Future for concrete is set firm

Concrete has environmental attributes that outperform both steel and timber and, with its excellent thermal mass, concrete can help achieve reductions in energy consumption in residential, commercial and industrial buildings by up to 50%. It is also completely non-combustible. Unlike timber and steel,

Benefits of precast

The British Precast Concrete Federation (BPCF), an organisation representing the precast concrete and masonry sectors for the UK construction industry, has identified some of the key advantages in specifying a precast concrete solution. These include, among many others:

* excellent value

* factory quality

* built-in fire protection

* low noise transmission

* long spans

* low maintenance

* attractive finishes

* reduced site waste

* high span/depth ratios

* energy conservation

* strong and durable

* lowest whole-life cost

* sustainable

* just-in-time delivery

* reduces on-site risk

* conforms to BSI and EU Standards

* uses recycled materials

* no production delays due to poor weather

* strength increases over time

* engineered solutions.

Similarly, the Precast Flooring Federation has also indicated some of the distinct advantages in the use of precast concrete for floors at ground, first or upper levels:

* significantly improved heat, sound and fire insulation

* high-speed installations

* completely noise-free

* works well with long spans

* ideal base for underfloor heating

* rot-, damp- and vermin-proof

* safe installation by trained and experienced teams.

Modern methods of construction

With the growing movement towards Off-site construction' - now more commonly referred to as 'modern methods of construction' (MMC) - precast concrete is playing an even more crucial role in the building process.

A recent survey of new home buyers on 'modern methods of construction', undertaken by the UK new homes website www.smartnewhomes.com, has shown that while more than 80% said they took the construction method into consideration when buying a new home, approximately 49% indicated that they would have no real problem with purchasing a new home built using MMC. This represents a somewhat changed view from previous years, when buyers' attitudes tended to favour more traditional construction methods.

New developments

A survey carried out by the Halifax bank in 2005 found that first-time buyers could not afford to purchase a home in 92% of UK towns and cities. Following Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's challenge to housebuilders to provide affordable (under ?60,000) homes for first-time buyers, some developers have already successfully responded.

Redrow Homes, the Flintshire-based house builder, has launched its 'Debut' range of properties with an initial groundbreaking development at Willans Green, Rugby. Consisting of 103 one- and two-bedroom units in three-storey buildings grouped around informal courtyards, they originally went on sale in May 2005 with prices ranging from under ?50,000 to ?100,000. The homes were built in three weeks thanks to the use of an innovative construction method, combining several prefabricated elements, including walls, floors and roofs. Coltman Precast Concrete was selected to design and manufacture 19 precast concrete external staircases that provide access from the ground floor to the entrances of the first-floor properties. The staircases each consist of a seven-rise flight with an integral top landing and an upstand on both sides. The upstands support raking brickwork to give a clean and largely maintenance-free finish, as well as protecting the building's services that are located under the semi-exposed landing areas.

The Rugby properties were sold very quickly, so similar Debut-style developments have been implemented in Chorley, Lancashire and Castle Vale, Birmingham.

Concluding remarks

Coltman's product range includes prestressed hollowcore wideslab and solid prestressed wideslab for flooring and roofing, staircases, landings, balconies, terracing and wall units, as well as bespoke items. Its customers include some of the country's leading names in architecture, construction, civil engineering, housebuilding and property development and Coltman has been involved in numerous prestige projects, ranging from multi-million pound city centre redevelopments and quality housing, to civic cultural centres and premier sports arenas.