What is Clearform Wall System? Features, Benefits & Uses

The Clearform Wall System is a permanent polymer wall formwork designed for fast, clean, and compliant structural construction.

Used in basements, retaining walls, and OSD tanks, it combines strength, speed, and waterproof performance - without the need for traditional formwork removal.

Below, we break down its key features, real-world advantages, and how it compares to other prefabricated wall systems used in Australian construction today.

Key Features of Clearform Wall System

The Clearform Wall System is built for modern structural needs. Every part of it is designed to make building faster, cleaner, and more reliable- from its lightweight panels to its engineered connections.

Here are the features that set it apart from traditional walling systems:

Permanent Polymer Formwork: Clearform uses polymer panels that stay in place after concrete is poured. These panels become part of the wall itself, removing the need to strip formwork and reducing site waste.

Structural Load-Bearing Capacity: It’s not just formwork - Clearform walls are fully load-bearing. Once reinforced and filled, they support both vertical and lateral loads, making them ideal for retaining walls, basement structures, and fire-rated partitions.

Waterproof and Damp-Resistant: The polymer material is inherently waterproof. This makes Clearform perfect for below-ground applications, such as OSD tanks, underground basements, and lift shafts where water ingress is a common concern.

Fire Resistance Compliance: Clearform panels are certified for fire resistance under Australian standards. They’re safe for boundary walls, plant rooms, and other fire-rated structural zones.

Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Each panel is made from lightweight, high-strength material. This makes transport, handling, and on-site installation more efficient, especially useful on tight-access sites or multi-storey projects.

Smooth Off-Form Finish: Once poured and cured, Clearform walls have a clean, uniform finish. There’s no need for extra rendering or plastering, which saves time and labour.

5 Benefits of Using Clearform Wall Systems

The Clearform Wall System isn’t just about structural integrity - it brings real value to your build. Below are five key benefits that make it a smart choice for modern construction projects in Australia.

1. Faster Installation

Clearform speeds up construction from the start. The panels are lightweight, modular, and quick to assemble on site. Unlike traditional formwork, there's no stripping after the concrete pour - the panels stay in place as part of the structure.

• Less setup time

• Faster rebar installation

• No render or finishing delays

• Ideal for fast-tracked builds and tight programs

2. Quality Assurance

Each panel is made in a controlled factory environment, ensuring consistent size, shape, and performance. This removes the guesswork on site and leads to a better final result.

• Straight, even walls

• Clean off-form finish

• Fewer installation errors

• Built-in quality control with every panel

3. Cost Savings & Sustainability

Clearform helps reduce both labour costs and material waste. With fewer trades involved, minimal waste, and no need for rendering, it’s a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

• Lower labour and equipment costs

• No timber or temporary formwork

• Recyclable polymer material

• Cleaner sites with less construction waste

4. Safety Enhancements

The system improves site safety by simplifying the build process. There’s less manual handling, no form stripping, and fewer high-risk tasks during installation.

• Lightweight panels = easier handling

• Less time working at heights

• Reduced risk of injuries and incidents

• Fewer steps = safer workflow

5. Design Flexibility

Clearform is suitable for a wide range of applications and layouts. Whether it’s a curved wall, a tight site, or an underground structure, the system adapts easily.

• Multiple panel sizes (CF150, CF200, CF300)

• Works with complex wall configurations

• Supports integrated services and penetrations

• Used in basements, OSD tanks, retaining walls, and more

Where are Clearform Walls Used?

Clearform Wall Systems are designed to work across a wide range of building types and structural applications. Thanks to their strength, waterproofing, and flexibility, they’re suited to both residential and commercial projects, especially where time, access, and durability are critical.

Building Types

Clearform walls are commonly used in:

• Residential buildings: basements, lift shafts, and retaining walls

• Commercial developments: multi-level basements, plant rooms, fire-rated boundary walls

• Industrial projects: substation enclosures, tank pits, and structural risers

• Civil and infrastructure works: underground tanks, water containment

• structures, and retaining systems for cut-and-fill sites

Because the system is NCC-compliant and fire-rated, it can be used confidently in Class 2–9 buildings under the Australian Building Code.

Source: Clearform Wall Systems

System Applications

Key structural applications of Clearform include:

• Basement wall systems

• Retaining walls (above and below ground)

• OSD (on-site detention) tanks and stormwater management structures

• Lift and stair cores

• Service risers and vertical shafts

• Fire-rated boundary walls

• Plant rooms and water-resistant enclosures

These walls are ideal for tight-access sites, urban builds, or sloped blocks where traditional blockwork is slow, costly, or impractical.

Inside the Clearform System: Components and Materials

The Clearform Wall System is more than just panels, it's a complete structural walling solution. Each component plays a role in delivering a fast, strong, and compliant result. The system is designed for seamless on-site assembly while meeting strict engineering and building code standards.

Here’s what’s inside:

1. Polymer Wall Panels

The core of the system. These permanent formwork panels are made from high-strength, lightweight polymer. They’re engineered to stay in place after the concrete pour and provide a smooth, off-form finish.

2. Interlocking Joint System

Each panel connects using a tongue-and-groove mechanism that locks the wall together. This ensures structural alignment and prevents concrete leakage during pours.

3. Starter Bars and Rebar Integration

Steel reinforcement is placed inside the panel cavities. The system supports vertical and horizontal rebar as per engineering specs.

4. Corner Panels and End Caps

Special corner and end components are used to maintain formwork continuity around openings or changes in direction.

5. Temporary Bracing

During setup, panels are held in place using external braces. These ensure alignment and stability until the concrete has been poured and cured.

Installation Process of Clearform Wall System

Installing Clearform is a straightforward process designed to reduce time, labour, and complexity on site. Unlike traditional formwork, the panels stay in place, eliminating the need for removal and reducing follow-up trades.

Here’s how it works, step by step:

1. Site Preparation and Base Setup

• Concrete footings or slabs are prepared as per design

• Starter bars are installed at correct spacing to anchor the walls

• Surveying and set-out lines are marked for panel alignment

2. Panel Assembly and Jointing

• Panels are placed upright onto starter bars

• Interlocking joints connect each panel side-by-side

• Corners, ends, and penetrations are formed using custom accessories

3. Temporary Bracing and Support

• External bracing is used to hold panels in position

• Braces are fixed to the slab or footing

• Alignment is checked using a laser or string line

4. Rebar Placement

• Vertical and horizontal reinforcement is inserted into the wall cavity

• Spacers and clips hold rebar in place

• Reinforcement is inspected and approved before pour

5. Concrete Pour

• Concrete is poured into the internal cavities of the wall

• Vibrators ensure full compaction and remove air voids

• Pour is completed in lifts if required (especially for CF300)

6. Final Checks and Cure

• Bracing remains in place until concrete cures

• Once cured, braces are removed, no need to strip the formwork

• The wall is now load-bearing, waterproof, and ready for the next construction phase

Clearform’s installation process reduces labour, shortens timelines, and simplifies on-site coordination, especially when compared to blockwork or removable formwork systems.

Want a Clearform install that runs smoothly from start to finish?

Murs Projects specialises in professional Clearform installations across NSW - on time, on budget, and fully code-compliant.

Source: Clearform Wall System

Common Challenges and How Clearform Solves Them

On busy sites, time, space, and weather conditions often get in the way of smooth construction. Clearform was developed to reduce delays, waste, and rework, especially in difficult builds like basements and retaining walls.

Here are a few common challenges Clearform helps solve:

1. Delays from Wet Trades

Traditional blockwork and formwork systems rely on wet trades like bricklayers and renderers. When schedules clash or weather hits, it leads to downtime.

Clearform panels install dry and fast - with no rendering required.

2. Excess Labour and Trade Coordination

Coordinating multiple trades (formworkers, steel fixers, renderers, clean-up crews) slows down progress and increases costs.

Clearform cuts out multiple steps with a single, integrated system.

3. Access Issues on Tight Sites

Urban sites often have limited space for materials, machinery, and formwork stripping.

Clearform’s lightweight panels are easy to handle and stay in place — no stripping, no storage hassles.

4. Inconsistent Wall Finishes

Poor blockwork or rushed rendering can lead to uneven surfaces that require rework.

Clearform delivers a smooth, consistent off-form finish — no patching needed.

5. Water Damage in Below-Ground Structures

Basement and OSD tank walls are vulnerable to moisture if not properly detailed.

Clearform’s waterproof polymer shell helps protect the structure from water ingress.

Final Thoughts: When to Consider Clearform Walls?

Clearform Wall Systems are not a one-size-fits-all solution. But for many projects, they offer a smarter, cleaner, and faster way to build.

You should consider using Clearform when:

• You’re working on a basement, retaining wall, or OSD tank

• You need to speed up installation without compromising quality

• Your site has limited access or strict timelines

• You're aiming to reduce wet trades and site waste

• Fire or water resistance is essential for your wall design

• You want a structural wall system that’s NCC-compliant and ready to perform

From tight urban lots to large-scale commercial jobs, Clearform gives project teams more control, fewer variables, and solid results - right from the start.

Need help choosing the right wall system for your project?

Talk to the Clearform installation experts at Murs Projects. We’ll help you assess site conditions, design needs, and timelines. Contact us now!

FAQs About Clearform Wall Systems

Is the Clearform Wall System compliant with Australian building codes?

Yes. Clearform complies with the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS3600 for concrete structures. It’s approved for Class 2–9 buildings.

Can Clearform be used for retaining walls and below-ground applications?

Yes. Clearform is waterproof and load-bearing, making it ideal for retaining walls, basements, and OSD tanks.

How is concrete poured and reinforced within Clearform walls?

Steel reinforcement is placed inside the panel cavity. Concrete is poured from the top and compacted using vibrators to ensure full coverage.

Does Clearform require rendering or finishing after installation?

No. Clearform panels produce a smooth off-form finish. No rendering or plastering is needed.

How much does Clearform Wall installation cost in Australia?

Costs vary by project size, wall type, and site conditions. Clearform generally reduces labour and finishing costs compared to traditional blockwork.