Costs: Prefabricated structural panels | Features

Specification options
Structural panels	Capital cost range £/m² floor area
Structural insulated panels comprising oriented stand board OSB/3 skins to EN 300 minimum 15 mm thick, polystyrene insulation core to EN 13163 or 13164, minimum 100 mm thick. Open panels.	170-240
Timber-frame panels comprising structural grade timbers grade TR26 cross section 47 mm × 97 mm. Oriented strand board OSB/3 to EN 300 sheathing minimum 15 mm thick. Open panels.	100-150
Lightweight steel frame panels comprising cold formed steel sections mild steel to EN 10147 with minimum of 275g/m² zinc galvanising. Open panels.	100-150
Engineered laminated timber panels comprising 85 mm thick cross-laminated solid timber strips. Open panels.	120-280
Concrete wall panels comprising composite structure of concrete, reinforcement, insulation and facing brick slips. Concrete walls to BS 8110. Closed system including weathering envelope and internal partitions.	450-650
Table notes
The expected service life of all the structural panel systems is in excess of 60 years
The cost data gives ranges for materials and installation. Costs are based on the floor area of typical three- to four-bedroom dwellings. Costs vary in relation to scheme size, complexity of plan form, number and location of openings, floor to ceiling heights, thickness, size and composition of the panel construction.
A whole-life-cost analysis for structural wall panels is complex, as alternatives are not directly comparable. A comparison would require, as a minimum, the complete building structure and envelope to be modelled, including consideration of the comparative costs associated with manufacture, installation and in–use energy costs.
Further information Building LifePlans provides latent defects warranty for all buildings. Visit www.componentlife.com for building component durability information. For further information email peter.mayer@buildinglifeplans.com or telephone 020-7204 2441