Construction
After researching all construction options, the decision was made to use concrete in most of the walling and floor elements of the home. Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) were selected to provide the thermal mass and insulating properties required in the design brief. The only structural timber used is in the interior stud walls on the top floor and for the roof frame. This significantly reduces the risk of termite infestation and minimises future maintenance and repairs.
The retaining walls throughout the property are a PVC permanent formwork system that is concrete filled similar to ICFs and provide a sealed surface that can be finished with paint, render or panelling. The garage walls also use this system and provide greater interior space due to the thinner wall profile. Even bad weather didn’t delay construction, with the assembly and pouring of walls continuing through two days of rain. These are the type of efficiencies that builders are seeking and in this case enabled the builder to deliver the new home within nine months.
“This is a maintenance free home”, said Elvis Lazic of Optima Constructions.
“The strength and durability of the concrete slab, walls and upper floors means there won’t be the maintenance required compared to that of a conventional timber framed house.”
Energy Efficient and Durable
The thermal mass properties of concrete, combined with the insulating properties of the ICFs and solid concrete floors, means that the energy costs to heat and cool the home will be significantly less than conventional brick veneer homes. The reinforced concrete walls provide exceptional strength and provide a durable solution for a home that will last a century, not decades.