Md Azree Othuman Mydin Universiti Sains Malaysia
The need for sustainable and cost-effective housing is rising in response to accelerated urbanisation and environmental issues. To effectively tackle this issue, the utilisation of innovative building materials is imperative. This project presents a composite panel system engineered for sustainable construction, improving structural strength and thermal efficiency while minimising costs and environmental impacts. The system integrates a fiber-cement exterior with a foamed concrete (FC) interior, effectively harmonising strength, thermal insulation, and cost efficiency. The sandwich panel's design reduces heat transmission, rendering it suitable for extreme weather conditions, while also offering superior acoustic insulation. The FC is constructed from environmentally sustainable materials, thereby decreasing the carbon footprint, and the lightweight panels reduce transportation energy expenses. The fibre-cement exterior provides resistance to fire, moisture, and corrosion, thereby improving safety and durability. The modular design of the panels facilitates rapid assembly, thereby decreasing labour expenses and project durations, which makes it well-suited for large-scale housing developments. Prototypes in Iraq, Turkey, and Indonesia showcase the system's efficacy across diverse climates, offering a sustainable and efficient solution to the worldwide housing crisis.