Above: A development of low energy Wallform apartments and town houses
As the construction market slows down yet again in the face of economic uncertainty and threat of further recession, the pressures to mitigate Climate Change and improve productivity continue to increase.
Perhaps, if the workload is lighter (regrettably), there is now time to review the usual specification (Let’s face it, it has endured well over the years!) and consider the changes that will have to be made to meet the significantly higher standards set to become the norm long before today’s seed becomes a sapling.
Apart from designing buildings with more style (per Government request!), they will have to be stronger, better insulated and more durable to balance the changing environment. On top of that, the detailing will need to be more robust to eliminate the Performance Gap that exists between paper and permit. The traditional approach of “tack on” upgrades will not solve that problem.
As an MMC, ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork) is a practical and economic solution to these problem areas. Proven over fifty years of progressive development, this form of construction meets the highest performance standards. The design and configuration of the component system resolve many of the problems inherent in traditional methods.
The extended useful life of this robust, low energy construction serves to eliminate the carbon footprint of the building, contrary to much public opinion. Indeed, before the sapling has time to become a useful timber, our ICF system in the UK is likely to become a recognised carbon negative structure. This is being realised by the rapid progress being made to de-carbonise concrete and the economics of the ICF building process on site.
THE BASICS:
- Design flexibility: Insitu concrete to match any shape or style
- Structural strength: Plain concrete may be reinforced as required
- Thermal insulation: First Passivhaus approved building system (1998)
- Performance Gap: Fewer components, robust detailing
- Economics: From signature buildings to mass housing projects
- Environment: Extended useful life, practical to re-model, materials recyclable
- Health & Safety: Less plant and equipment on site, passive structure.
Can’t see the wood for the trees? 2025 Future Homes standards are only 2 years away. We have the technology and the resources to Build Better – Today!