Best Wall Build-Up Systems for Steel Frame Houses and Extensions
When planning a steel frame house or extension, choosing the right wall build-up is essential for achieving thermal efficiency, structural integrity, and compliance with building regulations. These decisions — including insulation methods and external finishes — are made by you, your engineer, and your builder, based on the U-Values you want to achieve.
All external finishes and wall build-up elements, including insulation layers and render, are completed on-site by your builder following frame installation.
At Shanette, we manufacture and install the steel frame structure only. All insulation layers, renders, cladding, or brickwork are applied on-site by your builder after the frame is installed, ensuring your chosen design and finish are achieved.
To support your project, we offer two primary structural options: Hybrid Frame and Warm Frame — each designed to accommodate different insulation approaches and performance targets.
Note:U-Value measures how well a wall, roof, or floor retains heat — the lower the U-Value, the better the insulation.
Key Differences between Hybrid and Warm Frame
The primary distinction between Hybrid Frame and Warm Frame systems lies in the location of the insulation :
1. Hybrid Frame
2. Warm Frame
For the Hybrid Frame, insulation is installed both within the 100 mm steel frame (to be fitted on-site by others) and on the external face of the frame, which is factory-fitted. Common external insulation materials include foil-backed PIR boards, Rockwool mineral wool, or metal-faced insulated sandwich panels – each offering unique advantages depending on project needs.
For the Warm Frame, insulation is installed on the exterior face of the Shanette steel frame, creating a continuous, uninterupted thermal layer. We can priovide guidance on U-values for both Warm Frame and Hybrid Frame wall types to help your building achieve the best possible energy rating.
Hybrid Frame – NSAI Agrement Certified External Wall Insulation Facade System
A façade system comprises the insulation, weather barrier and cladding layers that wrap around your building’s exterior, managing heat flow, moisture and wind loads while defining its aesthetic.
Hybrid Frame - External Wall with PIR Insulation and Masonry Outer Leaf.
The Hybrid system combines external PIR insulation with additional insulation placed within the steel frame. This approach balances thermal performance with cost-effectiveness, making it a practical choice for a wide range...
Warm Frame – External Wall with PIR Insulation and Rendered Masonry Outer Leaf
This system places all insulation outside the steel frame, creating a continuous thermal envelope. By minimising thermal bridging, it ensures superior energy efficiency and a aconsistent interior climate.
Warm Frame - External Wall with PIR Insulation and Masonry Outer Leaf
This build-up includes a brick masonry exterior, providing a traditional yet durable finish. The external PIR insulation ensures a seamless thermal barrier.
Options for Wall Build-Ups & Finishes (Builder Installed)
Our steel frames are compatible with a wide range of wall finishes, from masonry to cladding systems. Final finishes are completed by your builder, giving you the flexibility to choose the look and performance that best suits your project.
While masonry-based wall build-ups remain the most popular choice, a wide variety of alternative finishes are available to your builder to help achieve distinctive aesthetics and enhanced performance. These include seamless cladding for a sleek, modern look; external insulation systems with acrylic render to improve thermal efficiency and design flexibility; and burnt larch cladding for a more rustic charm. Our steel frames are engineered to support a broad range of finishes, allowing your builder to deliver a home or extension that reflects your vision and offers lasting architectural appeal.
