The panel itself

The Concretex alternative building system is based on pre-cast, pre-stressed high grade concrete panels with a compressed polystyrene core. The high grade concrete makes for strength and lightness, and the compressed polystyrene core delivers superior thermal performance. And in addition, all piping and conduits are cast inside the panels during manufacture, which makes for ease of electrical and plumbing installation.

The way the panel is manufactured: quality control

All panels are factory made and monitored for quality. Because everything is factory made, the panels which lie at the heart of our system are SABS tested, and covered by a product warranty. Along with the NHBRC structural warranty, this means that the panels which make up the building, as well as the structure itself, are covered by product warranties.

The modularity of the system; the way the panels fit with each other, and fit onto the floor slab allows tremendous build speed

The foundation/floor slab is cast by pouring concrete into a mould using steel shuttering of a uniform size. Once the foundation/floor slab is set, the panels fit exactly into a groove moulded in the foundation/floor slab, and in turn the panels interlock with each other. This exact modular interlocking means that roof trusses for the entire project can all be pre-ordered to the same exact specification; saving considerable time both in manufacture and on-site. None of these advantages is available when using conventional brick and mortar construction.

Advantages to the Developer or Municipality of using the Concretex alternative building system

Cost savings through three key areas:

• Speed of build: our patented modular building system allows us to build between 3 to 5 times faster than traditional brick and mortar
• No waste or shrinkage: materials are delivered and used the same day, with no on-site building yard or materials storage
• No remedial re-working: since 1985, we have built thousands of homes, without a single structural failure

Fast, straightforward building process, designed for large-scale projects:

• A concrete raft floor/foundation is cast ready for the panels
• The interlocking panels for the external and internal walls are positioned on the floor slab and bolted together. Doors and window frames are fitted
• Because piping and conduits are cast inside the panels during manufacture, electrical and plumbing are cleanly and quickly fitted
• Roof trusses and coverings are installed
• Plastering and painting completes the process – as quickly as 5 days on a large project

Marketability and durability

Our homes all carry full NHBRC certification, and our affordable homes are accredited and approved for bonds by SA’s leading banks. In addition all Concretex homes are covered by product warranties covering the wall panels and roof.

Advantages to the home-dweller

• More floor area: Our research has shown that increased floor area is the number one benefit sought by dwellers, whether in affordable or subsidy housing. As our building methodology allows us to provide more covered area for the same money than traditional bricks and mortar, developers can create competitive advantage for their schemes by passing on some of this benefit to buyers. Similarly our standard BNG specification provides at least 10% more floor area than the standard subsidy home specification – at the same subsidy price. Families appreciate more space

• Thermal insulation: Our pre-stressed concrete panels have a high density polystyrene core, which gives improved heat insulation; cooler in summer, warmer in winter – the same, or better than brick and mortar construction. With Eskom price hikes set to continue at rates well above inflation into the foreseeable future, the superior thermal properties of Concretex homes translate not only into comfort, but cost savings for the dweller

Our homes stand the test of time – and they look and feel solid like a house should. Tap the walls of a Concretex home and you’ll see what we mean!