Tufeco Build Systems Ltd has grown in stature and credibility by working with Cranfield University, and funding from IMAGE has facilitated this growth.

Key facts

    • Tufeco Ltd manufactures construction materials under the name Tufeco™. Tufeco is a next generation, digitally manufactured and deployed build system.
    • Made from recycled glass, the monolithic paneled flat pack kits form the foundation pad, walls, roof and intermediate flooring. No extra insulation, structure and, in some cases, finishing is required.
    • With support from the IMAGE programme and Cranfield University, Tufeco embarked on a project aimeding to identify a suitable method to measure the thermal resistance/transmittance of the composite building material.
  • Funded by Part-funded by the IMAGE programme which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund

Impact of our research

Tufeco said: "Working with Cranfield has enabled us to understand fully the properties of our product, and bring the innovative material to a stage where it is ready to launch into the construction sector domestic market. We can assure our clients with confidence that the products meet the standard stated."

Why the research was commissioned

Tufeco construction material is known to provide a high level of insulation, based on previous studied carried out in Canada. However, the product does not have a certified thermal resistance value. Cranfield embarked on a project with Tufeco aimed at identifying a suitable method to measure the thermal resistance/transmittance of the composite building material, and to demonstrate the exceptional insulation properties of this innovative and new material.

Why Cranfield?

Cranfield University provided full and proper understanding of the material’s intrinsic qualities, which allowed the business to design appropriate ways to address their client’s requirements. This provides confidence for current quotations on housing and hotel buildings, with a full knowledge of the thermal properties of the subsequent building.

The results from the research have also informed the methodology used in the development of a new product, which is due to be launched in the market in June 2020.

The business will also go on to invest in R&D for further developments to their product range and explore the relative merits of a range of optional improvements.