When the dust has settled across Manchester homes this Christmas and the polystyrene remnants of carefully wrapped and torn open boxes are all that remain, remember to think twice about chucking everything in the bin.
While for many polystyrene is just an obstacle in the way of new shiny new toys or an annoying flaky material that is a nightmare to hoover, for others it is valuable building material.
Arc Design Services, who are based in Hale, are close to completing their sixth polystyrene house and Jonathan Riddle, who works for the company, believes it provides a viable alternative to traditional methods.
“It is quick to build, the energy usage is low from the heating and hot water systems, and it is eco-friendly,” he said.
“On the whole it has long term benefits, mainly due to the home being more energy efficient and producing little wastage.”
The energy efficient ‘dream’ home uses the latest Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) technology and comprises large polystyrene blocks locked together to form a mould into which concrete is poured to form the wall structure of the home.
Once everything is assembled, an insulated inner and outer wall will be formed all from polystyrene. Shutters are then installed in order to support and strengthen the polystyrene.
Other energy saving and efficiency measures include a rainwater harvesting tank, solar panels on the roof and a ventilation system.
Mr Riddle said that it was an exciting project, adding: “It’s still a very new concept which takes specialist design work and building. We work with all different methods of construction and this particular design is something we enjoy getting involved with.”
Image courtesy of Ambernectar 13, with thanks
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