Corner braces are positioned on all

external and internal corners in the build

Internal braces are placed on the inside

at no more than 2 metre centres

Concrete is then poured into the form work

creating the structure

A ply former is used to create openings (including sill heights). The frame is then placed into the form work and secured into position. The frame is constructed with an opening at its base to allow placement of the concrete.

After concrete has cured the ply profile is removed leaving the insulation in place

Window frames are secured back into the concrete and sealed with an appropriate sealant.

Beam and block floors bear directly onto the wall. As concrete from the wall above is placed the beams are cast into place.

After the concrete has cured a wall plate is fixed into position on the wall by bolts

A boom pump is the best way to pour the concrete into

the formworkNormally a 3 inch reducer on the pump nozzle is used to slow the flow rate of the concrete into the form work

A ply sledge can be constructed to direct concrete into the form work

Radius walls are created by building vertically with this system.

Virtually any dimension can be created by cutting the insulation board and rail to the appropriate angle.

The BRE approval process is considered by other bodies including:

• National Home Building Council (NHBC)
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• Local Authority Building Control (LABC)

PSS is not restricted by any modular repeats so virtually any feature can be designed.

• Full standard design details for areas such as floor, roof, window etc...are provided.
• Compliance with current Part L and the proposed changes in 2006
• Compliance with Part E requirements can be met for structures such as party walls

Any cladding style can be used with the system

• Traditional masonry is tied to the wall either through helical screws or timber/frame ties onto the rail
• Sand cement based renders can be used with the addition of a metal lath
• Tile hanging or timber can be used off battens attached to the wall
• Thin-coat renders are applied direct to the PSS system

Only 10% of the environmental impact of building a house is embodied within the materials used. That means that 90% is caused by the heating, cooling and lighting of our homes.

A PSS home will significantly reduce this impact by offering excellent energy efficiency throughout the whole life of the buildings presence.

The materials we use

Concrete

It is surprising to most people to find out that concrete is one of the most environmentally sustainable materials, far more than steel and timber. In 2002 reports were undertaken to demonstrate that of the total CO2 emissions in the UK, concrete accounted for just 2.6%. Concrete is far more sustainable as it out lives materials such as timber.

The cement in the concrete can be replaced with waste material from power stations by as much as 40% of it's volume, and along with the use of recycled aggregates, concrete isn't as damaging as most people think.

Polystyrene

PSS uses high dense extruded polystyrene (XPS) that is more thermally effective than expanded (EPS). Using XPS gives the product greater robustness to withstand the pressures of the concrete within the form work.

XPS is

• CFC (Chlorofluorocarbons) & HCFC (Hydrochloro-fluorocarbons) free
• Does not contribute to the depletion of the ‘Ozone Layer’ (ODP)
• 100% recyclable
• Does not promote condensation within the home thus eliminating fungi & bacteria, helping sufferers with asthma and other allergies

Plastic framework

The framework to hold the insulation in place is largely made from 100% recycled PVC. This is mainly a by-product from the window manufacturing process.

Insurance and Mortgage Viewpoint

ICF construction has been around for nearly 40 years, built in many countries

This system currently has in the region of 130 houses in construction or complete for which

successful applications for mortgage and insurance purposes have been made.

ICF as a generic product is in the process of gaining the new LPS 2020 status issued by the BRE

Areas of assessment cover

• Flooding protection
• Energy efficiency
• Security protection
• Fire protection
• Environmental performance and protection

Some insurers in the US are now offering discounts to those homes built with ICF, largely due to the enhanced

protection it affords particularly against adverse climatic conditions.

Differences to other ICF systems

Both expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) can be used

Unlike other ICF systems however, Our PSS system mainly uses XPS because

• Using them as fixing points during construction for bracing and ply attachment.
• Forming fixing points for plasterboard to the interior and cladding to the exterior.
• There are no repeats (male and female connectors) therefore it is easier to construct on site and easier to design.