OREANDA-NEWS. October 9, 2012. BASF products have been used by the BRE (Building Research Establishment) in the construction of the Innovation Park it has developed on the site of the former steel works in Ravenscraig, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

The Innovation Park will be a demonstration development showcasing how the future of housing might look. It is being developed under the themes of energy, sustainability and affordability through integration of the landscape, community focus and zero carbon buildings.

“Sustainability is a driving force for our activities in the construction sector,” said Deryn Gilbey Market Developer at BASF. “Building and living account for about 40 percent of global energy use. This figure can be reduced significantly, chiefly with more energy-efficient buildings.”

Highly insulated buildings in the future will become prone to overheating, particularly lightweight structures. Phase change materials (PCMs) can significantly reduce this effect because they provide thermal mass to absorb and store this heat.

A suspended ceiling tile system from the U.S. manufacturer Armstrong World Industries Ltd., incorporating BASF’s Micronal® phase change material, was installed in the main seminar area of the Innovation Park’s visitors’ centre. Micronal PCM is made of polymer capsules containing a special wax mixture which stores latent heat.

When the temperature rises over a defined temperature threshold of 23C, the wax melts and the phase change material absorbs heat. When the temperature drops, the wax solidifies, and heat is emitted. Through intelligent temperature management, Micronal PCM contributes to an improved indoor climate, more comfortable living conditions and better energy efficiency.

Parts of the walkways installed at the Innovation Park have been made with BASF's solution Elastopave®, forming an integral part of the surface water management strategy for the site. Elastopave is a two-component polyurethane binder for pavement applications. When it is combined with local aggregates, it creates a strong, durable porous composite that can be used for car parks, driveways, pavements and other walking surface. It is easy to work with and install, using conventional construction equipment, allows surface water to drain away, preventing formation of puddles and ice.

BASF also supplied its MASTERTOP® 1325 flooring system, providing an attractive, sound-deadening and durable finish in the main seminar area of the visitors’ centre. Mastertop’s resilient and flexible finish produces an ergonomically warm feel. Its seamless surface, even around columns and over large areas, allows maximum aesthetic freedom. A permanently elastic, wear-resistant surface provides a durable, long lasting floor which is monolithically bonded to the substrate. Seamless wall and coving systems are also available, avoiding joints or welds, even at external corners and columns.

BASF actively supports sustainable construction and holds memberships in eleven Green Building Councils. Its construction experts work closely with architects, planners and urban developers to create housing for all types of climates and diverse architectural traditions.


The Innovation Park at Ravenscraig is part of the redevelopment of the former steel works. Scotland’s first new town in more than
 50 years is being created on the site. It is one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe, covering 450 hectares (1,125 acres) and featuring 10,000 houses, sports facility, town centre, community spaces and transport links.