Isolergrund Q&A: Modular Pre-Cast Building Foundations Posted on: December 2nd, 2020 We’ve been speaking exclusively to one of the sponsors of our upcoming Offsite & MMC Conference. Isolergrund is a modular, pre-cast building foundation system that is constructed from precisely dimensioned , fibre-reinforced concrete beam elements , bonded and layered thermal insulation, gas and vapour sealing materials and a controllable negative pressure device… Q. How does Isolergrund’s system innovate on traditional building foundations? As Isolergrund is modular in format its assembly avoids the need for wet trades on site resulting in a very rapid construction period. A domestic property foundation can literally be assembled and built on within a day. Significant CO2 emissions savings and environmental benefits are made over traditional methods by: [emaillocker id=”71749″] the reduction of volume of material per given structural strength requirementavoiding any waste (precise dimensioning in design and formation)the use of fibre reinforcement in lieu of steel bar reinforcement cutting cement quantities in the processthe ability to manufacture in a carbon neutral process by ensuring all power consumption is matched by on site renewable electrical generation Because an Isolergrund foundation controls the relative humidity level beneath the building’s structure, it creates a dry, warm environment beneath the building that eliminates the risk of mould growth to the underside of timber floor structures, the design goal in the product’s development back in 2006. The foundation is also negatively pressurized and sealed to the ground and foundation walls which prevents any uncontrolled air and gas leakage to within the building envelope through junctions in the buildings structure. This significantly reduces building envelope thermal transmission losses as well as ensuring the healthiest possible air quality. Designs are standardised and independently pre-certified improving construction integrity by reduced variations, simplified specification and omission of the site inspection process. The foundations are fully certified and warranted on completion. This promotes the circular economy as the foundations are readily disassembled for recycling or re-use . An Isolergrund foundation can in fact be leased! Q. What are some of the significant projects your system has been incorporated on? Over 3000 foundations sold within Sweden, originally mainly residential, but more latterly a mix of residential (houses and apartment blocks) and schools. Q. How can using prefabricated foundations improve the speed in which projects are delivered? Modular assembly is significantly faster, a property foundation can be laid and completed ready, for building over, within a single day. Assembly of the foundation is unaffected by inclement weather. Pre-designed and structurally certified . No site design inspection required. Reduces labour and vehicular movements on site generally by avoiding wet trades. Q. How common are prefabricated foundations within the offsite sector and how is Isolergrund helping to promote them forward? Isolergrund are introducing the concept of modular foundations to the UK, having first produced this design methodology in Sweden in 2006. The concept of forming a negatively pressurised void beneath the property is unique to the Isolergrund system. By constantly monitoring the performance of each foundation (relative humidity and temperature sensing is integral and permanent and accessible via the internet at all times). By certifying and guaranteeing the performance of Isolergrund foundations the standard of buildings are improved and new benchmarks are set. Q. What is the variety of projects that Isolergrund technology can be applied to? Education: Schools, classrooms, temporary accommodation Health: Surgeries, day-centres, nursing care Housing: Houses, terraces, bungalows, apartment blocks (up to 5 floors) Q. How do you ensure the same quality is maintained through the offsite method as would be produced by conventional methods? Manufacturing is better controlled within a factory environment where working conditions can be made ideal and quality procedures followed precisely. NORDCERT Quality Management and KIWA Production Certification are readily applied within a factory environment and both help ensure standardization and zero defects outcomes. Testing is continuous and rigorous and pre-manufacture avoids the potential for errors reaching site. Q. Isolergrund recently sponsored our Offsite & MMC Conference. Who did you meet at the event? Timber Frame Building DevelopersModular / Volumetric Building DevelopersArchitects and Building Design Engineers wishing to improve on building performance standards and/or construction techniquesAir tightness Advisors/InspectorsBuilding Control professionalsHeathy Living professionalsSelf-buildersEducation, Health and Housing sector clients [/emaillocker]
