A case for houses in the UK to be constructed of fibre reinforced polymer components

A summary review is presented on the state of the present UK house-building industry and the role that modern methods of construction can play in meeting the expected higher demand for houses offering a reduced carbon footprint. The past uses of fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) are presented and their advantages and shortcomings as house-building materials are given. It is shown that housing units of FRP materials would be lightweight, flexible and energy efficient. To therefore meet the UK's dual needs for low-cost housing and sustainable construction the authors make the case for the development of open-building systems constructed of FRP components made by the pultrusion process method.