Cuboid

[TheLiberalLeft]

I like the idea of building a cube-shaped holiday home using concrete pre-cast slabs and mid-floor similar to commercial buildings, yet I am told these are considerably more expensive than traditional methods.

Is that right? Why? You see these things go up super fast. Why would commercial guys spend a fortune more than they need to? Doesn't make sense to me. Or does it come back to a durability thing?

[Bulldog]

Not an expert by any means but it is a specialised construction method, low volume so no economy of scale. Few precast companies are equipped to make quality panels & they need a precast jig which is hugely expensive. Handling & on site safety is another issue with tilt slab construction. It requires stabilised platforms for cranes, temporary shoring, etc. all of which put it beyond the scope of the local chippie. Its a bit like scaffolding, not much to it but try & get a quote to have some erected!

That said, a tilt slab complex just went up around the corner from me in Mairangi Bay, high end townhouses. Worth a nosey if you are in the area, cnr Beach Rd/Montrose Terrace.

[TheLiberalLeft]

Cheers - might take a look. All that you say makes sense though. I was also told that the slabs are cast off site and there's a 60-day drying period, and all that takes effort & costs more money.

I do like the polished white concrete floors though.

[Bulldog]

Polished concrete is great, have a look at www.peterfell.co.nz can be done to any concrete floor, new or existing.

[cube]

I like the idea of building a cube-shaped holiday home using concrete pre-cast slabs and mid-floor

I object!

[TheLiberalLeft]

No need. I want a square. I always pictured you as somewhat more round.

[cube]

All neat edges and sharp corners, me.