APRIL 2024 LEICESTERSHIRE BUILDER MAGAZINE online

2 Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • APRIL 2024 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@buildermagazines.co.uk
Radical new housebuilding system - from page 1
“Whilst I’ve been fortunate enough
to work all over the world, this has
caused me to witness first-hand the
state of the housing crisis caused by
unrealistic targets, under-resourcing
and poor recovery from natural
or manmade disasters,” explains
Ramon. “I took action and started
developing Zicon as a system for the
masses. It can be built by ordinary
people, with no specialist skills, to
meet the needs of all markets, from
disaster relief shelters to UK mass
market affordable, self-build and
luxury housing.”
In R&D since 2018, the Zicon
system now has full UK and Saudi
Arabian patents, and others in the
pipeline. Key benefits include:
• RAPID BUILD (estimated 3 to
4 times faster) by unskilled workers
to an accuracy of 1mm - enables
an end-to-end digital process, exact
sizing allows all fittings to be factory
made.
• CO2 REDUCED BY OVER 90% - Blocks are made using
very high strength, cement-free concrete
• EXCELLENT INSULATION - A full wall tested U value of
0.13W/m2k – achieving Passivhaus standard
• VERY LOW LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
with waste cut to less than 5% - as compared with current
industry waste levels of approx. 35%
• REUSE OF 95% OF BUILD COMPONENTS – system
can be easily disassembled, and
the materials reused to rebuild as
necessary
• SUPERIOR STRENGTH
YET LIGHTWEIGHT - Blocks
are tested to 100 tonnes each in
compression. The full wall weight
is 90kg/m2, which is three times
stronger but only a third of the
weight of a traditional wall.
• AT LEAST 20% CHEAPER
rg+p has had a longstanding
involvement with Zicon but since
joining the development panel has
focused on the practical application
of the technology. Specifically,
this has involved using the design
principles for a standard house
and applying these to achieve the
technical resolution of how the
block system will be assembled.
The practice’s director, Rob
Woolston, comments: “Any
innovation in the built environment
that accelerates affordable housing,
supports humanitarian efforts,
promotes reuse, and minimises
the sector’s environmental impact
should be considered a serious
proposition.
“The Zicon system has the
potential to achieve all of this,
to pinpoint accuracy, and we’re
excited to be part of the team
propelling the system forward.”
Zicon’s development panel is now
seeking manufacturing partners for
national and international delivery
at scale.
Jess Fletcher -
Assistant Site
Manager
FROM PAGE 1
Jess believes that whilst
it is stereotypically a maledominated
industry, her
experience hasn’t been
negatively impacted by that
and she praised Barratt
Homes for its inclusive
workforce.
She continued: “Barratt
Homes offers female
leadership programmes,
and its outreach for women
in construction is the best I
have seen which shows the
company genuinely cares and
sees the importance of having
females in the industry.
“Even though it is a maledominated
industry, fortunately
it is becoming more and more
diverse.”
Recognising the importance
of an inclusive workforce, by
encouraging more women
to join the industry, allows
companies to understand their
consumers better and broaden
their ideas and attributes.
This year’s International
Women’s Day campaign
theme, #InspireInclusion,
is focused on sharing the
importance of diversity and
empowerment in all aspects of
society. The campaign aims to
inspire women to be included
and feel a sense of belonging
and relevance.
When asked for her
advice for women who are
considering a career in the
construction industry, Jess
said: “It’s a fantastic industry
to be a part of, and if you are
interested and take the leap
then it will be something you
won’t regret. I am glad I came
into construction and hope that
more women will join too.”
“It’s hands-on working in a
fast-paced environment every
day and seeing people move
into their new homes and
loving where they live is the
most rewarding thing.”
For more information about
the career opportunities
available at Barratt Homes,
visit the website at Barratt
Careers.
For details about any
developments in the county,
visit the website at Barratt
Homes in Leicestershire.
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us your news. Thanks!
I’m trying to get back to my original weight. 7lbs 8oz.