In construction and renovation, no two projects are ever the same. Each presents unique challenges that test creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills.
Recently, our team was invited to renovate an old house with an unusual structural design. The building featured cantilevered sections supported by upstanding beams with no clear function, and slab sections that were sunken approximately 350mm below the main house level.
The Challenge
The client’s request was straightforward: convert this awkward sunken area into a usable balcony. While the idea seemed simple, structural considerations made it more complex. Using traditional concrete infill was not an option. Concrete’s density would have created an unnecessary load, potentially compromising the building’s safety and structural integrity.
The Solution
This challenge pushed us to research alternative materials and construction methods. After evaluating various possibilities, we identified Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) panels as the most practical and innovative solution.
EPS provided a lightweight yet strong filler material that could level the space without adding excessive weight. This approach ensured structural safety while achieving the client’s vision of a functional balcony.
The Outcome
The project was a success. The balcony was seamlessly integrated into the home, meeting the client’s requirements while preserving the building’s structural integrity.
Key Takeaway
This experience reinforced an important lesson: embracing modern building technologies is not just about efficiency, it’s about delivering smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions.
As construction professionals, we must continually adapt to innovations that redefine what is possible. EPS panels are just one example of how technology is transforming renovation and retrofit projects, offering solutions that traditional methods could not achieve.
At Design Key Builders, we believe in adopting and championing such technologies. Because what begins as innovation today often becomes the standard of tomorrow.
