Affordable and Sustainable Homes: How Nudura Helps Housing Associations Build Better
Housing Associations can reap numerous benefits by building with Nudura Insulated Concrete Frameworks (ICF) to provide affordable, comfortable housing for tenants and buyers.
The UK Government recently announced that £350 million will be invested to increase the number of affordable and social homes with £300 million allocated to the Affordable Homes Programme and £50 million to the Local Authority Housing Fund. Nevertheless, targets need to be met in a certain time frame and under the former Conservative Government, 20,000 affordable homes were required each year.
Delving into the figures, it takes 30 weeks on average from substructure to completion to build a standard house, but only 19 weeks using Nudura ICF. Building with Nudura cuts down the overall construction time due to the simplicity of wall installation using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). While the substructure and fit-out time remain the same, for a standard dwelling, a Nudura structure can be built in approximately 10 to 14 days – including the first floor.
Based on these figures, 1.7 standard homes can be built in the same 52-week time frame compared to 2.7 Nudura ICF homes. Thus, doubling the amount of affordable homes that can be built with Nudura ICF to meet the UK Government’s 20,000 a year target.
Maintenance Costs
Nudura ICF homes are designed with durability and long-term savings, ensuring minimal maintenance costs over time. Their mould-resistant properties help prevent costly repairs and health issues associated with moisture damage. With superior strength and resilience, these homes require fewer repairs compared to traditional construction, reducing upkeep expenses. Additionally, Nudura ICF homes are built for the future, offering long-lasting performance that protects against environmental wear and tear, making them a smart investment for homeowners seeking efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind.
Energy Efficiency Nudura ICF creates sustainable buildings that offer a potential Net Zero energy build. When constructing with Nudura, the concrete of is layered between two continuous pieces of EPS, which isolates the concrete and significantly reduces the flow of heat through a wall. With the high storage capacity of a Nudura wall and the low thermal conductivity, structures built with Nudura provide the most useful level of thermal mass. As EPS is 98% air, it is therefore 100% recyclable, making ICFs a much more sustainable build choice. This technology provides homeowners and tenants with low energy costs, drastically reducing monthly energy bills saving a total of 70% in annual energy costs.
Sound Insulation
Due to the nature of the EPS material and the concrete sandwich insulation, Nudura ICF homes have high levels of sound proofing.
In Reflection
For Housing Associations, Nudura ICF present a game changing opportunity to meet Government targets for affordable housing. With a significantly reduced construction timeline, Housing Associations can build nearly double the number of homes in the same period, helping to address the ongoing housing crisis.
Furthermore, the long term savings from reduced maintenance and energy efficiency qualities ensure a financially sustainable approach to affordable housing developments. By investing in Nudura ICF, Housing Associations can future proof their developments with durable, high-performance, and eco-friendly homes that benefit their budgets and their tenants.
For Housing Inhabitants, Nudura ICF homes provide a superior living experience with comfort, outstanding energy savings, and durability. Lower energy bills make homeownership and renting more affordable, while enhanced insulation ensures a quieter, more peaceful environment. Additionally, the low-maintenance nature of these homes means fewer repair disruptions and long term reliability. Residents can enjoy healthier, more sustainable homes contributing to a greener future.
Choosing a Nudura ICF home is not just about affordability - it's about quality, security, and long-term comfort.
