Steel Frame
Construction | Additions
Steel Framing - Efficient Custom Construction
We deliver custom light gauge steel framing solutions: single-family homes, home additions, vertical extensions (over-roofing), and full renovations.
We put our team of specialized engineers and technicians at your disposal to guarantee the highest quality in every steel framing project.
The Smart and Efficient Way to Build
At Construcció Girona, we design, engineer, and build every project seamlessly from start to finish.
Certified experts
Comprehensive turnkey management
Based in Girona, serving all of Spain
Sustainable construction
Steel Framing vs. Traditional Construction: An Honest Comparison
Steel framing isn’t just different: it is superior in multiple key areas.
Construction timeline (less = better)
Steel Frame 62%
Traditional Construction 100%
Jobsite waste generated (less = better)
Steel Frame 25%
Traditional Construction 100%
Operational energy savings (more = better)
Steel Frame 80%
Traditional Construction 100%
We have published a detailed analysis of this comparison on our blog (Steel Frame vs. obra tradicional).
Advantages and Limitations of the Steel Framing System
Advantages
The profiles are prefabricated in the workshop with tolerances of ±0.5 mm. There is no guesswork on site.
Air cavities and mineral wool panels achieve thermal transmittance (U-values) below 0.2 W/m²K.
Galvanized steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, boasting recycling rates above 90%.
Limitations
The solution: using thermal break profiles and an Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS / ETICS) or sandwich panels for continuous external insulation.
The solution: offset this with high-density insulation and continuous mechanical extract ventilation (MVHR) systems. The overall energy efficiency is superior to traditional masonry.
The solution: work exclusively with specialized and certified crews. We supervise every phase with thorough quality control documentation.
Where and How Can Steel Framing Be Used?
Steel framing is not just for new builds. Its versatility and light weight make it ideal for structural solutions that would be unfeasible or cost-prohibitive using conventional construction methods.
Single-family homes
Multi-family buildings
Additions and outbuildings
Commercial premises and offices
Interior partition walls
Energy-efficiency retrofits
It is highly recommended for vertical extensions: the dead load of a light gauge steel framework is up to 5 times lighter than an equivalent reinforced concrete structure. This frequently allows additional floors to be built on existing structures without reinforcing the original foundations, yielding significant savings in the overall budget.
Economic Comparison: How Much Does It Cost to Build with Steel Framing?
The direct building costs of Steel Frame are comparable to traditional construction - and often lower when accounting for time, MEP installations, insulation, and finishes. The true savings are found in:
30-40%
Reduction in construction time
20-35%
Savings on annual HVAC (heating and cooling) costs
5-15%
Increase in usable floor area compared to traditional masonry walls
<5%
Jobsite waste generated
How much will your project cost?
Get an estimated price in minutes with our online calculator.
Steel Framing Step-by-Step: Comprehensive Solutions From Blueprint to Build
At Construcció Girona, we offer full-cycle management of the construction process. We do not separate design from execution; we coordinate everything under one roof.
1
Consulting & Feasibility Study
We analyze the plot, load requirements, local building codes, and the client's needs to determine if Steel Framing is the optimal choice for your specific project.
2
Technical Design & Structural Engineering
Drafting architectural blueprints and structural engineering plans. Every profile, screw, and anchor bolt is calculated and documented before breaking ground.
3
Off-site Profile Fabrication
Galvanized steel sections are cut and roll-formed in the facility using CNC machinery. Only the exact components required are delivered to the site, eliminating material waste and measurement errors.
4
Foundations (if applicable)
Slabs, footings, or grade beams depending on the project. For vertical extensions, the existing foundations can frequently be utilized.
5
Framing & Building Envelope Assembly
Assembly of the steel framework, installation of OSB sheathing, breathable housewrap membranes, mineral wool insulation, and drywall. Fully dry construction.
6
MEP Rough-ins & Finishes
Utilities (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems) are easily routed through the wall cavities. Interior and exterior finishes are applied according to client preferences.
7
Turnkey Delivery
We hand over the completed project alongside all technical documentation, quality certificates, and warranties. Post-delivery follow-up included.
FAQ about Steel Framing (Girona, Barcelona, Costa Brava)
The cost per square meter depends on the architectural complexity and the chosen finishes for the property. However, you can estimate your steel frame pricing using our online calculator.
A steel-frame home can last for many decades if properly engineered, protected, and maintained. Longevity depends more on execution quality, structural layering, and upkeep than on the building system itself.
Yes. Most financial institutions in Spain now offer mortgages for steel-frame homes, provided the project is approved by an architect’s guild (certified blueprint) and carries a 10-year structural warranty insurance policy (seguro decenal). At Construcció Girona, we guide you through the necessary paperwork to streamline the application process with your bank.
Not at all. A well-built home featuring excellent insulation, official technical certifications, and high-end finishes sells just like any other property. What matters most is that the buyer recognizes the safety, durability, energy efficiency, and build quality – exactly as they would with any traditional build.
Yes, with very few limitations. Expansive cantilevers, irregular shapes, and large window openings are actually easier to achieve than with traditional masonry. Practical constraints only arise with long clear spans lacking intermediate supports, where heavy structural steel is better suited than Light Gauge Steel Framing.
Absolutely. It is common practice to use traditional building methods for the basement or ground floor (due to direct contact with the ground and moisture) and steel framing for the upper floors. This is also the standard protocol for vertical additions, where the existing structure is traditional and the new level is built in lightweight steel framing.
Steel framing is fully regulated under the Spanish Technical Building Code (CTE), Eurocode 3 for steel structures, and applicable UNE standards. As an officially recognized building method, it can secure local building permits in any Spanish municipality, just like traditional brick-and-mortar homes.
Do you have a project in mind? Let’s talk.
We advise you on feasibility, deadlines, costs and construction process adapted to your project.
If your project goes beyond Steel Frame, at Construcció Girona we also specialize in