When searching for rental properties, many people notice listings that describe the structure as "steel-framed (ALC)" or "light-gauge steel." If you're wondering what this "ALC construction" means—distinct from wooden or reinforced concrete (RC) buildings—and how it performs in terms of soundproofing and insulation, we explain in detail here.
What Is an ALC Panel?
ALC stands for "Autoclaved Lightweight Aerated Concrete" and is known in Japanese as "lightweight aerated concrete." It's a concrete-based material cured with high-temperature, high-pressure steam that contains numerous air pockets inside. This gives it roughly one-quarter the weight of standard concrete while maintaining adequate strength and thermal insulation properties.
Steel-framed ALC construction involves affixing ALC panels to a steel frame skeleton as exterior walls, flooring, and roofing materials. This type is commonly used in 2- to 4-story apartment complexes and is widely employed in rental apartments and condominiums by major home builders, such as Daiwa House's "D-room" series and Sekisui House's "Sharmé Maison."