SOPREMA Solutions Support Sustainable Affordable Homes in Hounslow

Project Description 

SOPREMA products achieve watertight thermally efficient roofing for sustainable affordable Hounslow homes.

Advancing sustainable affordable housing, the thermally-efficient roofing build-up at The Everglades development in Hounslow has been designed with a range of waterproofing and insulation products from SOPREMA, also allowing for the introduction of zero carbon technology and biodiversity onto the roof space.

Project Overview

Contributing to the delivery of much-needed housing, The London Borough of Hounslow commissioned architectural practice BPTW to design the new residential scheme on the existing Everglades site as part of a small sites programme in the area.

Originally, it housed a 1960s four-storey sheltered accommodation block and three, three-storey blocks of flats. The four-storey building was demolished and impressively redeveloped to anchor the site. Two reinforced concrete frame infill buildings have also been constructed between the existing housing. The updated development has created a cohesive and vibrant community space that provides 33 homes across the three new residential buildings.

A regular Approved Installer of SOPREMA products, Essex-based DF Roofing successfully delivered the specification with SOPREMA collaborating with the main contractor, Wates Construction, on all design aspects of the flat roof. Together, the team delivered a watertight solution that met the architect’s specified U-value requirements, all with a 40-year warranty. DF Roofing Operations Director, Jay Curran, said: “Right from the minute we bought SOPREMA on to the job with us, they supported at every step. From workshops with the Wates Construction team to site visits and inspecting the work throughout the process, we couldn’t have asked for more.”

The project features a warm, inverted roof, incorporating green roofing areas specified at the planning stage to encourage biodiversity. For the main roof and larger terrace areas, SOPREMA Duoflex and XPS insulation were used. The high-quality elastomeric bitumen is hot bonded to the concrete substrate as part of the Duoflex Hot Melt waterproofing system, which includes a fleece layer. Modified with root-repellent additives and reinforced with non-woven polyester, the elastomeric bitumen membrane serves as the upper layer waterproofing system specifically designed for green roofs, ensuring long-term durability and protection.

Customer Satisfaction

Commenting on the SOPREMA solution, Jay Curran from DF Roofing said: “This system was chosen to meet the council’s request for a 40-year warranty. The use of hot melt technology allowed SOPREMA to offer this extended warranty, surpassing other roofing alternatives.”

Roofing Solutions for Efficiency, Durability, and Sustainability

Achieving the required 0.10W/m2K, Sopra XPS insulation was a priority to support the overall thermal efficiency of the roofing system. The complex roof design and varying slopes meant the insulation had to be installed in small sections, carefully following the curve of the substrate to maintain continuous insulation and prevent thermal bridging.

To withstand varying weather conditions and provide a reliable waterproof layer, the uninsulated balconies were protected using the Sopralene 2-layer felt system.

For the terraces, a more intricate insulation solution was needed due to the low door threshold and specific internal floor finishes. Here, a 60mm VIP (Vacuum Insulation Panel) board was sandwiched between 40mm EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) overlay and underlay. This advanced insulation method, supplied by CTF Insulation, allowed the construction team to accommodate the low threshold while still achieving excellent thermal performance.

All the roof areas on the new buildings have been finished in parts with a sedum roof and the terraces and balconies are paved, which is installed on paving supports.

In addition, the roof areas feature solar PV panels to generate electricity, which are installed on pedestals, meaning they don’t penetrate the waterproofing system at all.

Through careful specification of SOPREMA’s products, detailed planning and a professionally executed installation, The Everglades project successfully delivered a watertight, energy-efficient roofing system and has set a new standard for sustainable residential development in Hounslow.

Get in Touch

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