Portable & Modular Buildings
New Low-Carbon Wall Panel A
pioneering low-carbon wall panel has been launched from a newly commissioned automated production facility in Nottingham. Sym-Wall®
is a state-of-the-art, eco-
friendly wall panel, produced from a particular form of waste gypsum resulting from the de-sulphurisation of flue-gas emissions from coal-fired power stations. The product and its unique production machinery are set to have a big impact as part of the new wave of modular construction products entering the UK and overseas markets. The product is applicable not only for new build but is also expected to attract interest for refurbishment and retrospective enhancement projects in the public and social housing sectors. Sym-Wall®
has been designed for
internal and external walling and thermal cladding applications across both the residential and commercial sector. At present the product is available for non load bearing applications but the company plan to achieve certification as a structural component in late 2014. With its proprietary installation processes, Sym- Wall®
is ideal for both new build housing projects and as a retrofit on older un- insulated housing to improve thermal and energy efficiency, thereby cutting carbon emissions and reducing energy costs. As well as excellent green credentials embodies lightweight material
Sym-Wall®
and dry-fix methods which mean that installation can be substantially quicker and less costly than traditional construction methods.
The robust, lightweight panels are manufactured by Sym-Wall Building Technologies Ltd, who have set up their global hub in the East Midlands. The company’s revolutionary technology creates panels which are ideally suited to the environmental and economic demands of the global construction and energy markets and has the potential to ultimately transform construction methods around the world. Sym-Wall®
is the brainchild of ex-
aerospace consultant, Geoff Symonds, who has pioneered both the product and its unique manufacturing technology over the last five years.
The company was recently awarded a £75,000 grant from the Nottingham Technology Grant Fund (N’Tech), which is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and has helped bring Sym- Wall® to market. Interest in Sym-Wall®
is already
growing and near-term orders include the cladding of 116 bedroom “pods” to be supplied by specialist eco-construction firm Low Carbon Construction Design and Build Ltd for a new hotel in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland. Chris Tonkin, Director at Low Carbon Construction, commented: “Having
looked at the Sym-Wall®
modular panel technology some
months ago, we have waited for them to go into full production of their split panels, which we intend to incorporate within our own Modular SIPS Building System. We feel the durability of the product, used as a dry lining system instead of traditional plasterboard, will also be a great asset to us for housing association projects.” The machinery to enable Sym-Wall® production to start was manufactured under contract by another Nottingham firm, TQC Ltd. The bespoke machinery company was selected to manufacture the first automated injection moulding plant, capable of producing the Sym- Wall®
panels at a high rate and at a highly
competitive cost. Sym-Wall is currently undergoing testing for BBA and EU certifications. For more information on N’Tech refer to
www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/ntech
More Than Two Peas in an OfficePOD Independent primary school Maple
Walk this term took proud delivery of an important new space from OfficePOD. Maple Walk, based in Harlesden, North West London, needed additional break- out space for one-to-one tuition, small group teaching and meetings. The school worked with OfficePOD to find a quick, fit-for-purpose and cost-effective solution. The result is a 9sqm POD that makes best use of an otherwise difficult corner of the playground. Installed in just two- days, it provides an ingenious way for the school to quickly expand their teaching space with the minimum of disruption. Head Teacher, Mrs Sarah Gillam, said: “Everyone loves the POD and it works well alongside our existing building. Like many other schools, we found we simply did not have enough room. This means we no longer have to shuffle the timetable around. Our pupils and staff find it a fun, peaceful space in which to learn and work.”
Building & Facilities Management – December 2013
Visit
www.maplewalkschool.co.uk for more information or to find out about NMS
www.newmodelschool.co.uk Because the POD is largely prefabricated and modular, it can easily be moved, or even enlarged, should the need arise. It came supplied with heating, mechanical ventilation and, with the addition of Cat 5 cabling, it provides all-weather use. Maple Walk is the first school to make use of a POD. Other clients of OfficePod include the NHS, Google and the BBC. OfficePOD are a U.K. based company that creates good looking, private spaces that can be located both inside and outside building. The
PODs are modular and can be erected quickly to make maximum use of underutilised buildings and land. Sound insulation is a key attribute and occupants are afforded a safe and secure environment in which they can work, meet and discuss, or just relax. Visit
www.officepod.co.uk or call Stephen Tanner on 0845 680 9690.
portable & modular buildings
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