Cold formed steel framing: the smarter way to build for modern construction

⏱️ 8 min read

Cold formed steel framing (CFS) is no longer a niche method. It is fast becoming the go-to for forward thinking construction companies who understand that speed, precision, and scalability are not just nice-to-haves – they are critical for profitability. 

At Howick, we have spent decades refining the roll-forming technology that makes CFS work harder for your business. In the US and globally, we are seeing a seismic shift in how modern buildings come together and cold formed steel framing is at the centre of that transformation. 

“We're not just helping the industry build better buildings. We're helping them build smarter, faster, and more profitably.” 

— Nick Coubray, CEO, Howick Ltd 

Cold formed steel framing delivers compelling advantages over timber and concrete-based construction methods: 

• Faster build times: components are precision-formed and pre-punched for rapid onsite assembly. 

• Less waste: up to 10x less waste than timber, reducing costs and environmental impact. 

• Greater design freedom: lightweight framing supports complex geometries and modular construction. 

• Superior durability: no warping, rotting or pests. Withstands fire, wind and earthquakes better than timber. 

• Higher ROI: more efficient processes, lower labour needs and fewer defects mean faster returns. 

Case in point: In the Victoria Lane Apartments project, Howick’s telescopic X-TENDA™ 3600 panels cut installation time by 50% and dramatically reduced waste. 

Advantages of cold formed steel framing 

Precision = Profit 

Howick roll-forming machines are accurate to within 0.5 mm. That means less rework, fewer onsite errors, and reduced schedule risk. 

Speed and scalability 

Projects like this Tauranga Library installation showcase just how fast Howick-formed frames go up. In some cases, builders are completing up to one home per day with minimal crew thanks to precise CFS kits. 

Render of Te Manawataki o Te Papa. Image: Tauranga City Council.

Fire and seismic resilience

Cold formed steel framing resists fire up to 1000°C (1832°F), won’t combust, and is proven to withstand winds of up to 240 km/h (149 mph) and earthquakes rated 9.0 on the Richter scale. 

It’s why the US Navy Seabees rely on Howick technology in disaster recovery zones. 

Sustainability 

Steel is 100% recyclable, and unlike many other building materials, it can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of strength or quality. In fact, steel is the most recycled material in the world. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, this makes steel framing a standout choice for environmentally responsible construction. 

Check out the Arkeo Saidia Villas project in Guadeloupe, where Howick technology powered high-end resort units with unparalleled build speed and style.

Why choose Howick for cold formed steel framing?

Designed for integration, built for performance.

When you're investing in CFS framing, your machine matters. Howick roll-forming systems are: 

• Accurate to the millimetre 

• 100% New Zealand made 

• Supported globally by real experts 

• Software-agnostic (Revit, Tekla, FrameBuilder, etc.)

• Free from license fees or meterage tolls 

 “From modular builds to telescopic retrofit framing, our technology helps teams do more with less. That’s how you scale construction without scaling complexity.” 

— Nick Coubray, CEO, Howick Ltd 

Explore some of our range: 

• FRAMA™ 3200 – fast-track interior and exterior framing 

• FRAMA™ 5600 – modular build powerhouse 

• FRAMA™  7600 – for ultimate flexibility 

• FRAMA™  7800 – for variable floor joist options 

• X-TENDA™ 3600 – for telescopic, extendable infill and retrofit walls 

CFS framing - real projects. Real proof. 

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: Edward Hynes Charter School 

The Edward Hynes Charter School project is a three-story steel structure building that required an innovative construction solution. Prefabricated CFS metal stud wall panels were used for 95% of the interior and 100% of the exterior walls. This maximised the quality of the construction project, efficiency of installation, and improved the overall schedule so markedly that the project was delivered three months ahead of time. 

What is the environmental impact? 

CFS is recyclable, precise, and produces far less waste than timber. It aligns with ESG strategies and green building goals. 

Build better with cold formed steel and Howick 

The construction world is changing. Those leading the charge are not just building faster, they are building smarter, safer and more sustainably. 

At Howick, we are helping the industry make that shift, with cold formed steel framing technology trusted by innovators worldwide. 

“With our systems, you're not buying a machine. You're investing in a smarter way to build.” 

- Nick Coubray, CEO of Howick