AYRSHIRE AYRSHIRE

AyrFrameTM

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AyrFrameTM
AyrFrameTM is a lightweight, high strength steel modular building frame
system. Over the past 25 years we have fabricated a wide variety of frames
from one-off bespoke structures such as roof-top extensions and marketing
suites to multi-storey hotels, student accommodation and housing blocks.

We fabricate the steel frame assemblies that go on to be fitted out by specialist

firms. The chief benefit of AyrFrame’sTM is its weight, around 1.5 tonnes for a 25m2
room-sized module, multiple design possibilities (curves, skewed faces, sloped
ceilings) and tight tolerances that are only possible in a quality certified factory.

Structural frame strength comes from inter-locking precision steel joists and stud
sections. These are then fixed into position using short fillet welds. Racking is
prevented by furring runners that also serve to allow space for electrical wiring
to run behind plasterboards. Additional strength is added at the fit-out stage
by the addition of fire-check and OSB boarding that act as diaphragm braces.

Compared with traditional construction methods AyrFrameTM removes many of

the on site issues associated with construction and can significantly reduce project
completion time, typically by about 35%, giving a faster return on investment.

Modular construction is at its most efficient when a project is specifically designed

from the outset to be modular. Designing for modular requires an understanding
of module manufacturing, the AyrFrame Design Guide gives some insight
into the design details but please contact our design team with any queries.

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Example Applications
The Building System is suitable for use in all forms of permanent construction including:

• Houses and Apartments

• Hotels and Leisure Developments
• Student Accommodation
• Offices and Commercial
• Schools and Education
• Marketing Suites

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Structural Frame
• AyrFrameTM is manufactured
using rectangular ribs spaced at
centres along the module length with
panels at each end to complete the “box”. All
standard module components are manufactured from
pre-galvanised s450 grade steel material.

• Ribs typically comprise floor and ceiling joists at 150mm depth.

• Studs to the ribs are CS70 profile orientated such that the joists sit inside the “open” face of the
studs (i.e. between the lips). This means the ‘’depth” of wall stud is 44mm.

• The ribs are connected together along the length of the module using 10mm deep furring
runners to the vertical studs only, producing a total structural wall thickness of 54mm. Typical
construction includes 7 no. FRs equally spaced up the wall height.

• I00x38mm service slots at 610mm c/c are provided to the web of CS150 (ceiling) joists for
distribution of services through the room and down into the wall construction between ribs.

• This rib configuration at 400mm c/c is suitable for modules up to approximately 3.8m width for
residential applications.

• Ribs are orientated such that all the joists face the same way, except the “last” rib.

• For end panels forming external walls, 100-200mm deep studs are used dependant upon thermal
performance criteria requirements and quilt/board specification. For “corridor” end panels,
44mm “deep” studs are used. Furring runners are provided to end panels.

• Along the sides of the modules, external and internal angles are provided running full length of
the module and tying into the end panels.

• Apertures are provided within the steel framing to cater

for door, window and duct openings as appropriate.

• All module connections are made with

2-3mm thick fillet MIG welds. Where
the welding process removes the
galvanising, a zinc-rich paint
is applied via spray.

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• High quality factory finished rooms (fully snagged in the factory).

• Fully serviced rooms “ready to plug in” via risers and corridor
distribution routes.

• Actual board/finishes specification is dependant upon acoustic, fire

and thermal performance requirements.

• Range of typical performance values readily achievable dependant

upon specification of finishes:

U values: 0.20 - 0.35 W/m2K

Fire resistance: 60 - 90 mins
Acoustic insulation: 50 - 60 dB.

• Structural floor zones typically 275-280mm inclusive of finishes.

• Low rise or high rise projects (including progressive collapse resistance) .

• Cladding may be self supporting cavity masonry tied back to the

module, or a light weight cladding system supported off the modules.

• Maximum standard room width 4.2m (using 150mm deep floor joists).
Wider span rooms require open sided modules joined together on
site.

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Why AyrFrame?
AyrFrameTM steel framed room modules are prefabricated from Ayrshire’s range of lightweight
galvanised cold rolled steel profiles. High strength steel and fully welded construction, combine to
give optimum strength, stability and lightness. Exacting quality standards are applied at all stages
of manufacture, through to despatch, to ensure accuracy and quality are not compromised.

AyrFrameTM volumetric buildings can be designed as free standing structures, eliminating

heavy hot rolled steel or concrete frames. In the UK, multi-rise structures up to 17 storeys high
have been designed in accordance with current structural codes of practice, including progressive
collapse design.

AyrFrameTM modules have been used throughout the UK, to successfully fast track new
build hotel and student accommodation projects. The ability of the system to adapt to specific
site circumstances, is demonstrated by the number of hotel extensions built in the UK. Other
examples include nursing homes and residential apartment blocks.

AyrFrameTM prefabricated system build solutions will significantly reduce the construction
period by typically up to 35% in comparison to traditional build methods. The overall saving in
weight and speed of erection contribute to major cost savings. These include lighter foundations
and early occupancy. Individual prefabricated infill floor, wall and ceiling panels can be
incorporated within AyrFrameTM structures, when required.

AyrFrameTM can be readily matched to the specific project requirements for thermal, fire
and acoustic performance, by attaching suitable finishes. Fully fitted-out modules (by others)
arrive on site ready to be craned into position. All plumbing and electrics can be included.

References
SCI Publication ED014 - Light Steel Module Construction (2013)
SCI Publication ED016 - Fire Safety of Light Gauge Steel (2013)
SCI Publication P302 - Modular Construction Using Light Steel Framing: Residential Buildings (2001)
SCI Publication P272 - Modular Construction using Light Steel Framing: An Architects Guide (1999)
SCI Publication P348 - Building Design using Modules (2008)
SCI Publication ED015 - Acoustic Performance of Light Steel Construction (2013)
SCI Publication ED021 - Robustness of Light Steel Construction (2014)

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System Benefits
Factory Level Quality

Shorter Construction Programme

High Thermal Performance

Excellent Acoustic Performance

Environmentally Friendly

Sustainable

Low Carbon Footprint

Low Construction Waste

Low Energy Use

Low Maintenance

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About Our Company

Ayrshire Metals Limited are a leading cold rolled steel framing manufacturer,
having over 100 years’ experience with three manufacturing sites across the
UK. The Ayrshire group also has a subsidiary in Germany.

Coupled with a reputation on innovation, design and quality, Ayrshire is proud

to have earned the trust and loyalty of countless customers by providing cost
effective designs and products.

Ayrshire can trace our roots back to the late 1800’s as a ship building company
on the West coast of Scotland, near to the birth place of Robert Burns, a famous
poet and lyricist.

Today Ayrshire’s head office is based in Daventry and provides steel sections
for the building industry in the UK and beyond.

The Ayrshire group of companies are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of cold
rolled products to a diverse range of markets and industries. Our long history
and extensive experience actually helps us to be forward thinking, as shown by
our award of innovation for our AyrFrameTM concept. Our quality is underlined
by registration to ISO 9001 and our mission is to provide ‘Complete Customer
Satisfaction’.

Contact Us
Ayrshire Steel Framing Limited
Royal Oak Way
Daventry
NN11 8NR

Tel: +44 (0) 1327 300990

Email: [email protected]
www.ayrshire.co.uk

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