Durisol Making Green Building Cost-Effective
Light-weight, Insulated Concrete Form (ICF Blocks) made of mineralized waste wood chippings, mixed with cement and a cement substitute that is made from waste materials (Cenin). The mixtures is then formed and compressed into blocks which do not support capillary action. Blocks are fireproof and breathable while at the same time providing airtight walls.
Those ICF blocks don’t rot, they have highest thermal and acoustic properties in comparison to standard build walls without any additional layers of insulation. Because the construction process is fast (blocks are dry-stacked) and there is no need for cavity walls, no additional insulation or mortar and only 8 blocks are used per m/2 saving time, money and the environment – this is a building material of now and of the future.
Durisol is a premium quality construction material that’s recycled, renewable, and energy efficient. Trusted around the world for over 60 years, Durisol is the safe, reliable alternative to timber-frame construction.
The blocks are made in a 50,000sq ft factory in South Wales in a controlled environment to maintain quality and unity. The manufacturing process is carried out under a process that is audited by BBA annually. Every batch is marked and tested. It takes 28 days from the moment a block if formed to being ready for delivery but still Durisol has lead time of 4-6 weeks.
This is a solution for high quality, sustainable and affordable houses:
- Made from 80% recycled wood, treated not to rot or burn
- BBA certified
- Technically approved by NHBC and LABC
- BRE Green Guide Rating of A
- Exceeds Building Control requirements
- 4-hours fire-resistance certificate at 1100 C (cannot be burned)
- Acoustic performance up to 63dB
- U values as low as 0.13W/m2K
- Breathability yet air tightness
- Low energy manufacture with low embedded energy
- Lower build cost
- Easily could be made self-sustainable
- Low running costs – little energy is needed to keep it warm in the coldest winters and no energy to keep it cool in the summer
- Wood is mineralized to turn it inert, so Durisol doesn’t burn or support mould growth.
Below is a picture illustrating unfinished yet the only house standing among remains after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. This was build from Durisol ICF blocks.
Picture courtesy: Third Line Homes.
Personally, I think those ICF Blocks are the most ecological, easiest to build with, light-weight and the strongest building material to date.
For the range of products visit Durisol website and if you would like more details or would consider building your new home with those ICF Blocks please do not hesitate to Contact Us.