Providing solutions for high density residential and commercial development projects, James Hardie Systems, continues to push the boundaries of building technology with Ritek Walls Systems – a permanent formwork wall system that solves complex construction challenges.
The efficient Ritek XL Thermal Wall is a pre-fabricated wall panel system that is manufactured specifically to the architect’s drawings and is delivered complete with an insulation layer bonded to the inside of the exterior facing panel. Electrical and gas services, windows and fire door frames can be cast in, removing the need to line walls.
For exterior walls, Ritek XL Thermal Wall is manufactured to specification with built-in insulation allowing for a high thermal rating of up to R-value 4.8. No need for additional trades and materials in providing insulation, batten and lining while achieving BCA thermal, fire and sound transfer specifications.
“We believe in efficiency,” says Steven Terzian, General Manager of James Hardie Systems. “With a construction project using Ritek walls, there’s no need to punch access holes onsite, all corner sections remain open for reinforcement placement and engineer inspection, ensuring a streamlined approval process.”

SAVING TIME AND COST
Ritek permanent formwork wall systems are faster to erect than traditional block and brickwork, reducing time and onsite labour costs by up to five days per floor on construction. Savings in construction time has the potential to reduce associated site costs such as site management, crane and scaffolding hire. The design of Ritek walls allows for simple set-up and rapid concrete pour, with minimal interference from weather, resulting in minimal downtime. Ritek walls minimise reliance on cranes compared to pre-cast concrete. Panels are custom-made for the build project and ready to be installed for rapid concrete pour. In addition, the sanded surface is ready for direct setting by finishing trades to a level four finish, removing the cost and time to batten out and plaster line walls.
Ritek XL Wall and Ritek XL Thermal Wall products are thinner than traditional block and brick, which is a clear advantage on tight construction sites, reducing wall thickness by up to 27 per cent compared to block. Installed and unbattened Ritek walls also create an opportunity for additional floor space with the same building footprint.

ACCESS
To minimise traffic disruption in high traffic areas, wall panels can be delivered on small trucks and lifted into place using a Manitou or small crane. Ritek walls minimise reliance on cranes compared to pre-cast concrete. Panels are custom-made for the build project and ready to be installed for rapid concrete pour.
COASTAL AREAS
With non-rusting aluminium internal components, Ritek walls are the ideal solution for build projects in coastal areas with a need for withstanding harsher climate conditions. Ritek Wall Systems offers a 25 year warranty, including in coastal areas, and the system has been successfully installed in coastal areas for the last seven years.
FIRE-RESISTANT
Ritek® XL Wall and Ritek® XL Thermal Wall, complies with the BCA 2016 Volume One: Spread of fire, Fire-resisting construction, Fire separation and Protection. The Ritek XL wall has also been tested by CSIRO, Materials Science and Engineering to AS 1530.4:2005 – Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures.
STRENGTH
Ritek walls can be used as columns, blade and shear walls, stair and lift shafts. With an impact resistant durable fibre cement surface, it is perfect for high traffic areas with high occupancy and activity levels, such as multi-residential, social housing, hotels and aged care.
COMFORT
Ritek XL Thermal Wall incorporates in-situ insulation allowing for a high thermal rating of up to R-value 4.8. There’s no need for additional insulation or batten and lining, and it still achieves BCA thermal specifications. Ritek walls also provide an excellent acoustic rating, exceeding the BCA requirements of inter-tenancy sound transfer.
WASTE
Construction can be messy, however, the Ritek system minimises construction debris and site disruption. The panels are custom manufactured for each build project, also providing an environmental benefit by reducing waste on site.
For peace of mind, James Hardie Systems provides its customers with support for every project. “Our goal is to enhance our customer experience,” says Mr Terzian. “So we provide a committed technical services team, in-house drafting and scheduling services, on-site project co-ordination assistance and a dependable customer service and sales support team.”
Ritek Wall Systems are suitable for use in single residential, multi-storey residential and commercial buildings as load bearing/structural walls up