Reusable modular building system from waste plastic

An easy-to-assemble, fully reusable modular building system that uses waste plastic as its raw materials.
Climate Change Adaptation Health, Wellbeing and Social Value Resource Use

Problem Addressed

Changing weather conditions in the UK have made flood barriers a vital item for homes and buildings. For most of the year, they are not required, but when the time comes they need to be quickly assembled to combat and withstand rapidly rising water levels and to avoid devastating structural and internal damage. Without appropriate flood barriers, substandard housing will not be able to withstand the flooding force, and large quantities of plastic waste are generated through using temporary measures.

In addition to this soil and ecosystem degradation due to unsustainable development makes it increasingly difficult for lands to absorb the waters from heavy rains. A large part of the UK’s population are not aware that they are at risk of flooding.

Solution Overview

OGEL provides an easy-to-assemble, fully reusable modular building system that uses waste plastic as its raw materials.

In terms of Resource Use, OGEL is a ‘Full-stop product’. The aim of the product is to utilise recycled material rather than virgin material, with the final product having an especially long life cycle.

In terms of addressing the impacts of climate change, the system can work as a fast-build flood defence barrier as well as a disaster relief shelter due to it being lightweight, modular and quick to install and dismantle.

The socio-economic properties of the OGEL system are reflected in its use as semi-permanent homeless shelters, offices or any commercial building, removing the reliance on brick and cement in a cost-effective manner.

In terms of its properties and how it compares to other materials, the system has a low u-value of 0.17, meaning it has better thermal properties than brick. It packs to 1/5th of assembly size, is 88% lighter than traditional building materials and requires zero maintenance. OGEL panels are also coated with an intumescent coating which provides a high standard of fire resistance.

Although it is a standalone solution when it comes to certain projects, partnerships are always welcomed, for example wrapping OGEL buildings in a solar film to generate sustainable energy.

Use-cases:

  1. Temporary homeless shelter providing improved mental health and socio-economic benefits as a safe place to reside until more permanent solution has been met. Once the person is no longer in a dire situation, the building can be dismantled and moved elsewhere rather than building another one.
  2. Reusable flood defence, saving on the costs of further flooding events and allowing transportation of system to other effected areas. As a comparison, once sandbags have been contaminated it is recommended they are thrown away.
  3. WfH offices enable companies to improve their green messaging by offering plastic waste buildings to their employees. Employees also feel happier when their work environment preferences are considered.

Benefits of using OGEL:

  • Lower labour costs
  • Lower transportation costs and related emissions
  • Reusability and modularity resulting in lower waste disposal costs
  • Increase in home working resulting in lower commuting costs and emissions

Company name

OGEL

UK availability

Yes

Solution launch date

08/07/2021

Links

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Case Study

Whilst setting up a pilot plant for their solar film technology, Powerroll required a separate office space for their technicians. They required an internal office that catered for their needs whilst also being an environmentally friendly space that could enhance their green credentials. OGEL used its system to create purpose-built partitions that can be added to as staff requirements grow.

In order to adhere to their deadline for their official opening, they needed a rapid-assembly product that was flexible and soundproof, and which had access to power and broadband. OGEL completed a partition system in less than 5 days which is movable and can have courses added as Powerroll’s staff requirements grow.

Facts and Figures

0.17

U-value of the system.

88 %

Lighter than traditional building materials.

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