Sustainable Building with a Legacy of Innovation
Did you know that the world’s first method of compressing agricultural fibres into a sustainable, durable building material began almost a century ago? Originating in Sweden, a compressed straw panel was developed as a practical solution to enhance thermal insulation for walls and ceilings. With a simple yet innovative technique, Swedish engineers compressed natural fibres, like wheat and rice straw, to create durable panels that provide insulation, fire resistance and sound absorption.
GALLERY
The technology travelled from Sweden to the UK before being acquired by Australian company Stramit Board who set up manufacturing operations in Bendigo, Victoria. Although the product name later changed to Durra Panel, the original Bendigo factory remains in use and has been in continuous production ever since.
Utilising wheat straw stubble – a by-product of annual wheat harvesting – the Durra Panel manufacturing process has stayed true to its origins, using unique compression technology that forms the panel core and embeds the panel’s strength and thermal efficiency. The simplicity of the process means there’s no need for toxic adhesives or chemical binders, keeping the product as pure and safe as possible.
Although Durra Panel has been improved over the decades, the manufacturing process at its core is largely unchanged. The innovative yet simple process continues to produce a strong and versatile product that has remained a reliable building material choice in Australia for 70 years.
As well as being an incredibly sustainable building material, Durra Panel is not a performance compromise. The tightly compressed panel core naturally provides additional benefits to create better performing and more comfortable spaces. Durra Panel is extremely versatile and is used in a variety of industry projects needing high performing Acoustics (such as theatres and sound stages), Fire Resistance (such as defence and industrial facilities), Thermal (such as ice rinks and office spaces) and Durability (such as sports centres and schools).
Durra Panel is an innovative yet simple solution to meet a range of performance requirements, all sustainably provided within one product. Durra Panel has been used in walls and ceilings of residential homes for 70 years, delivering premium comfort and safety features to Australian homes for the long life of the panel.
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