Gypsum plasterboard is a highly carbon intensive material but is widely used within construction for partition walls. The short-term nature of commercial projects means partition walls are often demolished within 3-7 years of being erected, and discarded for landfill. The use of lime within the plasterboards is one of the most energy intensive processes within the construction industry. In addition, it is estimated over 330,000 tonnes of gypsum board waste is generated each year (Greenspec).

 

Specifying partitions which can be demounted and moved is a good way of reducing the waste produced in construction and improving the flexibility of space. On our County Hall project we are using U-Build’s modular plywood wall system as partitions. It is a 100% demountable partition wall system designed for the circular economy. Walls are formed from a patented modular system with minimal mechanical fixings. All fixings are accessible to allow demounting and re-positioning of modules.

 

We have also explored using FAAY’s modular partition walls which are made entirely from bio-based raw materials (such as flax seed) and have a much lower carbon footprint than gypsum boards. Innovators like Adaptavate are creating sustainable alternatives to plasterboard such as Breathaboard which can be recycled, is made of bio-based materials and is fire resistant.

 

That marks the end of our material showcase series. Look out for exciting stuff coming next year. Happy Christmas!

 

Images:

1) FAAY modular partition walls from agricultural products

2) U-Build modular plywood wall system

3) Breathaboard alternative to plasterboard by Adaptavate