Advantages of using the UNiBLOCK Insulated Concrete Formwork System
Building with UNiBLOCK means faster construction times, with a system that can be easily taught on or off-site and can be scaled to deliver large projects in shorter time periods, here are a few of the benefits
Low U-Values to contribute
towards PassivHaus
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100% Recyclable
Fast Track Build Time
Speed of build is one of our unique selling points.
It is far faster to build with Xpress Wall from UNIBLOCK than traditional brick and block construction, and even faster than some timber frame systems.
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The unique design of the Xpress Wall modular system allows panels to be assembled off site and folded for transport. The system component parts are 100% recyclable and technically designed so that cut-offs can be reused, helping to reduce site waste.
Thermal Performance
The high levels of energy efficiency can be attributed to the combination of reinforced concrete, which is covered on both sides by expanded polystyrene. This design eliminates gaps for air leakage and thermal bridges, making ICF homes and buildings very economical to heat in winter and cool in summer. The benefits of thermal mass provided by the concrete are also an important part of why ICF is a superior building method when it comes to controlling the temperature of any building.
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The system offers a u-Value as low as 0.14 w/m²k and homes built with ICF can use up to 75% less energy than a typical traditional build property.
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The airtightness which can be achieved also sits at an impressive 0.75m3 (h-m2), which is well below the current UK regulations of 8m3 (h-m2). This can be easily achieved without additional taping and membranes being added.
Acoustic Performance
Comfort in a building is greatly influenced by its acoustic insulation. However, achieving effective insulation can be complex and involve a variety of factors. Most noise is generated from two sources: aerial sound from both inside and outside the building, and impact sounds from foot traffic on floors.
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UNiBLOCK Xpress Wall ICF offers exceptional protection against aerial sound due to their perfect air tightness and the use of concrete. It's important to remember that
a lack of air leaks equals minimal sound transmission. In fact, our ICF walls have a sound attenuation rate of over 55dB (A), surpassing the requirements of most building codes.
More Cost Effective
When all the factors and benefits are taken into consideration, UNiBLOCK is extremely competitive compared to both traditional building methods and timber framing.
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The associated labour element cost is reduced dramatically over traditional build construction since the ICF system only requires semi-skilled labour to complete the structural elements. Using the Xpress Wall Pre-Cut system further reduces labour input, with all openings and corners cut in a factory-controlled environment, ensuring accuracy and increasing the speed of build.
With the adequate training a semi-skilled operative can achieve 5-10 metres sq. per man hour which includes set-up time and concrete pour.
In addition, the UNiBLOCK ICF System will reduce the construction program by as much as 66% compared with traditional build method times, saving on site costs as well as labour.
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The UNiBLOCK system has further advantages in that the material is available on shorter lead times and can be built in most weather conditions including rain and cold, and therefore less down time is incurred.
Due to the lightweight nature of the formwork, the use of heavy plant is not required for the system and therefore these costs are not necessary, which also saves on skilled operators. The manual handling risk is also significantly lower than traditional building, making work safer for all involved.
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Good housekeeping is easier to achieve, since the UNiBLOCK is easy stackable and there is limited waste to consider, keeping each plot tidier and safer to work around.
Design Flexibility
UNiBLOCK Xpress Wall allows architects & developers to embrace modern and traditional styles of buildings without restriction to create beautiful, artistic and functional structures.
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Building design is only limited by one's imagination and of course UK planners and local authority approval.
Fire Resistance
The Xpress Wall System by UNIBLOCK is rated to EN13651-200 and classified as REI130. The use of concrete in buildings will significantly improve the fire resilience and increase the escape times, preserving life and prolonging the structural integrity of the building during fire.
Social Impact Benefits
ICF can play a significant role in the reduction of fuel poverty, helping builders and designers to create comfortable and efficient homes for the most vulnerable in society. Reduced running costs, better air quality and increased comfort are all achievable when building with the Xpress Wall ICF system.
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The Xpress Wall offsite option also allows lower technically qualified operatives to build with the guidance and support of our technical team, or another suitably qualified builder, giving them a chance to break into the industry and learn valuable skills in an alternative building method. In communities where employment opportunities and training are limited, the chance to learn a skill and build something which positively impacts the community is invaluable
Improved Environmental Impact
Buildings constructed with ICF significantly reduce our use of diminishing resources and protects the future of our environment.
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Our blocks are made from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), a by-product of the oil industry, accounting for 0.1% of oil production globally, but can also save up to 200 times more energy than it takes to create it. This material also has a carbon footprint which is 4 times lower than Polyurethane, and almost half that of the equivalent mineral wool density.
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EPS is also 98% air, which makes it one of the lightest construction materials available and helps to reduce transport emissions.
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UNiBLOCK manufactures all of its products offsite, which are then delivered to site ready to assemble. This saves excessive vehicle movements by up to a 3rd against traditional building.