The interior of Commercial buildings are framed out using metal stud, instead of wood frame, because there is no load being carried by the walls. The steel structure of the Carpenters Center carries all loads for the building. Even in wood frame construction, interior partitions are done by metal studs because they are faster and less expensive to install. Today, many single family residential properties use metal stud for interior walls that are not load-bearing.
A carpenter cuts metal stud
When the carpenters finish framing out all of the walls, the electricians will pull wires and locate receptacles, Tele data boxes, switches and lights throughout the building. In wet walls (kitchens and bathrooms) the plumbers will install the rough plumbing. After electrical and plumbing is complete, the drywall will be hung.
In addition to the interior metal stud work, carpenters have also framed out the parapet wall on the roof. The Boston Redevelopment Authority requires that all something is put in place to conceal rooftop mechanical units. For the Carpenters Center a parapet wall was designed, which will act both as a windscreen and concealment of the rooftop units. Instead of simply building fencing around the rooftop units, as is often seen at the top of buildings, the Carpenters Center will have a parapet which fulfills the BRA requirement but also is a design feature of the building.
The Den Glass is installed on to the metal frame; much like drywall will be installed on the interior walls of the building. After the dens glass is completed, 3.5 inches of insulation will be put on the roof, then the roofing can be installed.
In addition to the metal stud work, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) continues on the second and third floors.
Fireproofing is being done by crews working for Advanced Spray. The fireproofing is sprayed onto the entire steel structure of the building. On areas where the steel will be exposed (i.e. in the pavilion) fire resistant intumescent paint will be put on the beams instead of the spray fireproofing. Intumescent paint creates a fireproofing around the steel structure. Under extreme heat the paint will actually expand up to 6 times its thickness, protecting the steel from the heat/fire.
A fireproofer sprays the steel beams.
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Interesting post on when it is appropriate to use metal stud framing. I did not know that load-bearing is a consideration. That's why I leave it to the experts. There are numerous options in regards to the types of construction methods used in houses. Metal stud framing is less prone to mildew than wood, is fire resistant, durable, and is water resistant.These are a few of the advantages to metal stud framing over wood. A great resource is McGraw Hill's Sweets Directory of Construction products. While I do work for them, they honestly offer all of the important information you need for this kind of project in one place. I highly recommend them. You won't be disappointed.
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