Foundations for a Greener Future: Fairmont Introduces BIAX Pods on all New Builds
Green home builder Fairmont Homes NSW is proud to have become one of the first NSW builders to roll out eco-friendly Biax Pods on all new builds. This clever rethink of the standard waffle pod foundation system will now be included on all signings in 2023, which means all Fairmont Homes NSW new builds will be more environmentally friendly from the outset – and that’s great news!
What is a Biax pod?
Biax Pods are an eco-friendly foundation system which a far more sustainable and stronger option. Traditionally, concrete foundations use a waffle pod system, made from polystyrene. The downside of these systems is that they’re large, taking up valuable space on small sites. Worse, they can create a real mess, with foam being blown over the site and neighbouring properties if not managed carefully.
Unlike old-style waffle pods which use foam, Biax Pods are made from 100% recycled material and are 100% recyclable. This means that the manufacture of the pods diverts hundreds and thousands of kilograms of plastic waste from landfill every year. In transitioning to the far more eco-friendly Biax Pods, Fairmont Homes NSW is creating reinforced concrete slabs which are stronger than traditional systems and reduce the amount of concrete required, providing greater longevity on builds. It really is a win all round.
Another big plus for Biax Pods is that they’re compact and stackable, maximising available space on build sites, keeping the premises clean and tidy and helping to reduce the risk of onsite accidents. They are also quicker to install than traditional systems, saving valuable time on a build – and that’s good news for everyone.
Importantly, Biax Pods align with the Fairmont Homes NSW ethos by being 100% Australian owned and made. What’s more, because there are large stock holdings in Australia, the Biax Pods are available for fast delivery. As a family owned and operated business where customer service is of the utmost priority, this was particularly significant to us at Fairmont Homes NSW.
Striving to be a smart home builder
Proudly an environmentally friendly builder, Fairmont Homes NSW invested considerable time and resources in finding a viable alternative to troublesome waffle pods. However, many earlier replacements didn’t come up to scratch, failing to prove themselves as reliable and often using an entirely different foundation design.
Fairmont Homes NSW began trialling the Biax pod system in 2019. Pleased with its performance, we initially offered Biax as an optional extra. However, after witnessing the benefits and getting much positive feedback from builders and clients alike, it wasn’t long before we decided to expand their use across our entire portfolio.
“We’re always looking for ways to make our homes more environmentally friendly and switching to Biax Pods was an obvious choice,” Fairmont Homes General Manager Daniel Logue said. “We really wanted to lead by example, becoming one of the first NSW builders to exclusively use the pods on all our homes. We’re very happy with the results.”
Fairmont NSW’s sustainability focus
Introducing Biax Pods is just one of the many ways that Fairmont Homes NSW is building a more effective, more environmentally friendly future. The Sydney-based green builder recently became GreenSmart certified[JH1] , under Australia’s first sustainable building program designed for the residential building industry.
“The GreenSmart certification process has been invaluable because it’s given us great insights into the best ways to improve the environmental impact of residential properties,” Daniel said. “Our customers are more eco-conscious than ever, so this is one very positive way that we can meet their changing needs, particularly their focus on building a better future through using greener materials. This new GreenSmart certification means we’re offering sustainable solutions which will prove their worth throughout the lifetime of their build.”
Of great interest is that customers with more sustainable homes will reap the benefits of lower running costs, including water and energy bills, less waste, cleaner indoor air quality and increased personal comfort, due to a more stable ambient temperature.
But Biax Pods are not the only way that Fairmont Homes NSW is making a big difference. Some of the many more smart ways they’re building more energy efficient and sustainable homes include:
- Construction materials. We use TRUECORE® steel and COLORBOND® steel for roofs as standard inclusions. Not only are they 100% recyclable, but they also aren’t treated with any harmful insecticides. We’ve also replaced the use of timber frames with True Blue Steel Frames – successfully reducing the risk of termite damage at no extra cost to our customers.
- Heating and cooling naturally. Did you know that the layout of your home can have a massive impact on its internal temperature? By employing passive design principles, we design for your specific climate, taking advantage of natural heat and cooling sources to reducing reliance on costly mechanical heating or cooling. That’s a positive for the environment and your hip pocket.
- Glazing and framing. We take care to install well designed, well positioned windows to help maintain your year-round comfort and maximise your outlook.
- Lighting. When you take advantage of natural lighting, you reduce the need to switch on a light and use up expensive electricity. We’re also very strategic about the types of lighting we use, always making a conscious choice to provide a range of more energy efficient options.
- Insulation. Insulation is most effective when combined with good passive design. We make sure insulation works to maximum effect by ensuring it is supported by thoughtful design that is not only efficient but appropriate for your unique home environment.
- Hot water systems. Choosing the right system for your household’s current and future needs can dramatically decrease your energy costs and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. We offer a range of hot water systems that successfully combine efficiency with eco-friendly features.
When you build with Fairmont Homes NSW, you’re working with a green builder committed to becoming even greener! For more information on how we can help to build your dream green home, call us on 02 4601 1981.
