​With building requirements becoming increasingly stringent regarding fire ratings within the Australian construction industry, lightweight is an area seeing rapid growth as its inherent materials provide some extraordinary benefits when applied in the correct way.

​For example, materials such as AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) are noncombustible and are suitable for fire-prone areas providing peace of mind for homeowners.

Often, when meeting people within the industry, one of the first questions that come up in conversation (after the standard "what's your name?", of course) is "what do you do?", followed by "where do you work?".

When we tell people we work for Empower Construction, confusion and wonder set in, particularly when we mention lightweight construction.

Are you perplexed by the concept of lightweight construction also?

If so, keep reading! We'll explain, in simple terms, what the heck lightweight construction actually is!

What is lightweight?

The term lightweight, when used in the construction industry (and not when making fun of the young apprentice, learning the ropes) typically refers to cladding.

This cladding (more often than not) is a non-structural panel that is applied to the facade (outside) of a home or building. It is attached to a timber or steel frame which provides the required structural support for the dwelling. The panels are often made of innovative materials and methods, which are much lighter than their traditional equivalent - eg: an AAC Hebel Panel, made from aerated concrete (think big aero chocolate bar, but substitute chocolate with concrete, lime, gypsum, sand, etc) is 1.6 m/2 (see pic above) weighing approx 70 kg's, the equivalent of that in bricks is approx 280kg's! Hence, lightweight! They go up heaps faster too - consider the time it takes to lay 80 bricks versus installing 1 panel!

​Why did Empower get into lightweight?

Our founder, Ryan Steyn, began in lightweight over 15 years ago. He pioneered the use of lightweight cladding for the entire build (as opposed to just an upstairs feature) with a major supplier and one of the largest residential home builders in NSW. He was drawn to its innovation, quick installation and outstanding performance, identifying it as the direction in which the industry was moving. This is true to this day, where we see lightweight cladding, in different forms, widely used throughout residential construction.

Why would builders consider it?

Far from the misconceptions and generalisations which are tainting the reputation of lightweight cladding, (largely due to the disastrous effects of subpar products used or applied incorrectly in the high rise residential building sector), there are excellent quality products on the market with outstanding fire retardant, insulative and aesthetic properties. Not forgetting their ease of installation and cost-saving options. Hence, many builders offer lightweight products within their range of designs.

Why would consumers consider it?

Lightweight cladding offers consumers with design versatility, additional features, increased BASIX ratings, environmentally friendly options, faster construction time, outstanding quality and more - it's a no-brainer as to why it should be considered over traditional bricks and mortar.

Why should people call Empower for their lightweight cladding needs?

We love what we do, and we've been doing it for a while now - delivering innovative wall solutions, including high-quality lightweight cladding, rendering and painting services on a large scale (we've completed thousands!) for well over 10 years! We are extremely selective with our product range and take pride in our workmanship - ensuring the best result for our clients each and every time.

What we pride ourselves on are the partnerships we have built over the years, and which we continue to build today. We don't only want you to call us to install your lightweight construction products, but also bricks, eaves and more - we want you to partner with us and have you draw on our expertise to create cost savings and efficiencies for your projects.

If you'd like to know more about what we do, please visit our website: www.empowerconstruction.com.au

If you are a builder and would like to discuss your upcoming projects and designs with our team, contact us via email: sales@empowerconstruction.com.au

We're thrilled to announce Empower Construction has been awarded the 2018 WSABE - Excellence in Business Award!

The Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) is the premier event in the Greater Western Sydney Region founded by the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce in 1990. This premier Awards Gala annually recognises outstanding business leaders and organisations who are actively contributing to Western Sydney’s rapidly developing economy. - www.wsabe.com.au

Our CEO and Founder, Ryan Steyn, had the honour of accepting the award, here's what he had to say about his accolade:

"Teamwork really does make the dreamwork! Absolutely honoured to accept this award on behalf of the entire team at Empower Construction - a group of the most passionate, hardworking and dedicated people that I have ever had the honour of working with.

So proud of how far we have come and excited for what the future holds.

Thank you Stephanie King, Brendan Corbett, Julia Sampo, Bryn Edwards, Liam Lawler, Michelle Sampo, and all our other fantastic staff - this award belongs to you."

The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards are a prestigious event on the corporate calendar, recognising the individual achievements of Australia’s leading executives. The evening celebrates the exceptional contributions made by CEOs and senior management, highlighting their achievements over the past 12 months in their given organisations.

Now in its seventh year, the 2018 Executive of the Year Awards — to be held on 21 November at ICC Sydney — is anticipated to be even bigger and better, with more than 550 guests and nominees expected to attend from the country’s most respected brands.

Our CEO and Founder, Ryan Steyn, along with another 3 outsdanding industry leaders has been shortlisted for the Building and Construction Executive of the Year category.

We wish Ryan, and all the finalists the very best of luck for this years Awards.

http://www.executiveawards.com.au/finalists/

We're thrilled to announce we have been shortlisted for the 2018 WSABE - Excellence in Business category!

The Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) is the premier event in the Greater Western Sydney Region founded by the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce in 1990. This premier Awards Gala annually recognises outstanding business leaders and organisations who are actively contributing to Western Sydney’s rapidly developing economy. - www.wsabe.com.au

Winners will be announced at the gala dinner, held at Rose Hill Race Course in September.

​Wish us luck!