Modern methods of construction on display
April 25, 2007 by admin
Filed under Innovation
OFFSITE 2007 exhibition leads the way
Following a similar, highly successful event in 2005, the Building Research Establishment in conjunction with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), are staging another four-day event called OFFSITE 2007 covering modern methods of construction for new builings. It takes place from 11-14 June.
Tougher building regulations and the ever increasing challenges of sustainability are encouraging major growth in the development of innovative construction methods and advanced technologies for buildings.
With full scale exhibits and demonstrations and a case study based conference programme, OFFSITE2007 will explore how these innovations are coming together to deliver higher performing, more sustainable and smarter buildings for:
- Housing – changing lifestyle needs/homeworking/flexibility
- Healthcare – modern care services/assistive technologies
- Education – better learning/more secure environment
Major features of the exhibition will include:
- The Big Build area: full scale examples of housing/health/education buildings constructed by modern methods, ie off-site manufactured systems and innovative on-site construction methods.
- Sustainable technologies – recycled building products and sustainable building materials; new products from natural resources and application of industrial by-products for construction.
- Smart technologies – control systems and sensors for monitoring; and intelligent technologies for whole building communication.
Newcomers to the event, Re-Thinking aim to demonstrate how inspirational school design can be achieved that meets the needs of students and teachers, is energy efficient, intelligent and quick to build. Charles Tincknell, Head of Re-Thinking says ’We aim to build an exemplary non-traditional school that demonstrates innovative and adaptable design. Crucially the design will focus not only on the classroom environment but also on the safety and well being of students – corridor and toilet facilities where bullying and drug taking can take place will be key considerations.’
Hanson, who exhibited an innovative house at OFFSITE2005, will return with a house that particularly addresses the issues relating to climate change. Gerry Feenan of Hanson says: “This time our house will focus on occupant comfort in the changing UK climate. We’ll be addressing issues such as overheating and solar gain and how best to mitigate against them with a concrete and masonry structure.”
Volumetric manufacturer Spaceover will demonstrate modules from a live housing project, South Chase New Hall, in Harlow. Director Steven Barrett says ‘our new volumetric system has taken into account some of the major drivers in the housing sector in particular the need for much higher levels of energy efficiency and the benefits of renewable energy sources’.
David Marlow, chief executive of EEDA says: “The East of England faces many challenges in delivering the housing needs of the region that are both of high standard and affordable. We are fortunate to have so many innovative companies based here that can ensure housing is built to the highest possible environmental and design quality.”
More information: www.offsite2007.com
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