psi-FAST – The Innovative Building System Designed for DfE Spec21

Assembling buildings using large format panels is already an innovative approach compared to historical methods such as blockwork and bricks. But innovation is a continuous journey, which is why Innovaré has built on the success of our i-FAST panels to develop a new panelised system. Meet psi-FAST.

The new panels deliver exceptionally low combined heat loss coupled with excellent fire resistance. They’re fully compliant with the latest DfE Spec21 output specification.

The ‘psi’ part of the name is highly significant. It refers to the psi-value of a building, which measures the losses at the interface between building elements such as door and window jambs, eaves and corners through thermal bridging. This is distinct from the u value that measures heat loss through flat surfaces.

Fire Safety

FAST refers to the excellent Fire, Acoustic, Structural and Thermal properties that have seen the i-FAST system adopted for many education projects. Fire safety is enhanced in both panels by the non combustible insulation and facing boards giving built-in, symmetrical fire resistance of 60 minutes.

Fire tests at BRE to BS 1365-1 were conducted to verify the fire performance of the psi-FAST panels. Further tests using variations in panel thickness found that panels with a 184mm or 140mm thick core and 12mm boards achieve 90 minutes and 70 minutes of fire resistance respectively.

Designed for Net Zero

Psi-FAST panels have been designed for the net zero carbon in operation requirements of the DfE Spec21 output specification. They use staggered timber studs to form a twin-leaf wall that separates and insulates the load bearing studs from the cladding support studs. The panel construction reduces repeatable thermal bridging losses by over 40%.

The thick layer of insulation between the elements helps achieve an overall combined heat loss rate of 0.15 W/m²·K. This is compliant with DfE Spec21 standard as a combination of U-values and psi-values.

The psi-FAST panels can be manufactured in sizes up to 3.6x8m to simplify the construction process. The enhanced structural stability of the psi-FAST system allows items such as windows, brick slips or rainscreen cladding to be pre-installed, which increases the Pre-Manufactured Value – delivering simplicity, speed, and quality control.

If you’d like to know more about how Innovaré panelised building systems drive innovation in construction contact enquiries@innovaresystems.co.uk or take a look at our resource centre.