In 2018, hurricane Michael became the first Category 5 storm on record to impact the Florida Panhandle. The catastrophic storm wiped out thousands of homes across its path, smashing buildings to splinters, tearing off roofs and sending trees careening through walls.
Today, Panama City leaders are challenged with the task of rebuilding the tattered town, with a focus on critical housing.
City Leaders Opt for Steel
Build a sturdy and affordable home as quickly as possible. That’s the challenge Panama City leaders are tackling, according to news channel WJHG. But, finding the right material for the job was a subject of debate.
Over a year ago, the city received a $100,000 grant from the Ironman Foundation slated for the construction of 3D printed concrete homes. However, it was decided to divert that money to an educational program rather than use it to build concrete homes.
City officials decided cold-formed steel (CFS) framed homes provided the best option for the residents of Panama City.
Watch WJHG News Channel 7 Story ” Panama City leaders opt out of 3D built homes for alternative option”
Easy to Assemble Steel Framed Homes
City leaders made a decision to use panelized, cold-formed metal framed homes that can be built in 30 to 45 days.
“Once they’re done, you’d never know that the steel panels exist,” said ,” Jared Jones, assistant city manager. “Traditional drywall on the inside, hard board on the outside, and they’re extremely strong.”
The metal framed panels are so strong that Jones said the homes can withstand 167 mile-per-hour winds.
“The walls are already made. They’re already ready to go. They just stand them up,” Jones said. “It’s all steel studs on the inside so it’s really just, you’re connecting the pieces.”
The cold-formed metal framed homes in Panama City will start at $150,000. Buyers can receive a purchase subsidy of anywhere between $25,000 and $50,000 depending on their income.
Related Resources
- eBook: Strength in the Face of Disaster: How Cold-Formed Steel Framing Keeps Buildings Safe
- Strengthening Walls, Saving Lives
- Rebuilding With Steel Framing After Oregon Wildfires
Article cited from BuildSteel.org