Yesterday the couple began laying foundations for a renovation and extension to their 1880s house at Springdale.

The way in which those foundations were laid is seen as a first for Mudgee.

The Wilson’s, in conjunction with Lynch Building Group, are using an alternative to the conventional and often wasteful ways of laying down a concrete slab.

Known as Cupolex, the structural dome concrete slab system differs from Rib Raft, Waffle Pod and other Polystyrene concrete void systems.

The dome components used to create a concrete slab are manufactured from 100 per cent recycled plastic. The domes interlock in a pod configuration and can be fully ventilated.   

Mr Wilson said advantages of using Cupolex included reduced power usage because temperatures would be kept cooler. The system also acts as a prevention against rising damp.

“Cupolex provides an absolute barrier with no capillary action possible,” he said.

The system was originally developed for the US Air Force as a solution to ventilate Radon Gas from new buildings.

Managing director of Australian Urethane and Styrene, Geoff Benson, said the system was perfect for regional areas like Mudgee.

“The savings on transport and concrete costs alone make it [Cupolex] a viable alternative,” he said.

“There is zero waste compared to waffle pods which can end up with 2-3 cubic metres of waste. That becomes very expensive to dispose.

“The domes also make this system safe in terms of OH&S capacity. There some places in Australia where working with waffle pods is banned now.

“Also less concrete has to be poured which is great for the customer.”

Australian Urethane and Styrene is the national distributor for Cupolex and Reozone currently distributes the product in NSW.

Mr Benson said Cupolex was also great on varying soil types because it can absorb ground movement. The structural system can also act as a water storage area. He said some shopping centres were taking up the system for water storage.