system is a double-shell element consisting of two similar frames of lightweight and cold-formed U- and C-steel profiles that are connected to each other by means of glass-fiber composite Schöck coupling anchors cold-bridge-free. The space in between is filled with insulation. Glenn: "The result is a highly insulating and soundproof element that we prefabricate completely in our factory. We then allow the contractor to assemble the frames at our facility in Nieuwkuijk. So when we then assemble the elements on site, the building is wind and watertight in one move." 

Specific interior and exterior finishes

Leebo Intelligent Building Systems started production of the elements October 2023. A total of one hundred elements in various sizes are involved. The inside is finished with an SEM panel and then finished with a layer of plaster, while on the outside a combination of flashing with NobelWood has been chosen. The latter is a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood. "For the finish of our ThermoFrame facade system, basically everything is possible, from stone strips, corten steel and natural stone to ceramic, aluminum or HPL cassettes. And so also NobelWood."

Inside charger system

Leebo developed a special transport frame to transport the ThermoFrame façade elements fully glazed, but safely towards the construction site. "In this project we are using our inside loader system. It is a drop-off frame on which four elements can be transported upright, so that the frame and glass remain well protected," Glenn assures. "Another advantage is that we can load the elements safely from ground level. At the construction site, it's a matter of placing the elements on the pre-assembled brackets, filling the space between the floor edge and the elements with insulation, and then finishing them airtight. Thus, the building is already wind and watertight. In the subsequent phase, we assemble the aesthetic shell, which by the way is also fully prefabricated prepared. It is the strength of our Leebo total system with a focus on prefabrication and as few assembly operations as possible on site."

The new building is expected to be ready for occupancy in spring 2025.