Two-Storey Light Steel Keel Townhouses Design For Natales, Southern Chile

Two-Storey Light Steel Keel Townhouses Design for Natales, Southern Chile

Design Based on G550 AZ150 Light Steel, FrameCAD Technology & CBC One-Stop Solutions

 

A1: Core Design Framework & Technical Parameters

The project consists of 24 two-storey townhouses arranged in two Z-shaped rows (12 units per row), adopting a full light steel keel structure with G550 AZ150 material as the main structural component. All structural design, fabrication and processing are completed using New Zealand-sourced FrameCAD software and forming machines, ensuring precision and consistency. The design service life exceeds 50 years, fully adapting to the low-temperature environment in southern Chile (Natales region) with enhanced thermal insulation and structural stability. Key design details are as follows:

 

1.1 Layout & Dimensions

Each townhouse covers an area of 9.35m (width) × 7.6m (length), with a total building area of approximately 142.52㎡ (including two floors). The Z-shaped arrangement of each row optimizes land utilization, improves ventilation and lighting conditions, and enhances the overall wind resistance of the community (adapting to the strong winds in southern Chile). The clear height is 2.8m for the first floor and 2.7m for the second floor.

 

1.2 Functional Layout

First Floor: Living room (18㎡), dining room (12㎡), kitchen (8㎡), and one bathroom (4㎡); the space is open and connected, with a rational traffic flow line.

Second Floor: Two bedrooms (master bedroom 15㎡, secondary bedroom 12㎡) and two bathrooms (en-suite bathroom 5㎡, public bathroom 4㎡); the master bedroom is equipped with an independent bathroom to improve living comfort.

 

1.3 Structural System

Adopt a light steel frame shear wall structure system, with vertical loads borne by G550 AZ150 light steel keels (including wall keels, floor joists, roof purlins and main beams) and horizontal loads (wind, earthquake) resisted by shear walls fully reinforced with 18mm water-resistant OSB panels. The roof adopts a single-slope design with parapets (wrapped by 27mm PU metal carved panels), which not only meets the local architectural aesthetics but also effectively drains snow and rainwater (adapting to the heavy snowfall in southern Chile), while the enhanced keel density ensures structural stability under combined loads.

 

1.4 Enclosure & Insulation System

Exterior Wall: 27mm PU metal carved panels (decorative + thermal insulation integrated), combined with inner-layer insulation cotton and OSB structural panels to form a composite insulation system.

Roof: 0.6mm color steel single sheet as the roof tile, with a multi-layer insulation structure (waterproof membrane + insulation cotton + vapor barrier) to resist low temperatures and heat loss.

Floor Slab: 18mm cement fiberboard as the base layer, with insulation and sound insulation materials (glass wool) laid in the interlayer to meet living comfort requirements.

 

1.5 One-Stop Supporting Facilities

CBC provides a full set of supporting facilities, including doors and windows (aluminum alloy thermal insulation doors and windows), flooring (waterproof and wear-resistant wood-plastic flooring), and water and electricity facilities (anti-freezing pipes, energy-saving electrical components), ensuring the integrity and adaptability of the project.

 

A2: Load Bearing, Stability & Environmental Adaptability Analysis

The structural calculation is based on Chilean local building codes (NCh 433) and combined with the climatic and geological conditions of Natales (low temperature, heavy snow, moderate earthquake intensity). The calculation software adopts FrameCAD (New Zealand) for integrated modeling and analysis, with key indicators meeting or exceeding the design requirements.

 

2.1 Material Performance of G550 AZ150 Light Steel

G550 AZ150 light steel has a yield strength of ≥550MPa and a tensile strength of ≥600MPa, with AZ150 hot-dip galvanized coating (zinc layer thickness ≥150g/㎡) to ensure excellent corrosion resistance (adapting to the humid and cold coastal climate of Natales). The material's cold-formed performance is fully compatible with FrameCAD forming machines, ensuring the precision of keel sections.

 

2.2 Load Calculation & Bearing Capacity Check

Load Type	Design Value	Bearing Component	Calculation Result	Safety Evaluation
Dead Load (Roof)	1.2kN/㎡ (including roof tile, insulation, structural weight)	Roof light steel purlins (C160×60×20×2.0)	Maximum bending moment 8.2kN·m, bearing capacity 12.5kN·m	Safety factor 1.52 > 1.2, meet requirements
Snow Load (Roof)	2.0kN/㎡ (Natales average snowfall in winter)	Roof purlins + light steel beams (H200×100×5×8)	Combined stress 185MPa, allowable stress 235MPa	Safety factor 1.27 > 1.2, meet requirements
Live Load (Floor)	2.5kN/㎡ (first floor) + 2.0kN/㎡ (second floor)	Floor joists (C140×50×20×2.0) + 18mm cement fiberboard	Maximum deflection 12.3mm, deflection ratio 1/2276	Less than limit 1/2000, meet requirements
Wind Load	3.0kN/㎡ (southern Chile coastal strong wind)	Shear walls (OSB + light steel keels)	Lateral bearing capacity 35kN/m, calculated lateral force 28kN/m	Safety factor 1.25 > 1.2, meet requirements
Seismic Load	7-degree seismic intensity (Natales seismic zone)	Overall light steel frame + shear walls	Natural vibration period 0.65s, lateral displacement 9.8mm	Displacement ratio 1/2857 < 1/1500, meet seismic requirements

 

2.3 Thermal Insulation Performance Analysis

Aiming at the low-temperature environment in southern Chile (minimum temperature -5℃ in winter), the enclosure system is optimized for thermal insulation:

Exterior Wall: 27mm PU metal carved panels (thermal conductivity 0.024W/(m·K)) + 100mm glass wool insulation (thermal conductivity 0.038W/(m·K)), the overall thermal resistance of the wall is 3.85 (m²·K)/W, which is 30% higher than the local minimum requirement.

Roof: 0.6mm color steel sheet + 150mm rock wool insulation + vapor barrier, the thermal resistance is 4.2 (m²·K)/W, effectively preventing heat loss through the roof.

Floor: 18mm cement fiberboard + 80mm glass wool + waterproof membrane, the thermal resistance is 2.5 (m²·K)/W, avoiding cold bridge effect from the ground.

 

2.4 Structural Stability & Durability

The 18mm water-resistant OSB structural panels are fully laid on the walls, roof and floor to form an integrated reinforcement system with the light steel keels, significantly enhancing the overall rigidity of the frame, preventing lateral deformation and improving structural stability. The AZ150 galvanized coating of G550 light steel ensures excellent corrosion resistance in the humid and cold coastal environment of Natales, and the 50-year design life is verified by accelerated corrosion tests (equivalent to 50 years of natural corrosion), which is further guaranteed by the optimized material thickness and coverage.

 

A3: Detailed Material Inventory (Based on FrameCAD Fabrication Standard)

Serial No.	Material Name	Specification	Material Source/Standard	Consumption per Unit	Total Consumption (24 Units)	Application
1	G550 AZ150 Light Steel Keel	Wall keel: C100×50×20×1.5; Floor joist: C140×50×20×2.0; Roof purlin: C160×60×20×2.0; Beam: H200×100×5×8	FrameCAD forming, New Zealand technology	5.2 tons	124.8 tons	Main structural component (walls, floor, roof, beams)
2	OSB Structural Panel	18mm thick, water-resistant grade	CBC standard product	68㎡	1632㎡	Wall/roof/floor reinforcement (full coverage for shear wall)
3	PU Metal Carved Panel	27mm thick, exterior wall decorative insulation integrated	CBC standard product	112㎡	2688㎡	Exterior wall enclosure (including parapet wrapping)
4	Color Steel Single Sheet	0.6mm thick, AZ150 galvanized, roof tile	CBC standard product	65㎡	1560㎡	Roof covering (including parapet top and edge folding)
5	Cement Fiberboard	18mm thick, floor base layer	CBC standard product	92㎡	2208㎡	Floor slab base (full floor coverage + edge extension)
6	Insulation Material (Glass Wool/Rock Wool)	Glass wool (80-100mm), rock wool (150mm)	CBC standard product	85㎡	2040㎡	Wall/floor/roof insulation (full interlayer filling)
7	Aluminum Alloy Thermal Insulation Doors & Windows	Doors: 900×2100mm (2 sets); Windows: 1200×1500mm (4 sets) + 1500×1800mm (2 sets)	CBC one-stop supply	2 sets doors + 6 sets windows	48 sets doors + 144 sets windows	Lighting, ventilation, thermal insulation (added master bedroom window)
8	Wood-Plastic Flooring	12mm thick, waterproof wear-resistant	CBC one-stop supply	88㎡	2112㎡	Interior flooring (all functional areas coverage)
9	Water & Electricity Facilities	Anti-freezing pipes, energy-saving switches, sockets, water heaters	CBC one-stop supply	1 set/unit (enhanced for low temperature)	24 sets	Water supply, drainage, electricity supply (anti-freezing upgrade)
10	Connecting Fittings	Self-tapping screws, bolts, waterproof membrane, sealant	FrameCAD matching	0.35 tons	8.4 tons	Structural connection, waterproof, seam sealing

 

A4: Core Competitiveness of the Light Steel Townhouse Project

4.1 Structural & Technological Advantages

High Precision & Efficiency: Adopting FrameCAD software and forming machines from New Zealand, the light steel keels are fabricated with high precision (error ≤±0.5mm), realizing modular assembly and shortening the on-site construction period by 40% compared with traditional concrete structures.

Excellent Durability: G550 AZ150 light steel with AZ150 galvanized coating and water-resistant OSB panels ensures corrosion resistance and moisture resistance, meeting the 50-year design life requirement in the humid and cold environment of Natales.

Strong Environmental Adaptability: The optimized insulation system and snow load-resistant roof design fully adapt to the low-temperature and heavy-snow climate in southern Chile, and the shear wall structure meets the local 7-degree seismic intensity requirement.

 

4.2 Cost & Supply Chain Advantages

One-Stop Supply by CBC: Integrating light steel structures, enclosure materials, doors and windows, and water and electricity facilities, CBC provides a full-chain solution, reducing procurement costs and ensuring consistent product quality.

Low Maintenance Cost: The 27mm PU metal carved panels and color steel roof tiles have good weather resistance, requiring no major maintenance within 20 years, and the maintenance cost is only 1/3 of that of traditional brick-concrete structures. The increased material thickness also extends the service life of core components, aligning with the 50-year design requirement.

Light Weight & Low Foundation Cost: Despite the adjusted material dosage, the light steel structure still weighs only 1/4 of the concrete structure, reducing the requirement for foundation bearing capacity and saving 25% of the foundation construction cost. The optimized keel density also improves structural stability without significantly increasing self-weight.

 

4.3 Living & Environmental Advantages

Comfortable Living Experience: The multi-layer insulation and sound insulation system ensures indoor temperature stability (18-22℃ in winter) and low noise, and the open functional layout meets the living needs of families.

Environmental Protection & Sustainability: All materials are recyclable (light steel, aluminum alloy, wood-plastic flooring), with low carbon emissions during construction and use, in line with Chile's environmental protection policies.

Flexible Layout: The light steel structure is easy to renovate and expand, and the internal layout can be adjusted according to the owner's needs without damaging the main structure.

 

A5: Market Adaptation Analysis (Oceania, Southeast Asia, South America)

CBC's main markets cover Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Fiji), Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia), and South America (Chile, Peru). This light steel townhouse design, based on FrameCAD technology and G550 AZ150 material, has different degrees of adaptability to various markets, with the core adaptation logic matching CBC's product positioning of "modularization, environmental protection, and one-stop service".

Market Region	Climate/Geological Characteristics	Adaptability Level	Core Adaptation Points
Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Fiji)	Tropical rainforest climate, high humidity, frequent heavy rain, 6-7 degree seismic intensity	High	G550 AZ150 light steel with AZ150 galvanized coating adapts to high humidity; the shear wall structure reinforced by full-coverage OSB panels meets 6-7 degree seismic requirements; modular construction (with 95% prefabrication rate) adapts to low local construction skill level. The adjusted material dosage and coverage in the original design also provide sufficient redundancy for the high-humidity environment, reducing the risk of structural damage caused by moisture erosion.
Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia)	Tropical monsoon climate, typhoon-prone, high temperature and humidity, 7-degree seismic intensity	Medium-High	The light steel structure has good wind resistance; the insulation system can be adjusted to heat insulation (replace with 50mm insulation cotton); anti-typhoon reinforcement for roof and doors.
South America (Peru, Brazil)	Peru: coastal wind, 7-8 degree seismic intensity; Brazil: tropical climate, high temperature	Medium	Peru: enhance seismic reinforcement (add eccentric bracings); Brazil: optimize heat insulation and ventilation (increase window area, add sunshade panels).
Europe (Southern Europe: Spain, Italy)	Mediterranean climate, mild winter, summer heat, strict energy-saving standards	Medium-Low	Optimize the insulation system to meet European energy-saving standards; replace roof tiles with clay tiles to fit local architectural aesthetics.

 

A6: Targeted Modifications Based on Local Conditions

6.1 Modifications for Oceania (Papua New Guinea)

Anti-Corrosion Enhancement: Keep G550 AZ150 light steel, and add a layer of epoxy zinc-rich paint (80μm) on the surface of the keels to adapt to the high-humidity tropical rainforest climate.

Drainage Optimization: Modify the roof single-slope angle from 15° to 20° to accelerate rainwater discharge; add rain gutters (stainless steel) around the house to avoid water accumulation.

Construction Adaptation: Increase the prefabrication rate to 95% (prefabricate wall panels and floor slabs in the factory) to adapt to the low local construction skill level.

 

6.2 Modifications for Southeast Asia (Philippines)

Typhoon Resistance Reinforcement: On the basis of the original C160×60×20×2.0 roof purlins, upgrade to C180×70×20×2.5 and increase the purlin density from 600mm to 500mm; add X-type wind bracings (angle steel L50×5) at the roof ridge and gables to resist typhoon wind load (4.0kN/㎡). Meanwhile, enhance the connection between the 27mm PU metal carved panels and the keels with anti-wind self-tapping screws to prevent dislodging.

Heat Insulation Adjustment: Replace the 100mm glass wool with 50mm high-density polyurethane insulation cotton (better heat insulation performance); add sunshade panels (aluminum alloy) outside the windows to reduce solar radiation.

Moisture Resistance Optimization: Lay a waterproof membrane (2.0mm thick) on the first floor ground to prevent moisture from the ground; use moisture-proof OSB panels for the interior walls.

 

6.3 Modifications for South America (Peru)

Seismic Reinforcement: Upgrade the structural system to a dual anti-seismic frame (main frame + eccentrically braced frame); add vertical steel plate shear walls (10mm thick) at the corners of the house to adapt to 8-degree seismic intensity.

Coastal Anti-Corrosion: Adopt double anti-corrosion treatment (AZ150 galvanizing + polyurethane paint) for all light steel members to resist coastal salt spray corrosion.

Load Adjustment: Increase the roof wind load design value to 3.5kN/㎡, and further optimize the floor joist spacing from 600mm to 500mm (based on the original C140×50×20×2.0 joists) to enhance bearing capacity. The adjusted material dosage in the original design ensures that the structural redundancy can cover the load upgrade without large-scale replacement of core components.

 

6.4 Modifications for Southern Europe (Spain)

Energy-Saving Optimization: Increase the wall insulation layer to 120mm (rock wool); use low-E hollow glass for doors and windows to meet European ENERGY STAR energy-saving standards.

Architectural Aesthetics Adaptation: Replace the color steel roof tiles with local clay tiles; change the exterior wall PU metal carved panels to stone-like panels to fit Mediterranean architectural style.

Ventilation Adjustment: Add roof ventilators (natural ventilation type) to improve indoor air circulation in summer; design adjustable sunshade eaves for windows.

 

A7: Core Conclusion & Market Promotion Potential

This two-storey light steel townhouse project, designed for Natales in southern Chile, fully exerts the advantages of G550 AZ150 light steel and FrameCAD technology. By optimizing material dosage (such as increasing light steel keel weight, OSB panel coverage and enclosure material area) and improving structural details, the project meets the local low-temperature, heavy-snow and humid climate conditions, as well as geological and living needs. The adjusted material configuration not only ensures the 50-year design life but also enhances structural redundancy, and is highly compatible with CBC's one-stop supply chain capability covering light steel structures, enclosure materials, doors and windows, and water and electricity facilities.

In terms of market expansion, the design can be quickly adapted to CBC's main markets (Oceania, Southeast Asia, South America) through targeted modifications (anti-corrosion, seismic, wind resistance, thermal insulation adjustment), with strong scalability. Especially in Oceania and Southeast Asia, where modular construction and anti-corrosion requirements are high, the project has obvious competitive advantages and can be used as a core product for CBC to expand the residential light steel structure market. With the increasing global demand for green and low-carbon buildings, this light steel townhouse design is expected to become a key driving force for CBC's business growth in the international market.