Kingspan had the biggest stand at Interbuild and was on a mission to convert the conservative construction industry.
The €1bn turnover company, which exhibited in the off-site zone, featured its armoury of timber frame (Century), structural insulated panels (SIPs) and steel pod systems.
Adam Holmes, product manager for the company’s SIPs division Kingspan TEK, said a 550-unit housing project in Manchester for the Lovell Partnership was “just the tip of the iceberg” for the TEK brand.
He said similar projects featuring 200-300 homes were being planned, with the TEK order book now stretching forward about three years.
Mr Holmes described the UK construction industry as “very traditional” and reported that builders were curious but receptive to the German-made TEK product. Many were checking out newbuild methods because they were concerned about the impact of Part L.
He said SIPs were the “logical next step” for builders already using timber frame.
Meanwhile, TEK is erecting a house at the Building Centre to feature in the government’s Design for Manufacture exhibition during May. TEK has been chosen to build 58 units in Newport Pagnell under the Design for Manufacture scheme.
