Polarwall - insulating concrete formwork

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Homes with basements

The provision of basements or cellars to new housing can dramatically improve land utilisation, improve energy consumption and provide homes capable of coping with changes in lifestyle.

Polarwall offers a quick & effective construction with excellent structural and energy performance.

Land prices are becoming so excessive that it is sensible & feasible to increase the living space within the house without extending its footprint.

A basement will provide your home with a number of different uses.

  • Gym/fitness suite
  • Wine cellar
  • Swimming pool
  • Home cinema
  • Basement car parking
  • Office or play room

Difficult sites

There are more and more building plots available where developing the site is made more difficult, for instance by a sloping site. Whilst the land can be cheaper the cost of development may be more than you expect. By a building a basement, the extra cost in the foundation work can be offset by creating extra living space.house with a basement

By introducing a basement into the build, this can not only utilize the slope to its maximum, but also stabilize the site and provide the foundations for the house above.

Polarwall has supplied numerous developments where the owners have done exactly this. The results can provide a practical and beautiful way to extend to the house.

Planning gain

Although most planning authorities will wish to see a planning application for a basement, because it is generally hidden, the visual impact can be reduced. Planning permission can therefore be easier to obtain if you need the extra living space, but can't build higher because of planning restriction.

Building costs

basement constructionNew basement technologies, such as Polarwall, have quickened the build time and reduced the cost of basement construction. One of the major costs of basement construction is the removal from site of the soil, and though this can sometimes be “lost” on larger sites, for compact sites it can be expensive. However, basements do not have to be fully immersed and basement construction that is partly below ground and partly above ground can save money and let in natural light. Sloping sites make for great basements, as one side can be opened to create a “walk out”, providing lots of natural light.

Waterproofing

A modern basement should always be dry. There are so many ways to keep the moisture out, (we would always advocate a belt and braces approach). Each basement project needs to be treated in its own right as site conditions will normally dictate the level of protection required. We have undertaken extensive research into various methods of waterproofing, and have access to professionals who can advise on the correct waterproofing methods, so please contact us to find out more.

Warranty

Warranty insurance is now available that will guarantee a dry basement from day one.  Developers will have no more reason to fear the cost of putting a leaky basement right!

Polarwall and basement construction

Retaining wallsPolarwall is ideal for any basement and retaining wall construction. The wall core can be 200mm, 250mm or 300mm depending upon the structural loading and the soil pressures.


Polarwall has advantages over any other ICF system in basements for the following reasons:

  • The formwork is made of Extruded Polystyrene – the most moisture resistant of any insulating board
  • The reinforcement can be welded wire mesh – this saves a lot of construction time over the placing and tying of ordinary reinforcement bar
  • Wide formwork and low profile ties ensures excellent concrete compaction

Constructing with Polarwall

We are able to offer contact to one of the Polarwall basement specialists in your area to construct your project.

For more information on please click here or contact us on

0845 8382181

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