Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF), also known as Cold-Formed Steel (CFS), is a construction method that uses thin steel sheets formed into structural components for lightweight and efficient building construction. In its early stages, this versatile building material differed significantly from the contemporary structural systems we now encounter. Following World War II, LGSF gained increasing popularity as a building material for both residential and commercial structures. This was due in part to the need for quick and affordable housing, as well as the growing popularity of off-site construction methods.

Early Adoption of LGSF in Australia

The history of LGSF in Australia can be traced back to the early 20th century when mild steel was initially employed by corrugated iron manufacturers. This material quickly gained recognition as an excellent choice for sheathing and structural cladding in construction. In the 1930s, a distinct form of LGSF emerged, possibly influenced by the wooden studs popular in construction during that period. This new form of LGS was lighter and more versatile than its predecessors, and it quickly gained popularity among builders.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that LGSF began to be used more widely in Australia. This expansion was partly a result of the post-war housing boom, which generated a demand for quick and efficient construction methods. The first known use of LGS in Australia was in the construction of a church in Melbourne in 1902.