Transforming light construction
A transformation is taking place in light construction, where we are establishing a clear leadership position as the industry seeks innovations that reduce materials, generate less waste and improve efficiency.
Buildings made using lightweight construction techniques have a structural skeleton made of timber, metal or concrete, to which nonload-bearing facade and partition systems are then attached. The benefits are a lower environmental footprint, optimised consumption of resources, efficient construction and high performance. Use of these techniques is growing in every part of the world and we are at the forefront.
The way that materials are being used in construction is changing, too, from using less concrete for foundations to creating brick structures without mortar.
Behind our walls, everything can be transformed
Every day, by innovating, designing, manufacturing and distributing eco-designed materials that are lighter, more efficient and consume less energy, all Saint-Gobain teams contribute to create more sustainable buildings.
Off-Site Solutions
Off-site construction is an example of Modern Methods of Construction and are a sustainable solution that increases efficiency, reduces costs and has significant safety benefits.
The use of off-site solutions can deliver high levels of premanufactured value, reducing reliance on on-site labour and a reduction in waste. A house built using these modern methods of construction can be erected from the slab to the finished roof in around two weeks, including the installation of windows, without compromising on build quality.
Construction Chemicals
Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals designs, produces, markets and delivers chemical solutions that help to create sustainable building materials. Its technologies are helping to replace clinker in cement with more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective materials. Using alternative binders such as fly ash, slag, filler and geopolymers in concrete or blended cement gives a lower CO2 option, with energy reduction benefits too.
Integrating new construction methods
Alternatives to traditional construction such as digital design and 3D printing help to reduce costs, shorten delivery times and improve both the performance and sustainability of buildings. We have led the way in digital modelling since 2004.
Saint-Gobain have successfully experimented with large-scale 3D printing at the Weber Beamix plant in Eindhoven, Netherlands. It is now working on a variety of projects, including bridges, stairs, urban furniture and dwellings.
Light Gauge Steel Frame by Intrastack
Saint-Gobain's Light Gauge Steel Frame brand Intrastack delivers project support and expertise in constructing high performing buildings using a panelised, steel frame solution. This lightweight, sustainable solution is leading the way in offsite construction techniques and bringing certainty to all areas of the build project process.
Case study: eHome2
eHome2 will help Saint-Gobain understand how sustainable housing can be delivered at scale using construction solutions manufactured off-site, in line with our vision to be the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction.
Saint-Gobain Sustainable Construction Observatory
Saint-Gobain's Sustainable Construction Observatory (SCO) serves as a source of information, inspiration, firsthand accounts, and in-depth examinations of the issues and remedies related to sustainable construction. Its purpose is to function as an educational resource, promoting awareness, and facilitating informed decision-making for all relevant stakeholders.
As part of Saint-Gobain's SCO the first research report was launched by Saint-Gobain to gauge views towards Sustainable Construction and the important role the construction industry has to play in this decisive period for our planet.
CONSTRUCTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The Saint-Gobain Sustainable Construction Observatory has launched the digital magazine Constructing a sustainable future, to shed light on sustainable construction, its impact on the climate and society, and to discover innovative solutions and inspiring projects.
In a world that is changing so fast, and is realising the importance of embracing carbon neutrality, the construction sector must do accelerate its progress rapidly. As housing and infrastructure are critical to society Saint-Gobain will play a leading role in helping to support construction transformation.
