When it comes to construction in wildfire-prone regions, the material you choose matters. There are many advantages of building with steel vs. wood. Traditional wood framing is not only flammable, but it can also actively contribute to the spread of fire. Steel framing, on the other hand, is noncombustible. It doesn’t ignite, warp, or feed flames, making it one of the safest options for structural resilience in the face of fire.
The reconstruction of a safer ski resort using noncombustible light gauge steel and advanced roll forming technology stands as a powerful example of what modern building materials can achieve in the face of disaster. In locations such as Las Pendientes in San Martín de los Andes, Argentina, where harsh weather and fire risk intersect, building with light-gauge steel is not just a smart decision, but it’s essential.
Steel Framing Enables a Remarkable Comeback
In January 2023, a tragic fire consumed a beloved ski resort building in Las Pendientes. The flames didn’t stop there; they quickly spread to neighboring structures, destroying three additional buildings. What followed could have been a long and difficult recovery. Instead, it became a showcase of what’s possible with steel framing and modern roll forming technology.
Image Source: Diario 7 Lagos
SICLA led a bold and fast-paced reconstruction effort using Scottsdale’s roll forming machines. After the remains were demolished, a brand-new transitional facility, comprising a reception area, restaurant, offices, lounge, ticket booths, and a children’s snow garden, was designed and constructed using light-gauge steel material. The total build spanned 820 m² and was completed in just six months. SICLA utilized Scotpanel 7090G2 and Scotpanel 5140G1 roll forming machines to rebuild the Las Pendientes ski village with precision and efficiency.
The new structure wasn’t just faster and more efficient to build; it was also significantly safer. Designed for high-altitude snow loads ranging from 1.5 meters at the base to 2.5 meters at the top, this facility now meets modern performance standards without compromising on speed or architectural function.
Product Highlights
Scotpanel 7090 Roll Forming Machine
To frame the structural elements of the building, SICLA used the Scotpanel 7090G2, one of Scottsdale’s most powerful and versatile roll forming machines. The Scotpanel 7090 model is capable of producing wall frames, floor joists, and roof trusses with profile widths of up to 90 mm, making it ideal for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing applications. This roll forming machine is engineered for high precision and speed, supporting advanced steel framing applications with pre-punched service holes, fast profile changeovers, and seamless integration with Scottsdale’s proprietary design software. Scotpanel 7090 was generally used for interior walls on the Las Pendientes ski village project.
The Scotpanel 7090 is available in three configurations of G1, G2, and G3, each designed to meet different production requirements. The G1 model offers a compact, efficient solution for basic steel framing needs, making it ideal for smaller-scale projects or mobile operations. The G2 model, used in the Las Pendientes project, enhances performance with faster punching, profiling speeds, and broader tooling options for increased flexibility. The G3 model builds on this by introducing advanced automation features, faster setup, and larger toolsets, making it perfect for high-volume commercial and industrial projects.
Scotpanel 5140 Roll Forming Machine
To support the interior wall framing and non-structural components, SICLA also used the Scotpanel 5140G1. This roll forming machine produces steel framing profiles with a larger width of 140 mm. It is a highly mobile and compact unit that excels in modular construction and wall fabrication. Due to the higher width of the profile, it is best used in exterior wall applications and provides more space for insulation. The precision cutting and punching capabilities of the Scotpanel 5140 make it an excellent choice for detailed architectural work and rapid assembly of exterior and interior elements. Scotpanel 5140 was generally used for exterior walls and in roof and floor applications, where stronger loads applied on the Las Pendientes ski village project.
Like the Scotpanel 7090, the Scotpanel 5140 is offered in G1, G2, and G3 variants. The G1 configuration is streamlined and space-efficient, providing a reliable solution for lower-volume operations. The G2 version builds on that foundation with improved production speeds and an expanded tooling library. The G3 model delivers the highest level of automation and throughput, suited for operations that require fast, continuous production with minimal manual intervention.
Steel Framing and Roll Forming Are the Future
The Las Pendientes ski village project demonstrates what’s possible when modern roll forming machines and light-gauge steel framing work in unison to deliver speed, strength, and resilience. SICLA didn’t just rebuild a ski resort; they raised the standard for what rapid, resilient construction looks like in extreme environments.
With noncombustible materials, faster assembly times, and engineering precision powered by integrated roll forming technology, steel framing is not only the safer choice, it’s the future of construction. For fire-prone, snow-heavy, or logistically challenging sites, steel framing and roll forming machines deliver unmatched safety, efficiency, and performance.
Additional Scottsdale Roll Forming Solutions and Resources
- Blog – Steel Framing: A Powerful Response to Thermodynamic Challenges
- Video – Successful Remote Location Mobile Factory Fabrication Using Scotpanel 7090G2 Roll Formers
- Downloads – Scotpanel 7090
- Downloads – Scotpanel 5140
- Financial Services
To learn more about Scottsdale Construction Systems and our light-gauge steel solutions, roll forming machines and ecosystem, and steel framing technologies, visit us at www.scottsdalesteelframes.com, call us at 1 (888) 406-2080, or email us at sales@scottsdalesteelframes.com.
