Modcell
The main building element to Lilac has been Modcell. This is an innovative panelised straw in-fill system.
Here you can see glulam frames which have been filled with straw bales at the local "Flying Factory": a farmer's barn about 10 miles from site. Members of Lilac spent several weeks as volunteers, helping to carry out the straw fill during the summer of 2012.
Here the first layer of lime render is being applied to one of the panels. These frames comprise the main structural elements of the houses and flats and provide a very well-insulated but breathable wall, which actually locks carbon into the structure for life.
The completed frames are transported to site and craned into position, similarly to panelised SIPs systems.