Durisol's eco-friendly wall form system of interlocking recycled wood and cement blocks has been chosen by Devon-based company Atlantic Developments for a new apartment scheme in the seaside town of Ilfracombe. The first phase of the development consists of 12 one- and two-bedroom entry-level apartments, just 200 yards from the sea front. Durisol wall form was used for all internal and external load bearing walls, party walls, and lift and service shafts. A second build of 14 apartments, also using Durisol units, is planned.

Atlantic's Paul Jaggers first spotted Durisol at a sustainable building exhibition, and had no hesitation in choosing the technology for the development. "It's an innovative and simple system," he says. "We had absolutely no problems at all. We soon adapted to the Durisol system, and we're keen to use Durisol for Phase Two."

Durisol wall form units are manufactured from at least 80% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) recycled waste softwood, bonded with a proprietary cement/PFA (Pulverised Fuel Ash) mix. The interlocking lightweight hollow blocks are dry stacked (without mortar) and then filled with concrete and steel reinforcing. As well as being a sustainable material, Durisol has many construction benefits. Costs can be kept to a minimum as bricklaying skills are not required. The blocks can be easily cut, nailed and screwed with ordinary carpentry tools, and the completed structure provides a substrate for wet and dry finishes both inside and out, with no need for mesh, scratch coats or strapping. Durisol is suitable for high-rise buildings, with a 26-storey structure being the tallest to date.

Once in place and concrete-filled, Durisol provides exceptional insulation - the systems offer high levels of acoustic insulation and thermal performance values are more than twice those of conventional walls. The system is also available with Rockwool mineral fibre insulation, which offers U-values as low as 0.19 without additional insulation. Thermal mass and low U-values mean that low-energy heating systems can be used effectively.

Durisol is equally suited to above or below ground level construction. The units will not rot or decay, are resistant to damage from vermin and wood boring insects and do not support fungal or bacterial growth.

Durisol and its licensees have been producing wood fibre and reinforced concrete products for over 50 years in Europe and also in North America, Australia, Russia and the Pacific Rim. In addition to wall form products for building, the company also has a portfolio of products and systems including noise barriers and retaining walls.