The homes will be constructed out of a new, low-carbon building material developed by Affresol, called Thermo Poly Rock (TPR). The material is made from recycled plastics and minerals using a patented process that converts the plastics into a compound which is claimed to be stronger and lighter than concrete. The material is also waterproof, fire retardant and rot-resistant with insulation properties.
A home built using TPR contains approximately 18 tons of recycled plastic waste, while each modular home contains up to four tons. TPR homes can be up to 12% cheaper than standard build, and can be erected on site within four days. The houses have an estimated life cycle of more than 60 years and the TPR elements are 100% recyclable. The first Pilot Affresol ‘TPR’ frame home has been erected in Swansea, Wales.
Affresol forecasts building 3,000 homes per annum in its third year, recycling 40,000 tons of waste. Its main market will be affordable public housing while its modular portable buildings can be used as classrooms, offices, showrooms, storage and construction site offices.
