12th February 2010

BUNGALOW BUILT WITH DURISOL NOMINATED FOR TWO BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

A bespoke bungalow that was constructed using Durisol has been nominated by Swansea Building Control for two Building Excellence Awards, including one nomination in the Sustainability category.

The Building Excellence Awards are a national initiative that enables local authorities to reward good building practice. The awards look at the processes that go on behind the scenes of a construction project. This includes the relationships between the different organisations involved – in this case, a developer and a housing association – and the way they collaborate to accomplish the best result. There are several award categories, each examining different aspects of a project. With its use of recycled materials and eco-friendly building methods, a dwelling built using Durisol was an obvious choice for nomination in the Sustainability category.

The bungalow itself, located in the Portmead area of Swansea, was designed specifically to suit the needs of the Murphy family, one of whom has cerebral palsy. As well as making the property wheelchair accessible throughout, the housing provider was keen to make the whole building process, and the finished bungalow, as sustainable and “green” as possible.

“We’ve always had a green agenda and tried to use materials that have a positive impact on the environment,” said Elaine Davies of Grwp Gwalia, the housing provider who managed construction of the bungalow.

Grwp Gwalia was previously unfamiliar with Durisol, but they were so impressed with its eco-friendly qualities that they chose to use the product to construct the new property.

Durisol is made from recycled timber and no energy is needed to dry or heat the product during the process. Any waste is returned to the factory to be recycled again, and even recycled rain water from the factory roof is used during manufacturing. Durisol is environmentally friendly throughout every stage of the construction process, making it the perfect product to use for a sustainable, energy-efficient family home.

Durisol also saved Grwp Gwalia time and money during construction. Its innovative system of interlocking blocks makes it quicker to lay than conventional bricks and eliminates the need for skilled bricklayers.

“Durisol certainly allowed the build to be expedited and while cost wasn’t the initial driver in our decision to use Durisol, it certainly did pay off,” said Ms Davies. “I would definitely consider using Durisol again.”

Durisol certainly impressed the housing provider during the building process, but it will also directly benefit the Murphy family, who have now moved into their new home. Its thermal properties mean the bungalow retains heat extremely efficiently, so the family can enjoy a cosy, well-heated home without the inconvenience of huge energy bills. And Durisol will never rot or burn, making it a safe, reassuring choice for a family home.

Stuart Davies, Director of Social and Affordable Housing Development at Grwp Gwalia, described Durisol as an “innovative product” and added, “A family have got a brand new, sustainable home that’s ideal for them, and I hope they’ll be very happy there for years to come.”

Swansea local authority has participated in the local Building Excellence Awards for ten years. This year’s judging panel includes John Hague, Deputy Leader of Swansea Council, and Reena Owen, Corporate Director for Environment. Should the Durisol bungalow win an award in either of its nominated categories, it will progress to the regional awards for South Wales and, if it is successful there, to the national awards in London.

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