Saturday 9 June 2012

Timbercrete

I've been getting quite a few questions about Timbercrete so thought it worthwhile dedicating a post to it.
Unlike conventional clay fired bricks, timbercrete takes a lot less energy to produce as there is no firing involved in the production, it is made with timber waste and concrete, and needs time to cure before use. Timbercrete is also capable of absorbing and containing carbon gases. It exceeds the highest possible fire rating, is impervious to termites and rot, has a higher thermal rating then standard bricks - and it's bullet proof  too!! Which I freely admit was not of high priority when we were deciding what to build our house with.  Please don't test this one out by taking pot shots at our house, if you would like to see video of bricks being shot then watch the video on this page http://www.timbercrete.com.au/about-products.html it will also give you more info about timbercrete.
We also liked that this is an Australian designed and manufactured product. They are hand made in Echuca. There are a variety of sizes, colours and even brick shapes to choose from. We decided to go smooth faced sandstone and couldn't believe our luck when there was someone local who was interested in onselling enough for our house due to changes in circumstance. As far as we are aware, there are only 3-4 other Timbercrete structures locally.

So Timbercrete manages to tick the environmentally friendly box and look good at the same time, and we are really pleased with how our house is looking.


Close up of one of our blocks





7 comments:

  1. Great looking home Louise and Stuart, looks like it's coming along well! I am the Timbercrete supplier in Adelaide but am now supplying into Vic as the Vic franchise has closed. Let me know if I can assist in any way or if you have any questions. Cheers, Glenn - SA http://www.timbercrete.com.au/contact.html
    Here is also My own Timbercrete Blog: http://timbercrete.blogspot.com.au/

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    1. Thanks Glenn, amazed you found my little blog! I had no idea that Paul was no longer doing Timbercrete. My builder only spoke to him again with a question about 3 weeks ago. Will check out your blog.

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  2. Oh wow, that is a very cool product. Does it cost much more than regular bricks?

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    1. It is a bit pricier than your standard brick option, but I think well worth it :D

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    2. If the r-rating is significantly better than normal bricks, I would agree. What are you using for cavity insulation?

      I am loving your blog, I dream of one day being able to buy some land and build a house properly.

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    3. 2.5 plus the sarking in the cavities.
      Thanks for your compliments, I'm getting quite excited about the house now, just hope it all works the way we've planned it to!

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    4. I am sure it will work really well!

      2.5 + sarking is pretty good. That should make your walls close to R5? Impressive!

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