The Gore District Council is using a natural wool blend insulation for its latest building project after copping flak from local farmers.
Signal Management Construction Manager Nick Jones (left) and Facilities Administration Officer Neil Mair with samples of the wool-blend product. Photo: Supplied / Gore District Council
The new Gore Library and James Cumming Community Centre will feature wool blend insulation in the ceiling, exterior and interior walls.
There will also be woollen carpets in areas with light foot traffic
Gore District Council chief executive Stephen Parry said the project team opted for the wool blend insulation over traditional fibreglass products to support the wool industry.
"We copped some criticism from local sheep farmers for not using wool in our new office block, so taking that on the chin, we looked at how we could do better in the library/community centre project."
The wool blend costs about 12 percent more than fibreglass insulation and takes longer to install but it is made from sustainable, recycled and natural materials.
Signal Management Construction manager Nick Jones said it was safer to work with.
"Our team do not have to wear personal protective equipment or masks when installing this product because there are no dust or fibreglass particles."
About 340 bales have been installed in the new building with any offcuts sent back to the manufacturer to be recycled into new insulation, Jones said.