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UK-based start-up Vector Homes, working on new techniques and materials for offsite constructed modular housing using graphene.
The conversation about what materials to use for sustainable modular housing is set to become a lot more interesting with an announcement last week that a UK start-up has secured funding to develop a graphene-based building material suitable for offsite construction.
The Smart Grant fund has been provided by Innovate UK for approximately £200,000 (AUD$355,000).
The money will help fund a research program to develop graphene-enhanced recycled plastic formulations for residential construction. The project will enhance polymers with nano-materials to increase strength, durability, thermal and acoustic performance and further recyclability.
ABOVE: Nathan Feddy, Chief Executive and Co-founder, Vector Homes.
Vector Homes’ chief executive and co-founder, Nathan Feddy, said the formulations could also have applications in a variety of other sectors, such as aerospace, automotive and packaging.
He said: “Securing funding from Innovate UK is a true vote of confidence in Vector as we begin our journey. There is intense competition for its Smart Grants, so we are honored and thrilled to be awarded this funding. It enables us to kick-start our research project which will see us work with a supply chain of partners across the UK and beyond, including several multi-billion dollar companies. Our aim is to develop nano-material formulations which will greatly improve the sustainability and durability of the homes of the future. The construction and operation of the built environment accounts for 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and our mission is to help reduce its environmental impact as well as bringing down costs.”
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Vector is ultimately looking to mass manufacture sustainable and affordable, offsite-constructed smart housing flat-packs from graphene-enhanced recycled materials.
The houses will feature hundreds of sensors which will help to provide smart environmental controls throughout. The sensors will feed information to a ‘brain’ – the Vector Node – which will measure the temperature and humidity in each room.
The system will close roller blinds to keep rooms cool in the summer, or open bathroom vents in the winter to allow the humidity out. Each Vector home will also feature solar panels and the energy they generate will be stored in batteries which will be used to power the property.
Feddy said: “The materials used in our houses will be from recycled, energy efficient sources with a much lower carbon footprint than virgin materials. They can be recycled at end of life if they cannot be reused, contributing to the circular economy. Our homes have been designed to enable rapid production and assembly, and will have unique features that enable easy maintenance and modification throughout the life cycle, which also means they can quickly incorporate new technologies as they emerge. The design has already attracted interest from housing associations, which will be a key target market. They manage and maintain huge numbers of houses, which brings significant logistical challenges that Vector can address.”
Vector Homes is partnering with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre at the University of Manchester for the research project.
Assessors on the Innovate UK panel which awarded Vector Homes the grant said the company had identified ‘a potentially significant commercial opportunity for new offsite construction materials offering improved fire safety and reduced environmental impact’, adding that its vision addresses many of the key issues facing future housing developments.
See: vectorhomes.co.uk
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