A franchised, patented building system that utilises precast concrete panels and can deliver a finished home in just eight weeks has been released onto the market.
Panel Homes is the brainchild of Newcastle-based Burke Engineering Services and is being franchised nationally by Mates Group, a social enterprise that creates networking and business opportunities for builders.
The Panel Homes system is based on an ‘outside in’ approach that essentially starts with erection of the load-bearing external concrete panel walls and roof, then moves inside with the laying of the waffle raft slab and construction of the non-load bearing internal walls.
Panel Homes has already been used in a number of projects, with homes completed at Invercargill in New Zealand; Rutherford, near Newcastle; Harrington, NSW, where a duplex was completed in 11 weeks; and a major project for Northcott Disabilitiy Services in Wagga Wagga that will be officially opened by the Governor-General in May.
According to Mates Group CEO, Rob Johns, the Panel Homes system gives the builder total control and virtually eliminates weather as a factor in the construction timetable.
“With this system, you just need a four-day window to erect the walls and roof and then you’re in total control of the project. Much of the following work can be done in parallel, rather than one job after another.”
From a marketing perspective, the system enables builders to sell a home that is white ant resistant, durable, and offers the inbuilt thermal and acoustic mass advantages that comes from solid concrete construction.
“We currently have 10 home designs, but will double that by the middle of this year,” said Rob.
For more information on Panel Homes, visit www.matesgroup.org
