The homes will be constructed out of a new, low-carbon building material developed by Affresol called Thermo Poly Rock (TPR). The company said that the material is made from recycled plastics and minerals using a patented process that converts the plastics into a compound that is stronger and lighter than concrete, waterproof, fire retardant, rot-resistant and has insulation properties.
A home built using TPR contains approximately 18 tons of recycled plastic waste, while each modular home contains up to four tons. TPR homes can be up to 12% cheaper than standard build, and can be erected on site within four days, the company claimed.
The houses have an estimated life cycle of more than 60 years and the TPR elements are 100% recyclable. The first Pilot Affresol TPR frame home has been erected in Swansea, Wales.
Affresol expects to build 3,000 homes per annum in its third year, recycling 40,000 tons of waste, with the main market being affordable public housing while its modular portable buildings can be used as classrooms, offices, showrooms, storage, and construction site offices.
Ian McPherson, managing director of Affresol, said: ”Our management team and business partners believe there is tremendous potential for this new product particularly with the growing focus on carbon reduction, low energy affordable homes and sustainability.”
