This contemporary family home makes extensive use of lightweight concrete precast panels called Litecrete. Unlike typical concrete, Litecrete uses pumice to dramatically reduce the weight of the concrete and achieve a unique strength-to-weight ratio.
The air cells in the pumice aggregate also help provide superb insulating properties, making Litecrete the ideal material from with to construct an energy efficient home, such as Sinclair House. Thermal mass provided by the concrete foundation slab, along with the built-in insulation of the Litecrete components and double-glazed window units, combine to ensure that the internal living space is not subject to large daily temperature fluctuations. The result is reduced energy costs and a more comfortable and healthy living environment.
Sinclair House also benefited from precast concrete construction’s rapid erection and zero waste on-site. In addition, exhaust emissions from the transportation of Litecrete to site were reduced, as the volume of panels that could be trucked doubled due to the material’s lightweight properties.
Litecrete offers Sinclair House fire resistance that exceeds four hours, along with excellent acoustic performance. It will not rust, rot or attract mould, achieving top marks in durability. Its low maintenance features, both inside and out, provide a further tick in the sustainability column making Sinclair House a model for residential living in New Zealand.
Andrew Sinclair of Wilco Precast accepts the 2008 Highly Commended Award
from CCANZ CEO Patrick McGuire