Housing - A new technology that could assist in the realisation of the dream by Nigerians to own affordable housing has been introduced into the country. Known as insulated concrete building system, the new technology utilises form work panels, manufactured from ultra high density expanded polystyrene (EPS), which are used to construct walls, floors and roof panels for houses. These panels are then filled with ready-mixed concrete and left in place permanently as thermal insulation. The Irish technology exploits the insulation properties of the polystyrene and the structural integrity of the concrete has been used in Europe and in North America for over 50 years. The new technology is being promoted by Messrs Servetek Construction Nigeria Limited in partnership with Roche Group. The General Manager, Servetek Construction Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bunmi Oyeleye told Vanguard Homes & Property that the building system will revolutionise te provision of mass housing in Nigeria. He said the demand for housing in Nigeria cannot be met by the traditional building methods and high cost of building materials. Noting that every family deserves a good home, Mr Oyeleye said the Roche and Servetek housing system offers the solution to the longstanding housing challenges faced by many Nigerians. According to him, new housing developments should have quality infrastructure including power supply, recreational areas and green spaces. He explained that the design of the housing scheme allows community engagement in interaction and maintenance as well as management of the environment.

A Three-bedroom bungalow prototype of insulated building

Explaining further the durability of the system, he said the solid concrete used along side other materials fabricated by Roche Group here in Nigeria is stronger than the conventional sandcrete blocks. The system which services are pre-installed is thermally efficient; this keeps the heat out and the cool air inside the building.

Pointing out that the system is resistant to earthquake, fire and termite, he said it also saves money and creates affordable construction solutions with about 20 per cent reduction cost. Assuring that funding cost can be reduced by 90 per cent compared to conventional building methods, he said costs are controlled through efficient management systems, as much of the construction process is carried out in a controlled environment at their factory.

In terms of delivery, the general manager said the building system is simple and efficient. On site, he said, construction is 90 per cent quicker than the conventional building methods. 'In fact, we can finish ten of the standard RR90 bungalows in one week. We can finish the installation of one three-bedroom bungalow under four hours. In terms of sustainability, 100 per cent of our steel is recyclable. Our system saves energy through the use of thermal efficient materials" he noted.

Mr. Oyeleye who disclosed that the cost of constructing a three-bedroom bungalow for a space of 100 square metres is between N4 million and N7 million depending on the features specified by a subscriber, said risk is reduced to the efficiencies gained by system building. He pointed out that speed of construction ensures construction costs are recouped at a faster rate, as cost of funding is controlled and sales can proceed more quickly.

Explaining that efficient procedures ensure the project can hit completion deadlines avoiding cost over runs and penalties, he said waste and theft are also drastically reduced as only the components required at any stage of construction are delivered to site. 'Procedure management, training and quality supervision of personnel ensures the constant quality of our product. Quality control reduces the potential for hazards. Future quality and maintenance challenges are reduced due to the use of high quality certified materials', he said.

Kingsley Adegboye

Vanguard/22/06/2011