Tuesday 1st July 2025 saw the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) ‘Technical Specification’ for Boundary Elevations come into effect. This guidance document for the construction industry highlights the latest design requirements for the primary frame, secondary steelwork and the external wall cladding, when used in boundary wall applications.
With new, strict responsibilities placed on Steelwork Contractors, Secondary Steelwork Manufacturers and Cladding System Manufacturers, this technical specification goes some way to ensuring the delivery of a competent boundary solution, but for many, this may also inadvertently restrict the design intent of future projects whilst giving rise to significant increases in both cost and the embodied carbon content associated with the structural frame and cladding system.
Further to our collaboration with the BCSA ‘Working Group’ on the initial draughting of their ‘Technical Specification’, CA Group Technical Department have since formed a dedicated ‘Focus Group’ involving several leading steelwork contractors & fabricators, fire engineers and a UKAS accredited testing laboratory, to ensure concise solutions are provided in regard to our building envelope systems, in line with the latest design requirements of the ‘Technical Specification’.
With over 40 years’ experience in the design, manufacture, testing and supply of independently certified building envelope systems, CA Group Technical Department are expertly positioned to provide comprehensive guidance and advice on all cladding related topics and specification issues. Our experienced team of in-house Technical Engineers are on hand to support architects, cladding contractors, principal contractors, clients & developers understand and deliver viable, market leading solutions to these latest requirements, without sacrificing construction costs and carbon. Updated guidance can be found in our new Technical Information Paper TIP-200 ‘Boundary Elevations’ accessible through the ‘Resource Hub’ section of the CA Group website.