Why steel frames are better suited to the New Zealand market than timber frames

2025-06-12

Why steel frames are better suited to the New Zealand market than timber frames

Seismic safety of steel frames adapted to geological needs

New Zealand is located in the Pacific Rim seismic zone, where the ductility of steel structures (yield strength ≥ 235MPa) can absorb seismic energy, while timber structures are only suitable for low-rise buildings and are prone to deformation due to humidity.


Steel frames Whole Life Economic Benefits

Construction costs: domestic steel overcapacity has kept prices 20 per cent lower than in Europe and the United States, while local timber prices in New Zealand have risen by 7 per cent per annum, diminishing the cost advantage of timber frame.

steel frames

Maintenance cost: The corrosion-resistant design life of steel frames exceeds 50 years, and wooden structures require regular insect and ant prevention treatment (the average annual maintenance fee accounts for 5% of the construction cost)


Environmental protection and policy orientation

The steel recycling rate is over 90%, which is in line with New Zealand's "Zero Carbon Act"; wooden structures consume forest resources (a house requires 10-year-old trees)


steel frames Tall Buildings and Industrialisation Trends

Cities such as Auckland are experiencing a surge in density, and steel structures can achieve an assembly rate of 80% over 30 storeys, with a 30% shorter construction cycle than timber structures

steel frames

New Zealand imposes anti-dumping duties on imported steel, but finished steel frames are not subject to anti-dumping restrictions (HS code 73089000), circumventing trade barriers.

steel frames Rapid production of non-standard components (e.g. 60mm thick track steel, lightweight steel keel) from drawing to finished product delivery in 3 weeks in China (8 weeks for local NZ manufacturers).

Support small batch customization (such as exporting small garages and stadium components) to meet New Zealand's distributed building needs


Star Er is a technology-based construction enterprise committed to promoting scientific and technological innovation to lead future life. We have been specializing in steel frames for more than 10 years.

Our products cover all types of steel structure buildings, including various prefabricated metal building warehouse, steel structure workshops, steel structure garages, steel structure poultry houses, steel structure prefabricated houses, etc.

We not only pay attention to the appearance of the product design, but also pay attention to the functionality and intelligence of the product. We advocate the concept of green building, using environmentally friendly materials, energy saving technology, and are committed to creating sustainable homes that meet the needs of future living. We have a passionate and creative team, including talented designers, engineers and technicians. The company continues to increase investment in research and development, actively introduce advanced technology at home and abroad, and is committed to improving the quality and intelligent level of products.

steel frames



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