Tim Fields, Technical and Development Manager at Anderton Concrete, explores the benefits of using precast concrete shuttering systems to construct resilient retaining walls and basements.
The UK housing market is continuing to thrive, with latest research from Glenigan indicating the volume of private housing project-starts rose 61 per cent between February and April 2021, when compared to the same period in 2020.
The Office for National Statistics also reported a year-on-year increase in UK average house prices in March 2021 of over 10 per cent, the largest rate of annual growth since 2007. This places potential occupiers in a strong position to make key investments and capitalise on the increased value of their current house as they look to move further up the property ladder.
To successfully achieve this increased rate of building and expand potential profit margins, without compromising on the overall quality or resilience of the build, construction professionals should begin by taking an alternative approach to the building fabric itself.
Modular retaining walls are a useful way to extend the area of level ground available for building, particularly where there is limited ground for development. This method of construction can also successfully support the building of basements as an effective method of adding additional square meterage to a property, particularly where horizontal land may be limited.
By choosing a direct alternative to formwork, and installing concrete shuttering blocks that are dry laid, builders can significantly increase on site efficiency, whilst simultaneously reducing overall expenditure.conc
This is due to concrete shuttering blocks facilitating the construction of single skin retaining walls up to 3.5 metres high, combining the ease of blockwork with the versatility of in-situ concrete. This sets the standards for longevity and quality, whilst also minimising the time spent on building each property.
As the unique construction of each block readily accepts vertical and horizontal reinforcement, the concrete is pumped directly into the inter-connected cavities. The end result is unrivalled strength and resistance to water infiltration, when combined with an appropriate waterproofing system.
This also makes it the ideal solution for swimming pools. In addition, retaining walls can be used to create unique high-quality terraces and attractive landscaping, particularly for prestigious houses targeting more affluent individuals where it’s imperative the property stands apart from competitors.
This year, builders have a real opportunity to utilise retaining wall systems, such as Anderton Concrete’s Stepoc 325 Concrete Shuttering System.
Following independent analysis, the Stepoc system has been found to offer a substantial cost saving of over 30 per cent when compared with in-situ concrete and an approximate saving of 20 per cent against cavity block construction, all without compromising on quality or performance and enhancing the speed and quality of building. Systems such as this provide professionals with a real opportunity to transform the construction of high-end properties and set the standard for efficiency and quality of build.
For further information on Anderton Concrete’s bespoke manufacturing capabilities and offering, visit www.andertonconcrete.co.uk
