Locals promote building innovationby Kathryn Greensill on 27/08/2010 AN ALTERNATIVE method of constructing buildings developed in Rockhampton could mean savings of around $200 per square metre when building a new home.
This dream is becoming achievable with the construction of a manufacturing plant for modern buildings under way on Rockhampton’s outskirts. Chameleon’s $1.3 million factory is expected to be opened in mid to late October. The factory is where steel-framed moulds are used to make concrete panels that contain gutters and down pipes built into the wall pane. The panels, together with the lightweight concrete roof, are then transported to the construction site where they are put together. The method allows for the training of local unskilled workers to carry out the majority of the work and does not require a large labour force. Project founder Geoff Clarke said the buildings were more affordable than mainstream constructions. “Comparatively it’s probably more affordable,” Mr Clarke said. “With our houses you get a C4 cyclone rating and they are white-ant resistant without adding things onto it.” Mr Clarke said where normal houses were around $1200 per square metre, their designs would cost less than $1000/sq m. The company will be exhibiting at the Rockhampton Home Show, which kicks off today. |
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