Foamular Specified for Antarctic Project
The Australian Antarctic Division, a branch of the Australian Government, has elected Foamular Extruded Polystyrene to be used for a new project, the Davis Station Living Quarters. 452m2 are to be used for the construction which has been dubbed a ‘super insulated building’ after winning an Engineers Australia Award for Excellence. The high profile division are only interested in using the most advanced products and Foamular XPS meets this criteria.
The harsh environment of the Antarctic ensured a high performance insulation system was required. 100mm Foamular Extruded Polystyrene was preferred, giving an R-Value of 3.80 at -10oC. The overall R-Value of the building will increase with Foamular being used in unison with other insulation systems. A versatile product, Foamular was chosen to be used as underfloor insulation. This meaning it would have to withstand and support high pressure and heavy loads. The 100mm thick Foamular offers superior R-Values, it also presents a very high compressive strength of 650 kPa.
At average temperatures of around -40oC, the Antarctic conditions dictated every aspect of the building project. The Living Quarters will cater for up to 120 expeditioners when completed next month. The project earned an award for excellence which was judged on the following criteria:
- Sound engineering practice/principles
- Originality/ingenuity
- Adherence to budget and program
- Extent to which the work has provided a safe and healthy working environment
The building is now in the running for the National Engineers Australia Awards to be announced in late November. Applying Foamular XPS is economically beneficial as the range of internal temperature will decrease, therefore limiting the need for heating or cooling aids. The product also contributes to minimising the carbon footprint left on the environment resulting in Foamular Extruded Polystyrene being a green friendly product.
To accompany Foamular, the building also has super-insulated windows with two panes of glass, heat mirrors and a krypton gas-filled air space. As far as an insulated structure goes, the Davis station is right up there.
Supplied by Austech Building Products, learn more about Foamular and its many benefits or make an enquiry today to our experienced technical team.
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For more details, visit the Green Roof Garden Insulation section here
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View more information on green roof gardens