Property & Construction | Cresco
Cresco introduces the RibRaft X-Pod Four years after it was introduced, and after an 18-month due diligence process from Firth’s engineer, RibRaft X-Pod was released onto the market. Invented by Fabio Parodi, CEO and founding director of Christchurch structural engineering firm Cresco, RibRaft X-Pod provides a safer and more sustainable foundation technology to be used on a wide scale throughout New Zealand. Fabio says with RibRaft X-Pod, Firth is not only replacing the expanded polystyrene blocks of their successful RibRaft System with stackable polypropylene pods, but it is introducing a technology with better performance across the board. RibRaft X-Pod is 100 percent recyclable, constructed from recycled materials. Fabio says there are many good reasons why RibRaft X-Pod is a better option including: • Polystyrene is substituted with a recycled and suitable material • A dramatic minimisation of site waste and site pollution RibRaft X-Pod can fit with any footprint layout, as a special part with adjustable length ensures virtually no waste is produced • Greater ease of transportation and storage on site The components are stackable. Components for a 180sqm home can be delivered and stored onsite using nothing larger than a standard single axle trailer • Efficiency improvements across cost and install times It is better-performing and more cost-effective on expansive clay ground conditions and on TC2 sites than other current systems due to its reduced footprint and its special interview pattern of ribs. Its interlocking system reduces steel tires. Installers simply click the steel into place and the system self-locks
• RibRaft X-Pod is super stable in windy conditions and during concrete pours
and RibRaft X-Pod is just one of the innovative products designed by the company.
working relationships with both suppliers and clients alike.
• Improved footprint pressure distribution An effective footprint pressure distribution onto the soil reduces the risk of foundation settlement
The Christchurch firm is part of a wider group, with offices in Europe and Australia, and a high scale project portfolio in 32 countries.
With this in mind, Cresco wholeheartedly thanks RFL – one of New Zealand’s leading ‘design to install’ raft floor teams – and Van de Geest Building – a home building company based in North Canterbury.
• Increased punching resistance The patented design moulds the concrete, delivering excellent resistance against concentrated loads acting onto the slab • Enhanced protection against moisture from the ground • Insulation performance is not affected by moisture X-Pods are made from polypropylene and offer effective protection against moisture to the foundation reinforcing and living spaces • Better finishing quality for polished floors No more poly beads floating to the top of the floor and getting in the way or creating gaps.
The steel structure design specialists Cresco specialises in foundation and steel structure designs for residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure constructions,
Fabio says Cresco provides the best practice solutions to suit local needs by sharing knowledge and fostering cooperation across their international engineering network. He says as part of an international company, Cresco can handle tight deadlines by coordination with teams of engineers around the world and the firm always provides clients with a tailored and personal service. “Our teams are sized and managed to ensure prompt action. We have been able to handle complex high-scale projects, up to monthly workloads of 8,000 hours, and we typically deliver the RibRaft X-Pod foundation designs in 48 hours.” He says while the company has been involved in many projects and innovative developments, in New Zealand it is now best known for the RibRaft X-Pod and the Armadillo Foundation System (a technology derived form the same patent of the RibRaft X-Pod), and for keeping foundation cost down with a fully recyclable product.
The benefit of commercial relationships Being successful in business is all about communication and establishing and maintaining
“We do homes ranging from base level to architectural and contemporary builds, says the manager and founder of Van de Geest Building, Dave Van de Geest. “Our ethos is to work directly with clients from concept to completion, keeping a personal touch and a high-quality finish. We were put on to Cresco's X Pod slabs by a local engineer; after researching the product and talking to Fabio Parodi, we tried it and have never looked back. “The majority of our homes are built in Pegasus, which is TC-rated land and requires an engineered slab. “We have found the X Pod system to be a cost effective solution in terms of design and ease of constructing the system, allowing us to pass cost savings on to our clients,” Dave says. CT Cresco 0800 11 33 11 support@cresco.co.nz www.cresco.co.nz www.cresco-group.com — Advertising Feature
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www.canterburytoday.co.nz Issue #151, 2018 | 39