For more information please contact:
Paimaan Byron 011 317 0000
Combining technologies
The saint-gobain light steel frame wall solutions
While most of us know what a brick looks like, the system that makes up the sandwich of specialised Saint-Gobain materials is still a mystery to most of us. In order to clarify how the system works and what each material does, here is a typical section through a light steel frame wall similar to those in Stand 47, from the inside (on the left) to the outside (on the right).
- Gyproc Activ’Air – purifies the air, high fire protection classification & resistant to everyday knocks and scratches. It improves indoor air quality by permanently reducing VOC’s and other pollutants and achieves this by absorbing, capturing and converting VOC’s into inert compounds where they will remain within the gypsum board for up to 50 years. Gyproc Activ’Air FireStop has glass fibres and unexfoliated vermiculite included in the gypsum core which enables superior performance from a fire perspective when compared to standard and other plasterboard.
- Isover Cavitybatt – is a self-supporting non-combustible (SANS 10177-5) glasswool insulation. It is glass tissue faced and offers effective thermal insulation with a k-value (thermal conductivity) of 0.038 W/mK. With a density of 14kg/m3, it offers efficient sound insulation when used within the cavity of GypWall systems – based on various test results and available data.
- Ecran Integra membrane – a climatic and wind-tight sheathing, underlay and sarking membrane made of polypropelene that protects the structure from cooling and dampness
- Fibre cement sheath wall – for structural support
- SAGEX EPS – Expanded polystyrene board that is CFC free, recyclable, flame retardant, durable & resistant to mould decay, excellent thermal insulation properties compared to masonry
- Weber Base Coat & Weber.therm mesh – a cement-based, fibre-reinforced base plaster that is used in conjunction with Weber Glass Fibre Mesh as a preparatory finish for the final render
- Polymeric coating – High performance, anti-carbonation coatings to increase durability an improve façade and thermal insulation
Further information about :
the etics wall system here
gyproc activ’ air here
the heavy and light materials here or here
light steel construction here
They consult, design, supply, install and maintain turnkey systems for all sectors (i.e. residential, commercial, agricultural, hospitality and industrial) with a wide range of quality energy generation products and tailored solutions. These are designed to reduce electricity costs, enable energy independence and provide backup in the event of power failures. All our products have comprehensive manufacturer warranties and comply with international quality standards.
James Siedle, CEO of Ample Power, represents a company that strives to be a positive contributor of sustainable growth in the industry, one that partners with like-minded organisations. Customer satisfaction is core to their business values, attitude and philosophy.
For more information visit their website: www.amplepower.co.za or email: info@amplepower.co.za
Further reading…
well-being in a home
saint-gobain technologies
In the ‘healthy building’ scenario, homes improve their inhabitants’ sense of well-being, health and vitality. If we take a look at Stand 47, we see a few of the ideals put forward by HealthBegins, including an environment which inspires a sense of calm and relaxation, and also an active lifestyle which promotes long-term health. In Monaghan Farm, a strong connection to abundant natural elements provides not only the biophilic qualities that have been shown to improve well-being, but also the landscape that inspires an active life.
Other actions taken at Stand47 include the choices in material use. Combining natural materials like stone and timber, with more industrial materials like steel and Saint-Gobain technologies (which have high health standards: e.g. the ETICS drywall system incorporating Activ’ Air that actively traps and converts VOC’s into inert compounds). Views toward the landscape, through clerestory windows, corner windows, and direct access to a herb garden via the kitchen window have been incorporated to enhance the connection to nature.
Further reading…
activ’ air
etics walls
forget green: healthy building is the next big thing
biophilia
Merging materials + innovation
Site informing materials, materials informing design
Views, were incorporated into the the design by framing a part of the landscape like a painting within glazed sections (for example, the clerestory and the corner window in the living room). The contrast between enclosure and vastness emphasises the uniqueness of the site.
Efficiency and innovation were articulated through the use of quality building materials and methods provided by Saint-Gobain. The choice to use a light-steel frame over a raft foundation with drywalls created the opportunity to demonstrate that the traditional ‘heavy’ materials (stone and masonry) can be used in unison with ‘light’ steel and timber in very effective ways when considered from the start of the design phase. It also demonstrated that light steel was not only a viable option but a more efficient alternative. The use of Rhino Wood window frames also demonstrates the innovative use of materials while adding to the tactile qualities that contrast timber and steel with each other. Above all, these materials have high energy efficiency ratings and improve the health of internal areas considerably, while creating an elegant design solution.