Cold-Formed Steel (ACT Building Systems / FRAMECAD) Designer – Custom Lakeside Cabin – Australia

Project Summary I am seeking an experienced Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) / Light Gauge Steel (LGS) building designer to assist with the concept design, framing strategy and buildability assessment for a custom lakeside home in Robe, South Australia. This project is currently at concept stage. Rather than engaging an architect first, I am looking for someone experienced in prefabricated steel framing systems who can help determine the most practical, cost-effective and buildable construction method before I proceed with detailed engineering and approvals. Experience with one or more of the following systems is highly desirable: * ACT Building Systems * FRAMECAD * Howick * Scottsdale * Vertex BD * Other Cold-Formed Steel / Light Gauge Steel systems I am not committed to one software platform. The objective is to determine the best solution for design, manufacture, engineering and construction within Australia. I am looking for a collaborative designer who enjoys solving practical building challenges. I welcome alternative ideas if they simplify construction, reduce costs or improve the overall outcome. Project Priorities The priorities for this project are: 1. Cost-effective construction. 2. Simple, practical engineering. 3. Prefabrication where possible. 4. Efficient use of the existing terraced site. 5. Compact footprint with flexible living spaces. 6. Hidden water storage, storage areas and services. 7. A design that can ultimately be engineered and certified in South Australia. 8. A simple lakeside / mountain cabin aesthetic rather than a complex architectural home. 9. Ability to stage construction if practical. This is not intended to be a large architectural home. The goal is to create a comfortable, practical and efficient lakeside cabin that makes the best possible use of the site. Australian Compliance Requirements The project will ultimately be built in South Australia and must comply with: * National Construction Code (NCC) * Australian Standards * South Australian building requirements * Local wind loading requirements * Coastal construction requirements I do not require certified engineering at this stage. Ultimately, im looking a using a prefabricated system that is engineered within software. However, the framing concept should be developed with Australian compliance in mind. If required, I would like the designer to identify where local Australian structural engineering input will be needed to ensure the final design can be certified. Preference will be given to designers who have worked on Australian projects or who regularly collaborate with Australian structural engineers. I am also happy for the successful designer to liaise with my local engineer if required during the design process. Site Location Robe, South Australia Site Characteristics * Block under 800m² * Steeply terraced lakefront site * Three primary levels * Existing retaining walls * Lake views * Coastal environment * Opportunity to minimise excavation and retaining costs by working with the existing terraces * Existing retaining walls are proposed to be incorporated into the design where practical. Their suitability for the proposed development will need to be assessed by my local structural engineer as part of the engineering design process. The successful applicant will be provided with a comprehensive project information package, including: Site survey Site photographs Existing concept sketches Inspiration images Existing retaining wall information Additional project information as required Site Arrangement The site consists of three primary levels. Upper Terrace * Entry level * Proposed separate pavilion building * Potential entry courtyard Middle Terrace * Proposed main two-storey residence * Proposed container structure beneath * 4.0m covered carport between the two containers * Covered breezeway connection Lower Terrace * Landscape and outdoor living * Existing approval for a future small dwelling, container accommodation or guest house if required in the future The current project should focus on today's requirements rather than trying to accommodate every possible future need. Design Vision The desired outcome is a simple lakeside or mountain-style cabin. The design should feel: * Relaxed * Warm * Comfortable * Practical * Timeless Inspired by: * Australian lake houses * Scandinavian cabins * Mountain cabins * Rural pavilions * Simple barn-style buildings Preferred characteristics include: * Simple gable roofs * Rectangular building forms * Timber cladding * Covered outdoor spaces * Minimal structural complexity * Strong connection to the landscape and lake views The project should prioritise functionality, buildability and cost efficiency over architectural complexity. Proposed Building Arrangement The current concept consists of three separate structures. Building 1 – Main Residence Located on the middle terrace. Approximate form: * Two storeys * Simple rectangular footprint * Gable roof * Timber-clad exterior * Positioned to maximise lake views Accommodation requirements: * kitchen, dining and living open plan, but can be divided up easily * Walk-in pantry if practical * Laundry * Bathroom(s) 1.5 * Adequate storage * Minimum three bedrooms across the overall development The main residence should remain compact and efficient rather than oversized. Building 2 – Pavilion Located on the upper terrace. Approximate size: 9m x 6m Potential uses include: * Master suite * Guest accommodation * Additional bedroom * Retreat * Studio * Flexible living space The final arrangement is flexible. One objective is to investigate whether the pavilion could be constructed first and used as temporary accommodation while the main residence is built. Temporary accommodation would be for myself and my 2 young daughter. We are happy to share a bedroom during this stage if it helps simplify the design and reduce construction costs. Building 3 – Covered Breezeway A covered structure connecting the pavilion and the main residence. Images attached for inspo I am open to: * Independent steel structure * Timber-clad construction * Glazed or partially glazed sections * Simple covered walkway I would appreciate advice on whether this should form part of the primary framing system or be designed as an independent structure. Container Concept One objective is to determine whether shipping containers provide a practical and economical solution for this project. The proposed arrangement consists of: * One 20ft High Cube container * 4.0m covered carport * One 20ft High Cube container Overall width approximately 8.88m. Container 1 20ft High Cube Container Potential use: * Rainwater storage * Internal water bladder system * Pumps * Filtration equipment * Building services Containers are already used for wine storage and should not be a problem. this is done offsite and shipped into place. Container 2 20ft High Cube Container Potential uses: * Garage storage * Workshop * Flexible room * Home office * Spare room * Multi-purpose room This container may be divided internally if that results in a more efficient overall design. The containers may ultimately be: * Structural * Partially structural depending on what provides the simplest and most economical solution. I am open to alternative ideas if another approach achieves the same objectives more efficiently. Container Appearance This project is **not** intended to look like a container home. The containers should visually disappear within the overall design. Possible treatments include: * Timber cladding * Timber batten screening * Matching material palette to the house The objective is for visitors to see a simple elevated lakeside cabin rather than shipping containers. Flexible Living Philosophy I work from home however I do not necessarily require a dedicated office. jus a practical space, that can easily be closed off/put away to prevent visual clutter. For a compact home, I believe flexible spaces are more valuable than single-purpose rooms. The design should consider spaces that can easily adapt for: * Home office * Study * Reading room * Guest room * Hobby room * Retreat * Additional storage One option may be to incorporate a flexible room within the lower container structure, however I am open to alternative ideas. The objective is to maximise functionality while minimising floor area. Efficient Use of Space The block is under 800m². The objective is to maximise functionality rather than floor area. The design should focus on: * Compact footprint * Flexible spaces * Multi-purpose rooms * Efficient built-in storage * Hidden services * Hidden water storage * Garage and storage incorporated into the design * No unnecessary sheds or visible site clutter Everything should have a place within the design. Future Expansion The current project should meet today's needs without overbuilding. The lower terrace already has planning approval for a future small dwelling, container accommodation or guest house if additional accommodation is ever required. I would also like the designer to consider whether the main residence could allow for a modest future addition if required, without major structural alterations. This future flexibility should not add unnecessary cost to the initial build. Staged Construction Please consider whether a staged construction approach would be practical. Stage 1 Construct the upper pavilion first. This would provide temporary accommodation for myself and my young daughter while the remainder of the project is constructed. Stage 2 Construct the main residence on the middle terrace together with the container structure, carport and associated works. Stage 3 Complete the breezeway and any remaining external works if required. Please advise whether this approach offers practical or financial advantages. Questions for the Designer Please provide your professional opinion on the following. Structural Strategy Would you recommend: * Containers supporting the structure above? * Independent steel framing? * Conventional construction? * Another solution? Please explain your reasoning. Framing System Which system would you recommend for this project? * ACT Building Systems * FRAMECAD * Howick * Scottsdale * Alternative system Please explain why. Australian Compliance How would you ensure the framing approach can ultimately be engineered and certified for South Australian conditions? Would you recommend involving a local Australian structural engineer during concept development? Cost Optimisation If your goal was to build this project as economically as possible: * What would you change? * What would you simplify? * Which ideas add unnecessary cost? Space Efficiency How would you maximise functionality while keeping the overall footprint compact? Manufacturability Can this project be efficiently manufactured by Australian cold-formed steel manufacturers? If so, are there any framing systems or manufacturers you would recommend? Deliverables Stage 1 * Review the concept * Feasibility assessment * Recommend the most suitable framing system * Recommend the structural approach * Identify opportunities to reduce construction costs * Advice regarding Australian engineering and compliance requirements * Written report outlining recommendations Stage 2 (if proceeding) * 3D concept model * Preliminary floor plans * Preliminary elevations * Site layout * Preliminary framing strategy * Preliminary material take-off (if available) Ideal Applicant Please apply if you have experience with: * Cold-Formed Steel design * Light Gauge Steel design * ACT Building Systems * FRAMECAD * Howick * Scottsdale * Residential steel frame design * Modular or prefabricated buildings When applying, please include: * Examples of similar projects * Software platforms you use * Experience with Australian projects (if any) * Whether you have worked with Australian engineers * Your recommended approach for this project My objective is not simply to have my concept drawn. I am looking for an experienced designer who can challenge my ideas where appropriate, recommend better alternatives where they exist, and help develop the simplest, most practical and most cost-effective solution while ensuring the design can ultimately be engineered, certified and manufactured in Australia. If Stage 1 is successful, I anticipate continuing with the same designer through the next stages of the project.