David Reid Homes Achieves UK Construction First with Insulslab SFRC
David Reid Homes has broken new ground in UK construction by combining Insulslab SFRC, the super insulated and fully integrated foundation system, with an insulating concrete form (ICF) wall from Polysteel. Through intelligent engineering, the two systems have been effectively integrated to create a robust and thermally superior exterior envelope that eradicates thermal bridging and delivers an efficient and cost effective construction method. Pioneered by David Reid Homes-Gatwick for a prestigious design and build project, the innovative technique was adopted to satisfy three key objectives: to easily integrate the ground floor slab with the basement garage, build closer to a tree line and maximise insulation performance. With an ICF wall already specified for the project, Insulslab SFRC was selected as a complementary foundation system based on its suitability for use on tight sites, ability to achieve very low U-values (typically 0.10 – 0.12W/m2K depending on P/A ratio) and most importantly for integration with the ICF wall construction from interlocking expanded polystyrene (EPS) pods. By using two systems constructed from polystyrene and concrete, David Reid Homes was able to achieve seamless floor/wall integration and as a result, negate the risk of thermal bridging at these junctions. Marc Hodghton, David Reid Homes-Gatwick, comments: “We had already specified ICF wall construction as we were familiar with its performance credentials, especially with basements. After learning more about Insulslab SFRC, it was an obvious choice to use the two systems together. We worked with the technical teams at Insulslab and Polysteel to get the design right, and on-site it was simplicity itself to install. After just ten minutes it was second nature, a very quick and easy system.” The sustainable credentials of the two systems – enhanced insulation performance, reduced volume of construction materials and less spoil to remove from site – are in keeping with David Reid Homes’ own environmental agenda. David Marsden, David Reid Homes UK South, continues: “As a company we are committed to using sustainable methods of construction, which very often means pioneering new techniques. Insulslab SFRC combined with Polysteel’s ICF wall proved itself to be a superior specification and one that we will be looking to use as standard in the future.” Covered by a BBA certificate from Arcelormittal, Insulslab delivers the foundation up to ground floor level and is constructed by pouring steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) on top of the interlocking EPS pods. Constructed using a similar technique, the Polysteel ICF wall is built by locking the polystyrene building blocks in place and pouring the concrete directly within the wall cavity. Steve Burgess, Polysteel UK Limited, explains: “The synergy between the two systems makes them an ideal combination for any project that needs to achieve superior thermal performance while minimising build time and cost. Experience from this current project has highlighted additional ways the systems can be combined to increase sustainability, including the use of ICF polystyrene panels as temporary formwork for Insulslab SFRC.” Launched to the UK in just June 2009, Insulslab SFRC is already proving a popular modern method of construction for developers seeking to achieve on-site efficiency gains and superior thermal performance, particularly sites aiming for Level Three of the Code for Sustainable Homes or above. Mark Gray, technical manager, Insulslab SFRC, concludes: “We brought Insulslab SFRC to market in response to the need for a foundation system that would deliver a truly integrated solution. The rate of adoption is testament to the commercial and practical benefits the system can deliver, which will only be enhanced by using it in combination with an innovative wall system, such as Polysteel ICF.” For further information on Insulslab SFRC and full technical and specification support materials, please visit www.insulslab.com -ends-
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