©Zs2

A Canadian material science and technology company is trying to use fire resistant materials in Okanagan homes. A new home on Richter Street is now the second home in Kelowna to be built using magnesium cement and boards instead of more traditionally used materials like Oriented Standard Boards, gypsum or plywood. On July 28, staff from ZS2 Technologies – the Alberta-based supplier of the magnesium boards – allowed developers, reporters and local municipal planning staff onto the Richter site to tour the build and explain the emerging technology. According to the technology company, the magnesium construction material offers higher resistance to fire, mold and water compared to competing materials. In a wildfire prone region, ZS2 Technologies sees the Okanagan as a good place to use its materials.