Modern methods of construction

21 June 2011

The future of the building industry is in sustainability. With both the commercial and domestic sectors becoming more eco-aware, the entire industry have put their `green’ thinking caps on to create environmentally efficient materials that reduce its environmental impact.

Enter Tensor Building Technologies.

Utilising modern methods of construction, Tensor manufacture an innovative range of high quality, energy efficient and cost effective building systems developed and manufactured right here in Australia.

To gain further insight into this revolutionary new product, we spoke to company spokesperson, David Flintoff.

How has Tensor building technologies revolutionised the building and renovation market?

Tensor Building Technologies will bring the latest in modern construction techniques to the market. Speed of installation, durability, no material wastage and the fact that all structural walls are supplied to order and ready for immediate finishing are some of the key features.

How do you construct the walls into a working building so quickly? What are some of the features that enable this efficiency?

Individual customer’s design plans/drawings are fully sized and then manufactured as ‘panel kits’ by Tensor. These ‘kits’ are then delivered direct to site, ready for installation. Tensor Modcrete and Rediwall panels include an insulated steel stud core or frame with attached fibre cement sheets. These insulated load bearing walls are simply erected as required.

These Tensor products are eco-friendly – how?

The Modcrete product, when supplied fully insulated provides energy efficiency using the benefits of thermal mass construction. Additionally, when installed in conjunction with other energy saving features on building (i.e. double glazing, passive solar power, and slab insulation) the benefits are amplified significantly.

Tell us about the unique sealing of the TENSOR buildings?

Tensor product panels can be finished in an identical fashion to traditional cladding and fibreboard. And because most of the Tensor panels are manufactured and delivered with fibre cement cladding, the builder simply gets his ‘finishing’ team to apply the chosen finish at the appropriate time.

What are the TENSOR buildings used for? Can they construct homes, offices, sheds etc?

Virtually any building can be constructed using Tensor specified product. From high rise and medium density residential, architectural housing, volume and project housing, owner builders through to major commercial developments like schools and office buildings… Tensor has a smart building solution.

Where is TENSOR based? And is it an Australian design?

Based right here in Melbourne. Tensor has established its new manufacturing facility in the western suburbs at Derrimut and all design is uniquely and proudly Australian.

Here's a brief rundown on the new product range;

Modcrete

- a permanent formwork system for the construction of structural walls that provides the strength of concrete with the energy-saving advantages of thermal mass.
- Any building can be made from Modcrete.
- Tensor turns your design into a fully prepared panel kit which is sent to site ready to install, with no waste. External Modcrete panels are fully insulated against head and cold and allow the concrete core to store energy from heating and cooling units, returning it later to save on energy bills.

Rediwall

- combines the benefits of lightweight steel house framing with a durable external cladding. It comes to site ready to install and provides a fast, efficient external walling system. Internal walls and roof trusses can be supplied with Rediwall as a complete package.
- the services are placed in the same way as a traditional timber framed walls and plasterboard is used on the internal face. External surfaces can be rendered or texture coated.

Redipanel

- a laminated fibre cement insulation panel that provides durable external protection for timber framed buildings. Redipanel is a cost effective alternative to rendered brick and other lightweight cladding systems.
- can be purchased in standard sheet sizes and installed on any timber frame using horizontal metal battens. Unlike other foam cladding systems Redipanel will not burn, melt or give off toxic fumes.

KONNEKT

- is the future in structurally insulated panels (SIP's) and is due for launch in 2012. Soon you will be able to design your own home or renovation, pick up the panels you need from a wide range of pre-finished, off-the-shelf components and build it yourself.
- as your needs change, you will be able to add rooms, create open spaces or pack up your whole home and move to your new location.

Tensor Building Technologies will announce their world first release at the Building & Home Improvement Expo with the official launch of their four brand new products to the Victorian building market.

To see a visual demonstration of the products, head to the construction zone in the Sustainability Section of the Building & Home Improvement Expo at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from July 15-17, where a complete model home will be erected and dismantled every day.

Catch all the action and meet the Tensor team above their corporate stand number 027, beside the café area, in the top left hand corner of the sustainability area.

To register visit, www.buildexpo.com.au

 

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