World First Permanent Formwork Fast Tracks Project Timelines

In the competitive and often cost-driven world of construction, it is rare that genuine project efficiencies can be created with the specification of just one building material. Rise Products has recently launch Rise Wall Super Finish, described as a “game changer in permanent formwork”.

The only fibre cement solution available in a standardised format, addressing the cost, time and inflexibility associated with using traditional fibre cement systems. Rise Products chief executive Tim Pope said the business is taking twentieth century technology into the twenty-first century with the world’s first lay-flat permanent formwork system.

“Permanent formwork is an extremely popular building material today, but we could see there were improvements to be made,” Pope said.

“Of course, our lay-flat design means you can have serious volumes delivered to site without the bulk of similar products.”

The panel is a viable alternative to PVC formwork, creating straighter walls, improving fire compliance and offering a higher-quality solution for applied finishes.

The standardised format is generating interest from builders and developers who are frustrated with the limitations of prefabricated fibre cement formwork that adds weeks to site delivery.

“With Rise Wall Super Finish, you have to look beyond the cost of the material, which is already compelling.

“Super Finish allows builders to adapt to changing requirements to keep projects moving.

“Factoring in transport, waste removal, site handling and installation efficiencies, Rise Wall is delivering up to 30 per cent of savings on the permanent formwork component of projects.”

Rise Wall Super Finish builds 100mm, 150mm and 200mm thick concrete walls with a high-quality finish that can also be painted or rendered as required.

In contrast to PVC formwork, which is more impermeable, fibre cement panels are intended for use in more visible areas where a finish might be applied.

The finish of the fibre cement solution provides users with a better surface for the application of paint, render, membranes and tiling. The walling system is available in insulated and non-insulated formats, and used hollow as a non-structural wall to allow services to be installed once erected. Unlike PVC formwork, the product is also certified to AS5113 making it suitable as external walling for certain building classes.

“We are proud to be behind something that not only gives project managers an alternative to traditional permanent formwork, without compromising on quality and compliance,” Pope said.

“It also delivers some hard savings in what we know is a challenging time for the construction industry.

“Our 110 SERIES is sold for as little as $60 per square metre. We’ve seen the level of enquiry growing every week, which is encouraging for the future of our now internationally patented solution.”

Rise Wall was conceived by a builder that required access to premium permanent formwork without the prohibitive costs, limitations and frustrations that traditional PVC and fibre cement solutions presented.

The compact, lay-flat design allows six times more materials to be delivered and stored on site, effectively “flat-packed” and ready to construct. Ideal for internal and external load-bearing walls, the product has been designed as a faster and more profitable way to build, and a viable alternative to conventional formwork, prefabricated structures, masonry and blockwork.

“While our Rise Wall Water Resistant PVC formwork is creating significant efficiencies on site, requiring no specialty trades to install, it’s our Rise Wall Super Finish fibre cement panels that are speeding up building works,” Pope said.

“In NSW, we are offering a supply and install service, and can also train installers on site who may be new to this type of building. It’s definitely where we see the future of permanent formwork in the industry.”

To find out more about Rise Wall, visit Rise Products.