How easy is it to build a CoreHouse?

The instructions for building a house are clear and easy to follow; everything is explained in simple drawings. It should take between 6-7 hours to complete a CoreHouse™ using a team of 4 to 6 people. All parts and tools are included and the toolkit box can be used as a stool once the CoreHouse™ is built.

What is a CoreHouse made of?

CoreHouse is made primarily from Orient Strand Board (OSB) which is a very strong composite material similar in characteristics to plywood, but less susceptible to degradation. The OSB that we use is made from sustainably-managed resources and we have full traceability in our supply chain.

How durable is a CoreHouse?

The CoreHouse™ design is more than the sum of its parts. The OSB material is suitable for external use and is frequently used for sheathing buildings over long periods of exposure. The design of CoreHouse™ gives generous protection of walls by deep roof overhangs.

How strong is a CoreHouse?

The basic design makes for a very rigid structure. The panelled walls, floor and ceiling have an inherent strength to resist movement and deformation under normal loading conditions, including wind. Structural tests have been conducted by Dundee University under the direction of Ove Arup and Partners.

Why is it called a CoreHouse?

CoreHouse™ is designed as a temporary shelter, semi-permanent building, first dwelling or starter home, and can easily be extended. Essentially, the CoreHouse™ is the ‘Core’ of a larger family home. The basic OSB material can be covered inside or out with any material, timber, brick, stone etc, so it is also the Core of a long-term building.

Can you do a specific design for our requirements?

Yes. The CoreHouse™ kit of parts can be used to create a wide range of single-storey building designs and we are able to supply bespoke designs for government departments, NGOs and military organisations. This is a quick process and prices can be finalised very quickly too.

Can we change the look of the building on the outside?

Yes. The basic CoreHouse™ can be covered externally in any material to suit what is available, e.g. bricks, stone, timber, or metal

Is the CoreHouse™ suitable for staff accommodation in the field?

Yes. The simplicity of CoreHouse™ makes it an ideal choice for staff field-workers, whether as houses for single occupation or shared. Alternatively, CoreHouse™ can be a secure store or office, classroom, surgery or clinic.

What has been the reaction to people who have seen the CoreHouse™?

The overwhelming reaction has been very positive, whether for the amount of space inside, the solidness of its construction, its appearance or the speed of putting it up. Feedback on a previous model gave a lot of information that has been incorporated into the new CoreHouse™; our designs reflect comments from people who will be living in CoreHouses.