ABSTRACT
Introduction In recent years manufacturers have developed a variety of non-traditional building systems. Timber has already been covered in some detail (see previous chapter). It’s well established and has been in use for over 50 years. This chapter looks at two other systems: lightweight steel and insitu concrete. Their introduction is a response to a report published in July 1998 by Sir John Egan (head of the Construction Task Force). Egan investigated the house building sector and concluded that builders needed to focus on a number of factors to improve efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction. These measures included (among other things):
• reducing construction costs • increasing quality and programme predictability • using sustainable construction with more emphasis on prefabrication and off site manufacturing • innovation - to streamline the construction process.
