A COUPLE who are building their house out of polystyrene have revealed they'll end up cutting their energy bills down by a whopping 70%.
Hannah and Charlie are building their first together, as properties in their area can cost up to £100,000.
So, with “very little experience” between them, the pair have embarked on the ambitious project.
But instead of using traditional materials, they are using ICF blocks (insulated concrete framework), which Hannah insisted is “the future”.
“It's quicker, cheaper in the long run, stronger and better for the environment,” she said in a video on her TikTok page.
“It's nine times stronger than a traditional build and it can save up to 70% on your thanks to the extra insulation.”
However, using the ICF blocks is somewhat “controversial” – given that they are so easy to put together, and would easily put bricklayers out of work.
“What will take a team of brickies a couple of weeks to do, we can stack like Lego in a few days,” she said.
“And the blocks stack together – there's reinforced steel inside and then you fill the whole lot with concrete.
“Once it's set, it's rock solid.”
While using the blocks might “cost a little more upfront”, they're building time, human error and long-term heating costs”.
“They’re also fire-resistant, flood-resilient and super energy efficient,” Hannah added in the caption.
“And yes, you can still get a mortgage and remortgage later on.
“As long as the build meets UK building regs, mainstream lenders are happy.”
“We’re so glad we didn’t go down the traditional route,” she added.
People were quick to take to the comments, with one writing: “My parents have built so many ICF houses!
“It’s great – and so quick!”
“Interesting but all I’m thinking is when we have a random few weeks of boiling weather how hot it’ll be in there,” another added.
To which Hannah replied: “We are having a cooling and heating system so the whole house is recycled air keeping it a steady temperature.”
“‘Better for the environment' by what metric? just the insulation/energy bills? how much?” someone else questioned.
“Yes, concrete uses cement (which has high COâ‚‚), but it’s used more efficiently in ICF builds,” Hannah responded.
“And with 70% lower energy bills for decades, the overall carbon footprint is way better than brick.”
“We’ve found it’s been totally worth it so far, and less stress,” Hannah added to
