OFFSITE AND MODULAR CONSTRUCTION


build, including cantilever structures and basements.


EXPENSE


When you consider the entire process, ICF presents a very cost effective option. Upfront material costs may be slightly higher, but these are quickly offset by savings made during construction, and through ongoing energy savings once you’ve moved in. Labour costs are reduced by the speed of the ICF build programme and usually fewer contractors are needed onsite. The insulating property of the blocks allows the build to continue through winter with the ability to assemble and cast in most weather conditions. The combination of these factors can result in labour cost savings of up to 60%.


SUSTAINABILITY


t first glance C doesnt appear to be a particularly sustainable build method due to the extensive use of concrete. However, the concrete industry, through the UK Concrete Roadmap it has developed, is working hard on the adoption of new methods with the aim of removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it produces. When considering sustainability, a


recent report by the Environmental Audit


airtightness and thermal eficiency, meaning it can deliver U-values down to as low as 0.10 W/m2


demonstrates that


.K. Monitored energy


usage of a semi-detached four-bedroom home with a basement with a usable oor area o  m2


heating and hot water costs works out as little as £5 per week.


Committee ‘Building to net zero: costing carbon in construction’ encourages the adoption of Whole Life Carbon (WLC) assessment. This offsets the amount of carbon created during construction over the emissions created in heating or cooling the building. ICF’s ability to combine insitu concrete walls sitting in direct contact with the insulating formwork maximises


BUILDING IN A FLOOD RISK ZONE Increasingly, the UK is seeing the effects of adverse weather events. Under BS 85500:2015 Flood Resilient Construction guidance, ICF is a recommended external wall method. If correctly designed and installed, the resulting concrete structure has no voids and creates a watertight shell. In the event o ood damage, the insulating material in the walls remains water resistant with months of delays caused by drying out avoided.


The insulated solid wall structure also


creates its own natural fire suppression system. The solid concrete core will not burn and can withstand extremely high temperatures that prevents fire rom spreading internally or externally. Most C walls oer a fire protection rating o up to four hours.


Chris Stride is chairman at Insulating Concrete Formwork Association (ICFA)


60 www.sbhonline.co.uk


jul/aug 2022


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