Dream House
"BBC's Tomorrow's World - House of the Future". Integer
Millennium House, BRE, Garston, Hertfordshire
Main Focus
The main focus of the Integer project is concerned with
research, design development and communication. The aim has been to
research available technologies, best practice solutions and
consumer reaction, culminating in the design of a concept model for
the environmentally friendly Integer Millennium House. The house of
the future was built at the Building Research Establishment at
Garston and is the subject of BBC TV's Tomorrows World
Programme.
Challenge
The challenge for British Gypsum, as a partner in the
Integer Project, was to design and install a prototype moveable
partition in the ground floor bedroom areas, to demonstrate that,
as the needs of owner occupiers change, the design of houses of the
future can also be changed to suit those needs. The time scale was
extremely tight and all construction and installation had to fit in
with a strict BBC filming schedule.
Solution
The solution was a panellised concept, using 900mm
PanelWall PDP paramount dry partition
(manufactured with a square edge specifically for this
project).
The PanelWall PDP had timber 19 x 38mm fixed into the long edges
and 38 x 38mm fixed at the ends. The top of the panel had a
Henderson Pacer door hanger fitting installed centrally to run
within a Henderson Pacer track system. The base of the panel
incorporates two adjustable feet.
The mechanics of moving the partition involve each panel being
moved separately. By releasing the feet and allowing the panel to
become fully supported by wheels, each panel is plumbed into
position using the adjustable feet and lightly butted together
until the wall is complete.
It is important to work to a 900m module when designing the room,
or alternatively construct permanent nibs to one side of the
intended locations for the wall, again ensuring a 900m
module.
Gyproc Moisture Resistant plasterboard was used in all semi exposed
locations in the house, namely all rooms beneath the floor to roof
conservatory.
Main Contractor: Wilcon Homes
Subcontractor: BDL Group
Architect: Cole Thompson Associates
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