Modular building system used to create primary school outbuilding

The Acermetric modular building system has recently been used to construct a multi-purpose ‘Centre of Excellence’ at a London-based primary school. Designed to reduce both cost and build time, the system makes use of expanded polystyrene, known as Airpop

Chigwell’s Coppice Primary School provided independent funding for the project, which took a total of 13 weeks to complete.

The school’s 466 square metre ‘Centre of Excellence’ was put together by four builders, who lifted the Acermetric system’s lightweight panels by hand; they were able to fit the elements together with a single tool.

Acermetric modular building system

Recognised for its patent conformance, the Acermetric system comprises a series of interlocking panels with around 40 shape options, including door cassettes and windows.

When locked together and linked to patented roof support columns and beams, the panels can be joined to create stable 3D structures, which boast high-strength.

It has been described as a ‘lego-like’ system, which is capable of creating a building of any shape, size or design. Whilst offering thermal insulation, acoustic protection and resistance to fire and earthquakes, the system can accommodate buildings up to ten storeys high.

Airpop expanded polystyrene

The system owes a great deal to the grey eps, which are at the heart of its panels. These expanded polystyrene additions allow for effective fire protection and thermal insulation; the thermal properties of the primary school project, for example, were so effective that additional cooling measures had to be installed.

The system’s designer, David Appleford, believes that mass production of the panels could allow us to plug the gap of 150,000 low-cost homes desperately needed across the UK.

Modular building system benefits

Grey eps – also known as Airpop – offers a thermal performance of 0.03W/mk, allowing each Acermetric building to achieve U-values of at least 0.1.

Airpop is a non-toxic material, on which fungi and bacteria cannot grow. As well as being chemically inert and rot-proof, it is unaffected by moisture, which can usually initiate product deterioration.

As the construction of an Acermetric building is post-tensioned through the system’s locking mechanism, no expansion joints are required. Internal walls are also pre-finished, eliminating the need for plaster board.

External walls, meanwhile, can be finished any specification, allowing for design flexibility.

Boasting BBA approval, BRE certification and a BRE Green Guide A+ rating, Acermetric is suitable for use in the construction of elemental and modular systems, as it can be cut and moulded to any shape during the manufacturing process.