Abstract: A lightweight concrete panel for use as an outer layer of a dwelling wall, said panel made of concrete mix of cement, sand, lightweight concrete aggregate such as polystyrene beads, superplasticiser and water, said concrete mix having a nominal density in the range of 500 to 1500 kg/m3. The panel preferably has a backing sheet of polystyrene affixed thereto. The panel is used as in a cladding and insulating veneer arrangement for a load bearing subwall formed from studs or masonry. The panels are loose fixed in vertical alignment in a horizontally and vertically extending stack of panels and retained in position by retaining clips without any bonding jointing material between the panels. A method of forming such a cladding and insulating arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermally insulating wall construction (1, 100, 199, 200 or 300), a masonry panel (5A, 513, 205A, 20513, 305A, 305B) and a method of fabricating masonry panels are disclosed. The panels are fabricated by pouring lightweight concrete into a mould (201) which includes a former (227) preferably formed from egg carton cardboard, or similar. The former (227) is retained in situ. Film or foil (28, 228) in one or several layers is positioned in a cavity (12) formed between opposed panels to thereby create a plurality of thermal barriers in stagnant air. High thermal ratings for wall constructions are thereby able to be achieved.