This building system uses Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) panels, produced by FACT Kochi and RCF Mumbai based on calcination technology developed by Rapidwall Building Systems, Australia, using Phospho-gypsum, a fertilizer industry waste product. Since 2003, a research group of Department of Civil Engineering led by Prof. Devdas Menon and Prof. A Meher Prasad had conducted extensive studies on the use these panels as structural members for earthquake resistant design. These panels, called Rapidwall, were intended as wall panels suitable for rapid erection of walls in Australia. The IIT M research group extended the application of the product for the entire building sytem, including slabs, staircases, etc.
The two-storey demo building, being constructed on a built-up area of 1981 sq.ft, is a model housing apartment combining four flats, replicable for mass housing, vertically and horizontally. One of the highlights of the rapid construction technology is a demonstration of the completion of the entire superstructure fit for occupation, in 29 days after the laying of the foundation. The use of prefabricated light weight (43 kg/m2) GFRG panels for the building system implies not only faster overall construction time, but also reduced labour and safer working environment. Also, the cost of completed construction with all amenities is reduced to around Rs. 1200 per sq. foot.