For the International Broadcasting Center (IBC) completed last April, builders used POSCO’s Pos-H steel. Building parts were made by precisely cutting and welding the hot-rolled steel plates and thick plates. Pos-H is custom-made for structures and does not produce any waste unlike existing hot-rolled shape steel with fixed dimensions. In addition, POSCO’s dry fire-resistant cladding technique was applied to all the pillars of the IBC. The dry fire-resistant cladding technique eliminates the process of applying fire-resistant paint to pillars for fire prevention, and instead, fire-resistant materials are wrapped around the pillars.

The Media Residence that will house reporters during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics resembles a steel showroom due to its impressive design. PosMAC, which is over 5 times more corrosion-resistant than general galvanized steel sheets as it is coated with zinc, magnesium and aluminum, was specially printed to bring to life the fiber texture. PosMAC was used for the exterior of the bathrooms and walls for durability as well as artistic value. The surface steel plates plated with aluminum and zinc, called ALZASTA was treated to achieve a glittering spangle pattern texture and applied to the residence fire doors, valve enclosures and hallways. PossSD, stainless steel with a level of reflectivity equal to that of a mirror, was used inside the bathrooms.

The Media Residence was completed on December 15, after 8 months of construction. All of the 300 rooms were prefabricated in a factory and assembled at the site. This is known as modular construction. It reduced the construction period by 18 months compared to building with general concrete. More than anything else, modular construction makes it possible to move the structure to another location and reuse it. In this respect, modular construction is regarded as the best choice for the facilities that will be removed after the Winter Olympics. The Media Residence will be reused as a hotel or dormitory.

Finally, the Kwandong Hockey Center’s exterior walls are made of 329LD POSCO stainless steel, which is highly corrosion-resistant and robust. POSCO provided the structural analysis by calculating the optimal thickness for the walls and reduced the thickness by 25 percent.  

After the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Paralympics, POSCO will continue to provide construction solutions through is WPP and technologies for its partners.  

Cover photo courtesy of Heerim.

While some believe modern architecture is a result of social and political revolutions, others believe it is a result of technological and engineering advancements. No matter which perspective you share, steel has been a part of the construction of homes since the 1920s. Because steel is lightweight and adaptable, it is the perfect material for sturdy frames that are eco-friendly and long-lasting. Steel is also energy-efficient and recyclable. Steel outlasts other building materials, offering improved safety and resistance to wear and mold.

Home, Steel, Home

Here are 7 examples of inspirational residential buildings which incorporate Steel in the Home.

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1. Fallingwater: Frank Lloyd Wright

Fallingwater is famed as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most beautiful works. Constructed around its natural settings, it is made mostly of stone, concrete and steel. Fallingwater features strong horizontal and vertical lines that are characteristic of modern architecture. (Images: http://bit.ly/1K8Do70) 

2. McCraith House: Chancellor and Patrick

Commonly referred to as the Butterfly House for its unique geometric shape, the McCraith House is exemplary of modern architecture. Its steel triangular structure represents the simplification that is prominent in this era of design. (Image: http://bit.ly/1Jjcvu9)

3. The Glass House: Philip Johnson

Thought to be influenced by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House design, the Glass house is an example of early use of industrial materials such as charcoal-painted steel and glass walls. (Image: http://bit.ly/1CIleZy)

4. Schindler Chace House: Rudolph Schindler

The Schindler Chace House was meant to serve as a cooperative living-work space for two young families. Building the hose was almost halted due to the local planning authorities for its radical methods of construction. (Image: http://bit.ly/1MviGym)

5. Farnsworth House: Mies vander Rohe

This glass and steel house was designed as a one-room weekend retreat. It is widely recognized as an iconic masterpiece of International Style of Architecture. (Image: http://bit.ly/1J1xHZN)

6. Lovell House: Richard Neutra

The Lovell House is often described as the first steel frame house in the U.S. The house is simple and minimal, and its strong lines exhibit the themes of modernism architecture. Lovell first commissioned Rudolf Schindler to build his residence, though later chose Neutra for the design. (Image: http://bit.ly/1CIlkAA)

7. Capel Manor House: Michael Manser

Another house of glass and steel, the Capel Manor House was built as a labor-saving replacement for a 26-bedroom mansion, once owned by Jane Austen’s fore family. The steel frame is exposed both internally and externally and the house shows Manser’s interest in geometry. (Image: http://bit.ly/1f5Hx0t)