FAQ

FAQ

The cost is dependent upon the design and finish of your project. Every structure is unique like a fingerprint; no two are alike. This makes analyzing the cost on a square foot basis difficult.

Our product is more competitive than conventional systems. Ecowall® is extremely versatile and can be used independently or efficiently with other structure systems like steel, conventional column beam etc.

For technical benefits refer our web page Benefits section: Following are important and tangible cost savings briefly.

  • Fast High Quality Construction Time saved - 50% faster than standard construction, Ideal Investment as there are huge savings on construction loans/ labour costs as there is an earlier opportunity to move in or lease compared to conventional buildings eg – a typical House of 2 floors and 3000 sq ft conventionally will require 12-15 months for completion; should this be tasked as turnkey project to us the complete project can be occupied in 3 to 4 months. Consequently the bank interest is reduced proportionately with an opportunity to live, sell or lease earlier ( approx.. net saving ROI 8%)
  • The dead load of the panels is about 200kgs Per Sq. m. Compared to conventional, this is less than 50%. This directly relates to the efficient use of materials and handling on site further more enhances the Load carrying capacity of the foundations. Lighter foundation requirement means lesser cost of construction about 30% savings in substructure works.
  • Conventional RCC requires elaborate use of scaffolding and props for construction, requirement of Scaffolding is completely eliminated with minimal props. This transcends as a cost and material saving in construction reflecting construction cost reduction.
  • Compared to conventional construction, here the materials at site required are accurately calculated, produced and supplied. Wastage is minimal or nil and any material wasted is recycled hence assuring optimum use of materials.
  • Pre-determined designs and integrated Electromechanical services in the system drastically reduces time and material consumed on the project transcending to cost savings.
  • The insulated core maintains a temperature difference of 4-5 degrees externally, in severe climatic condition; hence the heat load is drastically reduced, which directly conserves the energy requirement and about 30 to 50% of power consumption.
  • Periodic maintenance is very low compared to conventional as the quality of the structure is excellent.

Overall the construction cost of the building using Ecowall® may be about 5-7% less, while considering the item that it replaces, which is the traditional block work, beams & column etc. savings can be between 10 to 15% depending on the design and original specification proposed. However, due to the superior construction quality and speed of construction there is much more in terms of savings and value for money.

Starting from Foundation, traditional 1 sqm of block wall when finished will weigh about 600kgs /Sqm and RCC about 1000 Kgs/sq m; comparatively the finished Ecowall® will weigh less than 250 Kgs /Sqm., which means the dead load on the foundation is less than 50% accordingly the foundations can be designed much lighter compared to conventional designs resulting in savings directly on materials consumed and time spent.

Overall optimized weight further reduces the unnecessary structural provisions required in reinforcement of beam and columns – further Optimizing the material consumed and time spent.

Overall the time saved is about 60% as compared to conventional systems for instance a House of 2000 sq.ft 2 stories can be built from foundation to finish in 3 months in one shift; while only the shell and core can be finished in 3 weeks. Saving of 6 months gives an opportunity for early occupation, rent generation and reduces the interest on finance, hence increasing the ROI of the project.

Secondly elimination of scaffolding and shuttering assures money is not spent on temporary construction arrangements rather on permanent structure adding value to the building for money spent.

The first fix of Electro mechanical is easily accommodated saving weeks of laborious work and coordination.

Mechanical plastering or shotcreting ensures high quality finish with 50% accelerated productivity.

Material wastage can be controlled with minimal supervision and control.

Unlike conventional (construction systems), there is no risk of idle labor, productivity can be easily governed and accounted assuring no excess payment to contractors / sub-contractors.

Ecowall® is like a monolithic “shell” structure distributing the applied load uniformly through its “form” to the ground. While conventional column & Beam structure works as “frames” which transfers the applied load through the column and beams only and further it is concentrated through the Beams and columns. Hence the conventional system has larger & more reinforcements in areas where the loads are concentrated like in beams & column making the structure Strong but Rigid. While in Ecowall® the reinforcements are reduced to thin wire matrix uniformly spread throughout the form of the structure, hence making the structure more versatile and resilient.

Yes. The system has been recognized by various building authorities throughout India. Please refer the testimonies section for more information. The system has been researched by renowned institutions like IIT Powai, BMTC and certified as best alternative construction technology. Recently in 2018 the system is mandated by CPWD for all residential projects promoted by them.

This Construction System originated in Austria, Europe in the mid-1980s and was invented by EVG and has been tested and tried Globally under different trade Names, EVG -3D; Emmedue, Concrewall, Tridipanel etc. and has outperformed in all extreme climates like Arid, Tropical, Equatorial, Temperate etc.; Hundreds and thousands of houses are constructed in the Middle Eastern countries like U.A.E , Iran, Oman, Bahrain etc. which is exposed to extreme heat where temperatures go above 45 degrees and around 15 degrees at night. It is also successful in African countries which have an Equatorial climate like Kenya, South Africa, and in Cooler European countries like Austria, Italy, Germany & Spain, Tropical and all-weather climates of China, Far east Philippines , Malaysia and Vietnam. It is not so popular in North America but used extensively in South America.

The polystyrene core is water-resistant. The ASTM test proved maximum water absorption of (2.5%) for (1lb density). E.P.S. is an inert, organic material and Polystyrene provides no nutritive value to plants, animals, or microorganisms. The polystyrene will not rot and is highly resistant to mildew. Aging has no effect upon the performance of the polystyrene E.P.S. is able to withstand a temperature of 180° assuring long term performance.

The rebar is embedded within the concrete slab. The panel is placed over the rebar, through the open space between the polystyrene core and the wire mesh. Once set, the rebar is fastened directly to the wire mesh by hand with tie wire. It is critical the rebar be installed in a straight line so the rebar fits easily into the cavity between the polystyrene and the wire mesh. It is important to make sure the rebar is completely exposed so it becomes monolithically enclosed with the shotcrete or cement application. Should the building department or engineer require additional tie downs, the polystyrene core can be removed from the base of the panel. The panel is then set in place over the required tie-down and cemented in place. Another option for placing the rebar in the concrete slab is to drill the concrete slab and pour epoxy in the cavity placing the rebar within its confines. Typically, the spacing of the rebar is (24") on center.

A bond beam is used to create large openings, or to strengthen large areas of ceiling or to help support roof structures. All bond beams created should be pre-approved by a certified engineering firm. Removing the polystyrene core and installing rebar creates the bond beam. For further information please see instruction manual.

The installation of electrical or plumbing is achieved by removing the polystyrene core to create a cavity that electrical conduit or plumbing piping may be installed into. The polystyrene is approximately ¾" off the wire mesh so that you have a space to install these products. If this opening needs to be greater, then the polystyrene core can be removed with a small keyhole saw or butane torch. The polystyrene will not burn, it will shrink or melt leaving a cavity. The electrical or plumbing is then installed into the cavity. For further information please see instruction manual.

The window and door openings may be cut out with the use of three primary tools, a reciprocating saw, a set of 18" bolt cutters or pneumatic cutter, and a small hand saw, to remove the polystyrene. It is recommended that a caulking sealant compatible with the polystyrene core be used to seal the jamb to the polystyrene core. For residential construction, wood jambs of treated material are then fitted into the openings. The windows and/or doors are then fastened to the treated jambs. For commercial use, pre-finished concrete openings are created. The windows and doors are then installed into the openings, as they would be into a typical masonry block structure. For further information please refer to instruction manual.

You can build curved or radius walls by cutting the eleven-gauge wires on one side of the panel. This will allow the panel to bend to the desired shape or radius. It is very important not to cut through the heavier nine-gauge truss wire so that wall strength and integrity remain intact.

  1. Foremost the reinforcement mesh of 5cm x 5cm binds the plaster surface hence limiting any large cracks of above 1.5mm.
  2. Secondly calculated dosage of polypropylene fiber mix is used in the concrete which binds the plaster efficiently and prevents any micro cracks that may result due to temperature difference or external forces.
  3. Curing of shotcrete is essential we recommend using curing compounds in appropriate dosage to assure the quality.

  4. Where the external plaster application is required, waterproofing admixtures in appropriate dosages is used to ensure that the surface is sufficiently water proof?

Any alteration is possible with proper analysis of the design, however, we recommend all modifications have to be approved and done by trained and certified professionals. We at Sristi ventures will accommodate any modification request as a value-added service. Upon completion of the project, as-built documents will be provided in soft and hard documents, while the end user is allowed to do minor modifications like drilling holes or cutting and chasing to accommodate utilities. However, for any major modifications like partial removal of structural elements or any changes i.e wider openings, etc., which may affect the integrity of the structure, then any changes are to be done only by us or our approved agents.

As a mark of our quality we provide conditional lifetime warranty for our installed product against any structural deformity or failure. However, any changes are done, which may affect the integrity of the structure, without our input, cannot be guaranteed.

Please engage with the team from the design stage for expected warranty services to be included for better and assured performance. .

Climate change is causing havoc worldwide, increase in temperature and humidity year on year is a reality and soon an Air-conditioning system will be a basic necessity.

The conventional construction methods in India disregard heat insulations, hence existing homes / building absorb excessive heat in the day and then retain it in the walls and slabs, making it hot even at night. Ecowall® Panels with EPS Insulation will insulate the heat entering inside the building considerably. A temperature difference of 6-8 degrees is expected during peak summer of 42 degrees ambient. This will not only increase the level of comfort in comparison to traditional construction where AC is not built-in but also the consumption of power is reduced dramatically in the usage of ACs. The saving in power for AC will be more than 50%, the actual cost saving in utility bills can be simulated & demonstrated with a live project and this saving will be substantial.

Heavy rains and storms causing massive soil erosion and other damages to Property and Life are a recent phenomena in the coastal region. Further refer the seismic map of India although the risk in coastal region is less compared to the Northern states, seismic activity can be expected as experienced lately. Being prepared for the worst is the best & hassle free option especially when it costs nothing more to do so.

Fire resistance up to 1.5 hours and improvable to 2 hrs.; Winds resistance up to 225Kms/ Hr. ; withstands 6.5 Richter scale earthquakes.

Every class of society should have the basic right to Quality and affordable housing, which only Ecowall® can provide.

We have a complete turnkey solution at fixed price with clear specification and Material samples which are pre-agreed. For the cost to be economically viable we require a minimum built up area of 1000 sq. ft or 4000 sq.ft of panels.

Our industry is set up in coastal Karnataka and we are looking for a network of distributors throughout Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and south Maharashtra.

Contractor has his reputation at stake when it comes to Quality, Time & Cost, especially Shell and core activities being critical and laborious requiring close supervision. Overall project man-hour spent is reduced by 60% by saving revenue and reducing risk. With Ecowall® contractor can rest assured that these will be delivered at a fixed cost as committed, leaving less room for changes and disappointments to the owner and he can now deliver more projects in less time increasing his turnover.

From design perspective Ecowall® is a canvas for design expression of an architect. Free flowing forms, large spans, openings etc. is possible, moreover designer can review the design on actual scale and reasonable space experience giving opportunity to modify to suit the client’s preference.

Ecowall® accelerates construction schedule, hence saving precious time, time saved is money earned in terms of the capital interest, turnover, liquidity and early opportunity to sell or lease the property earlier. The deliverables from contractors are assured of high quality and within Budget, disbursements are clearly measured against deliverables conversely assuring receivables from buyers.

Ecowall® has all the positive advantages of precast construction while resolving the negative aspects. Unlike precast which requires heavy machinery, large storage yards, complex Logistics, skilled know-how, high safety requirements and limited modifications after installation, Ecowall® efficiently resolves all these issues and hence is strongly recommended for Mass housing/ construction projects.

Yes. As the system is approved and recognized by governing authorities, any project utilizing the technology is as accepted as any traditional construction. M/s Sristi Ventures is engaging with Banks and Government agencies for special rate agreements and promotions to popularize this technology which has numerous benefits.

The U-value assesses the rate of heat loss / gain through all the thicknesses of the combined elements that make up a building component such as a wall, floor or roof. It is measured in units of W/m2K (Watts per metre squared Kelvin). It is a way of measuring the insulating properties of the building element. Lower the number the better the protection value. Many circumstances change the u-Value rating like different thickness and density of the polystyrene panel core, various thickness of shotcrete applied to the interior and exterior as well as fluctuation of ambience etc. generally it is about 1.3W/M2.

The S.T.C. (Sound Transfer Coefficient) attenuation is excellent. The double shell configuration of the concrete plus polystyrene plus concrete sandwich minimizes sound transmissions. Typical S.T.C. expected is as follows: 3" Concrete (1.5" each side) S.T.C of 48 is achieved; 4" Concrete (2.0" each side S.T.C. of 50 is achieved

Ecowall® has the following fire-resistance ratings, (Ratings are valid for fire exposure from either side) Fire-rating is derived from the wire mesh gauge in combination with concrete thickness. See chart below. The insulation core Type I polystyrene foam demonstrated a flame-spread index of 25 or less rating of 450 or less when tested in accordance with ASTM-E84. The modified polystyrene core does not contain ozone-damaging chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) in the manufacturing process or products.

2.5" EXP-Core with 1.50" Shotcrete each side = 1.5 Hours

2.5" EXP-Core with 2.00" Shotcrete each side = 2.0 Hours

2.5" EXP-Core with 3.1/8" Shotcrete each side = 4.0 Hours

The fire rating increases with greater quantities of cement applied to each side. Polystyrene core will not burn.

Ecowall® excelled in rigorous test given by Mother Nature. For the past decades, numerous homes have been constructed with the Ecowall® system on the East Coast, Caribbean and Gulf areas of Mexico and the United States and are built to withstand hurricane force winds. In Laboratory testing, the Ecowall® has been tested and will withstand wind loads of 226 miles per hour. A structure built with Ecowall® is non- combustible and has a minimum 1.5-hour fire rating and a higher rating can easily be attained. Structures built with Ecowall® are virtually fire resistant. Full test report from certified engineering firm available upon request along with photos.

For any new system to be successfully adopted it should be 1) Competitive as compared to the local options available 2) Alternative Options should be studied tested and tried 3) Public should be made aware of options available and importance of Quality products.

Historically, the Construction technology of 20th century India cascaded from colonial technology which is RCC, Bricks, wood and also the construction sector had abundant cheap labor, hence the construction cost per sq.ft was low and the climate was also favorable.

Beginning of 21st century, with an accelerating economy and better opportunities, construction labor is no more abundant or cheap, moreover with the sector being unorganized, absenteeism and unskilled labor is another concern, plus with climate changes and with our focus and commitment to the Environment, Ecowall® is the most promising option for low level constructions( G+4 Levels).

Function of EPS is only to form an insulation core and eventually form a substrate to receive the concrete. The strength of the panel is achieved by the steel Mesh on either surface, interconnected by steel struts and once concrete is applied it becomes monolithic, the wall is stronger than Masonry or concrete, which is tested and proved.

Translate »