Md Azree Othuman Mydin Universiti Sains Malaysia
The growing demand for sustainable and affordable housing is a global concern, fueled by rapid urbanization and increasing environmental challenges. To address these issues, innovative building materials that prioritize efficiency, durability, and eco-friendliness are essential. This project introduces a new type of panel system for building homes that is both sustainable and cost-effective, designed to make houses stronger and better at keeping heat in, while also lowering building costs and harming the environment less. The system combines a fiber-cement-based exterior layer with an inner core of foamed concrete (FC), leveraging the strengths of both materials. The lightweight FC core, paired with the durable fiber-cement skin, offers a perfect balance of strength, insulation, and cost-effectiveness. The sandwich panel design enhances thermal efficiency by minimizing heat transfer, which is crucial in regions with extreme weather, where controlling energy consumption is essential. Additionally, the system provides excellent acoustic insulation, making it well-suited for urban environments where noise pollution is a concern. Sustainability is one of the key benefits of this system. The FC is produced using environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient processes, reducing the overall carbon footprint of construction. Furthermore, the panels' lightweight nature cuts down on transportation energy costs and carbon emissions. The fiber-cement skin is made from non-toxic materials, enhancing both the safety and health of the occupants while offering durability, fire resistance, and moisture resistance. The system also excels in durability, providing resistance to harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures, humidity, and corrosive agents. This ensures longer-lasting buildings that require less maintenance and fewer repairs. The modular nature of the panels allows for fast and efficient construction, reducing labour costs and project timelines. These attributes make the system particularly well-suited for large-scale housing projects, including low-income housing and emergency shelters, where affordability and speed are key. In terms of design flexibility, the panels are customizable to fit various architectural styles and can be easily integrated with other materials, providing greater adaptability for both residential and commercial applications. This allows architects and engineers to meet diverse design, functional, and regulatory needs. A prototype housing project utilizing this system has been successfully implemented in Iraq, Turkey, and Indonesia. These real-world applications have demonstrated the system's effectiveness in different climates, showing significant improvements in thermal performance, structural strength, and environmental impact compared to conventional materials. In conclusion, the innovative composite panel system offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient solution to the global housing crisis. It represents a significant advancement in housing technology, contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, and affordable built environment.