Eco Builders

Why build with wire frame panels?
Wire frame panels enable for a lightweight and quick construction process. These structures feel warm in winter and are cool in the summer.

What is the square metre cost to build with wire frame construction?
There is no such thing as a standard building rate per square metre. No two structures are the same and therefore no two building rates are the same. This does not relate to the finishes in a building as finishes on average make up between 20 - 30% of the total building cost.

Cost is always dependent on the specification and the location of the build. Sloping land will increase building cost. The type of soil condition will influence the type of foundations that are required. Naturally, the square metre building cost for a double storey house will also be more than that of a single storied structure.

Take two buildings for example - the one measures 10m x 10mm and the other measures 20m x 5m. They are both 100m² - but clearly the second building is going to cost more. Other influencing factors are going to be the wall height of the structure as well as the window and roof specification. Of course, the other factor is the size of the structure. The bigger the size - the less the cost per square metre.

For the purpose of an estimation, let us assume a level piece of land, a standard foundation and a straight forward roof and window specification, a single storey three bedroomed house measuring 180m² in this situation will cost approximately R4,000 m².

What does this cost include?
Structurally engineered foundation, fully insulated roof, ceilings, cornices, plastered walls, windows, door frames, doors, ironmongery, electrical and plumbing.

What is the thickness of the walls?
A variety of thicknesses are available - depending on the specification of the build. If we are to use a wire frame panel with polyurethane insulation then the plastered wall measurement will be 80mm. For double storied structures the downstairs plastered walls will measure 140mm.

If we are to use a wire framed panel with polystyrene insulation then the plastered wall measurement is available in 70mm / 90mm / 110mm or 130mm - depending on the insulation requirement.

What is the weight of a wire framed wall?
Wire framed construction is approximately 60% lighter than brick construction.

Is this method of construction fast?
Building an external wall with bricks only achieves a building rate of 6.16m² (assuming that a bricklayer is able to lay 700 bricks per day). By contrast, 60m² of vertical walling can be completed per day using a crew of three operators - making it 10 times faster !

How do we secure cupboards and shelving onto these wire framed walls?
Shelves, cupboards, TV's and brackets are secured in the normal manner, however special fasteners are used. In cases where exceptionally heavy components are going to be installed, arrangements should be made beforehand for the placement of a wired framed panel that is simply filled with concrete.

Can we build a double storey with this method of construction?
Absolutely.

What type of windows are used with this method of construction?
Any type of window can be incorporated into wire frame construction.

What type of roof can be used for this method of construction?
Any type of roofing material can be secured onto the wired framed walls.

Is this method of construction approved?
Yes, this method of construction has been approved by the Agrément Board and the NHBRC.

Are there any restriction in terms of design?
No, the boundaries are set by your own imagination.

How long will a house like this last?
Since a wired framed structure is not subject to rising damp issues, one can expect this type of house to outlast a conventionally built house. There are numerous cases in North and South America where this method of construction has shown no detoriation since it was first introduced in the 1960's.

What type of foundations are recommended for this building system?
The type of foundation required is determined by the appointed structural engineer - however, a conventional raft foundation would be most suitable.

Will banks provide finance to build these homes?
Absolutely.