What is RASTRA®

RASTRA® is a concrete form system made of a lightweight material called THASTYRON, which provides a permanent framework for a grid of reinforced concrete that forms load-bearing walls, shear walls, stem walls, lintels, retaining walls, and other components of a building.

THASTYRON offers the ultimate in properties for a wall, such as insulation, soundproofing, fire protection, all in one easy-to-install element. THASTYRON is also resistant against frost and against heat radiation. It does not entertain mold or attract nesting insects. 85% of its volume is recycled postconsumer polystyrene waste, which very likely would have ended up in landfills never to disappear.

« This picture shows an infrared photograph of a RASTRA® house. The blue color represents the cold areas. Color shifts towards the red in warmer areas which indicate heat loss in those areas such as windows. The RASTRA® wall shows a deep blue color!

Concrete filled into the cavities of the elements provides excellent strength. The channels inside the elements have been designed to provide optimum strength while using the lowest possible amount of concrete. The square grid allows use of the elements either vertically or horizontally, maintaining the grid and the runways for reinforcement. By using different strengths of concrete and various amounts of reinforcement, the load capacity can be adapted to fit any requirement. »

TWO ELEMENTS MAKE A COMPLETE SYSTEM!

The STANDARD element has an area of 1,125m²(12.5 sqft) and is generally used for walls; the END element is used for terminating wall-sections, members of headers, sills and corners. RASTRA® elements can be easily cut, rasped, routed or even carved into sculpture-like forms, using common tools suited for working with wood. Plaster adheres well to the face of RASTRA® elements without any preparation, tiles can be glued right onto the surface.

IF YOU WERE ABLE TO PLAY WITH LEGO AS A CHILD,
YOU ARE ABLE NOW TO BUILD A RASTRA® HOUSE!

RASTRA® elements can be set in place without the use of cranes. Simply glued or clamped together to hold them until the concrete is poured. THASTYRON is a lightweight but strong material. It is somewhat flexible and not brittle. It can be easily tooled with all woodworking tools, such as hand or chain saw, rasp, drill, router. As a matter of fact, it can be sculptured and carved to achieve any desired look. RASTRA® elements can be stepped on during construction and will support prefabricated roof slabs. Strong winds during construction are also not a threat.

RASTRA_Home

For more industrialized sites RASTRA® also has the solution:

The prefabricated RASTRA® WALL PANEL. Prefabricated according to the architect’s plan in the factory up to sizes of 7.5m (25ft) long, these panels can include reinforcement, window and door frames and even some plumbing. As concrete is poured once the panels are placed, handling is easy and adjustments can be made on site. The fastest method to build, known to the construction industry!

RASTRA_Prefabricated

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