Lightweight steel frames, reinforced concrete, specially-formulated
closed-cell rigid polyurethane foam and ferro-cement are
the key components of this innovative building method. 'Compu'
stands for 'combined PU' (rigid polyurethane
foam), the core of every Compu-Home™.
Closed-cell rigid polyurethane
foam (PU) provides exceptional energy-efficiency:
- PU foam protects aircraft passengers against outside
temperatures of -60ºC (-70ºF) at 10,670m (35,000ft);
- PU insulation results in a comfortable, healthy living
environment irrespective of widely fluctuating outside
temperatures;
- Compu-Homes™ owners have testified
to body heat and existing incandescent light bulbs supplying
sufficient heat energy, even on the coldest nights;
- Closed-cell PU foam does not absorb moisture.
The 'k' value, or Thermal
Conductivity of PU Foam
Closed-cell rigid PU foam has exceptional thermal properties
and boasts a 'k' value of between 0.018-0.023
W/mK. The lower the 'k' value
the better the insulating ability. In comparison: Concrete
= 1.250; Brick = 1.150; Glass = 1.050; Wood = 0.144 and
Expanded Polystyrene = 0.039.
Computer-designed lightweight steel frames form the structural
framework of this alternative building method. Tight tolerances
are maintained and the design of multi-storey buildings
is possible. Skilled labour is only required to assemble
the framework and apply the PU
foam and elastomer
roof coating. Lightweight cladding and roofing materials
result in reduced steel requirements and costs, without
compromising strength and durability.
The patented Compu-Homes™ building
method ingeniously incorporates polyurethane foam into the
wall's structure. Our completed walls are essentially the
same as the exceptionally strong hulls of ocean-going ferro-cement
yachts. They have been classified burglar-proof.
Polyurethane foam is also integrated
into the roof structure, thereby eliminating the need for
further ceiling insulation. The result is an attic free
of drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations, an ideal
additional room.
The polyurethane thickness can be
increased on-site to suit extreme climate conditions without
re-calculating or adding to the cost of the building's structural
framework.
Key Compu-Homes™ Features:
- Possible to complete a 76m² dwelling (post foundation)
in under one week;
- Insulated roof, walls and insulated floating foundation;
- Durability, low maintenance and excellent energy-efficiency;
- No moist, streaming walls or unpleasant cold drafts;
- Water and weatherproof;
- Excellent sound-absorbing properties;
- Suitable for earthquake zones;
- Homes can
be containerized and shipped globally;
- Materials
exhibit fire-retardent properties;
- Polyurethane
foam/elastomer is sprayed on-site.
Compu-Homes™ offer a viable alternative
to conventional construction methods at a time where skilled
labour and conventional building materials are costly and
in short supply.
Transport Savings
Our specially-formulated
polyurethane foam consists of two components. These are
sprayed on site where they expand almost 30 times
within seconds. Two 220kg drums of unmixed material
effectively represent 60 drums of expanded material. This
dramatically reduces transport costs and construction time
when compared to conventional building and cladding materials.
We do not transport 'air', i.e. insulating panels/blocks,
to the building site.
The Compu-Homes™ building system
is incredibly versatile: In its basic form it is ideal for
emergency housing. By incorporating the latest technical
improvements it can be adapted for multi-level villas in
affluent residential areas. Both structures display unbeatable
insulating properties.
Modular Coldrooms and Freezers
July 2010: Our modular Compu-Homes™
system has been adapted to the construction of coldrooms
and freezers. By omitting or shifting interleading walls
a multitude of 3m x 3m modules can be arranged in any configuration
to suit individual space and cooling requirements. Ideal
for farming communites.
History
Initial Compu-Homes™ have a 28-year track record
in South Africa and over 65 years internationally.
The Compu-Homes™ building system
is protected by valid patent and Trade Mark rights (South
African Patent No. 2008/08546). It was also extensively
tested by Agrément South Africa and the Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research in South Africa (CSIR).
- Broadminded investors keen on supporting innovative
energy-efficient technology with potential in all areas
of construction are welcome to contact us. Please enquire.
Manufacturing Compu-Homes™
under Licence:
- Lightweight steel frame contractors wishing to build
superior energy-efficient structures using the Compu-Homes™
cladding system will be licenced and trained. Licenced
contractors may be selected for potential tourism projects,
both locally and internationally. Please enquire.
7-Module 70m² Compu-Home™:
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (1 en-suite), 1 Kitchen, 1 Lounge
Framework for double storey
7-Module 70m² Compu-Home™:
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (1 en-suite), 1 Kitchen, 1 Lounge
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