A NEW and exciting house in Hale is to be built using polystyrene as the property aims to become an energy efficient ‘dream’ home.


Arc Design Services, based in Hale, are no strangers to polystyrene homes with this current one being the sixth project of its kind, most of them being built in the borough.


The house, due for completion in February 2015, was no longer meeting the needs of the clients, so the 1960s construction was planned for demolition.


The spectacular design of the house uses the latest technology of ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork) and comprises of 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.


Jonathan Riddle, of Arc Design Services, pointed out the advantages of this construction: “It is quick to build, the energy usage is low from the heating and hot water systems, and it is eco-friendly.”


However there are certain challenges to face such as the need for a car lift that would enable access to all four floors of the house so that the client’s elderly parents would have easier access.


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.”