"insulation"

The Grade I Listed St Andrew’s Church in Much Hadham, a village in Hertfordshire dating back to Saxon times has recently restored its historic bells. Part of the repair was to develop the dilapidated sound insulation and thermal retention to the louvres in the church tower.

George Abbott SchoolBauder Thermofol single ply waterproofing system with Bauder Euroglaze rooflightsSynopsisLocated in Guildford, George Abbot School is a secondary education school which provides education for 2000 people aged 11 to 18. The school had a history of leaks in the DT rooms above which a profiled sheet metal roof was installed.Following many attempted repairs, Bauder was commissioned to carry out a roof survey on the 228m² profiled sheet metal roof. The report identified issues with not only the gutter area, which was originally believed to be the problematic area, but also with the adjoining profiled roof and also with the large rooflight unit.Bauder Building BoardProject: George Abbott SchoolLocation: Guildford, SurreyRoof Area: 228m²Specifier: Baily GarnerApproved Contractor: Inspire Contract ServicesThe specification Bauder submitted a proposal to refurbish all areas of the failing roof:The gutter area needing standing water to be removed for which Bauder tapered insulation was proposed to create effective drainage falls.The adjoining profiled sheet metal roof requiring a new waterproofing system. The Bauder Profiled Roof Overlay system was determined to be the best solution, using bespoke profiled insulation boards specifically designed to fit the shape of the roof. The Thermofol U15 Fleece Back membrane was then specified as the waterproofing layer providing a robust yet lightweight waterproofing system to the roof.The existing rooflight unit, being one of the problematic areas of the rooftop, was also replaced with Bauder Euroglaze rooflights. Products appliedInsulation infill systemIntended for refurbishing profiled sheet metal roofs or increasing the thermal performance of existing insulated cladding systems.Bauder Euroglaze rooflightsModular rooflight designed to provide high standards of illumination, insulation and ventilation to the interior of flat roofed buildings. These are made to order and the size can therefore be tailor made to fit any roof aperture. The resultBauder approved contractor, Inspire Contracts, installed the roof system and rooflights. Bauder’s expert site technicians carried out over 10 site visits during the 4 months of works on the site. Following a final site visit and a leak test Bauder was able to issue a 20 year product and workmanship guarantee to the client.The choice to use Bauder, a single source of manufacturing for the roof systems and the rooflight, proved beneficial as it enabled Bauder’s flat roof technician team to design out a number of the detailing issues responsible for the historic leak problems and it also eased the installation process for the client and the approved contractor, as Bauder provided its integral service from the roof survey to the final site visit and the issue of the guarantee.System installed Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system 1 Bauder THERMOFOL U15 FRA 1.5mm thick, reinforced PVC waterproofing membrane. Stated within BBA certificate 06/4354, the Thermofol PVC waterproofing membranes have a service life in excess of 35 years. 2 Bauder PIR MTissue-faced flat board insulation, benefitting from a zero ODP and a Green guide rating of ‘A’.3 DeckProfiled sheet metal

After considering various products, PABIA Consulting engineers chose FIRETITE as the ideal solution for upgrading the Newtown EUROSPAR building complex in Cobh, Co Cork. FIRETITE met the insulation requirements, fire regulations, and could be retrofitted externally with minimal disruption to tenants and customers.

Kingsway Gardens, located in a leafy suburb of Hampshire, is made up of 5 residential blocks of flats that had been experiencing a large number of leaks across their balconies on multiple levels.The existing asphalt was showing signs of wear and tear with age degradation, where the lack of a full cavity tray, had meant the perimeter upstand had not been sufficiently protected for many years. With many attempts being made to patch the repairs, eventually, the insulation beneath the asphalt had become saturated, severely reducing its effectiveness as an insulator and having a detrimental effect on the U-Value of the buildings.Garland Technical Manager, Paul Boole and Technical Assistant, James Hiscock was instructed by property and construction consultants, The Welling Partnership, to provide their technical expertise and support to survey Kingsway Gardens and propose a tailored waterproofing specification for the residents.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, the iconic Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth, one of Scotland’s largest sports facilities, needed a new roof to protect the important building. With the previous roof membrane nearing 30 years old and in a state of disrepair due to the challenging Scottish weather, the centre needed a long-term and robust roofing solution.Planned by Perth and Kinross Council’s arms-length body Live Active Leisure, the £700,000 project also aimed to improve insulation and ventilation in order to enhance the venue’s environmental performance and efficiency. With the building needing to stay fully operational during the works and the added difficulties presented by weather and the domed shape of the roof, the project provided a real challenge for the contractors.Roofing:Mechanically fixed Sika Sarnafil S327-15 EL light grey over Sika Sarnatherm insulation S327-15 EL.

A recent project of the Berkeley Group, the Kingston Gas Works with 240 apartments called for a special solution due to the maximum construction height available for the shower being only 100mm including tray and drainage. All showers were constructed with XPS integrated shower elements (wedi Fundo Integro), which are only 90mm thick including the integrated DN50 drainage. Despite the low construction height, the specified solution offers no compromise on the flow rate of the drainage. Complete waterproof bathrooms - walk-in shower with a niche, building boards on walls & floors with sound insulation. Products:wedi Fundo Integro shower element with integrated drainage (1800x900x90mm) wedi building boards 10mm & 12.5mm - for walls and floorswedi prefabricated niche wall element wedi Non-step sound insulation composite panel (reduction by 16db)

Our MR34ZGL louvers were used in this high rise project consisting of residential, office , commercial space and a Premier Inn Hotel.The louvers were powder coated and had an insulated backing panel applied.Part of the development have our louvers incorporated into unitised curtain walling

Cladding is being replaced on a flat block in Nottingham’s Hockley after it was found to contain similar insulation material as Grenfell Tower. Klasse G-board has been chosen as part of the re-clad project, especially for its A1 fire-rated, fully non-combustible properties.

To meet the passive fire protection requirements for a new 27 storey high-rise student accommodation in the centre of the thriving Welsh capital of Cardiff, Siderise, leaders in the development of fire, thermal and acoustics insulation solutions, has provided cavity barriers and firestops as part of the curtain walling system.

Cygnet Hospital, a new state of the art medical campus based in Maidstone required a waterproofing membrane for the newly installed concrete and metal decks. Proteus Waterproofing applied their Cold Melt® membrane, to provide a seamless leak protection to the inverted roof, that was then finished with Proteus Waterproofing’s Pro-Living® Green Roof. High Performance WaterproofingFirstly, the metal deck for the main roof was prepared and overlaid with Pro-Vapour Control SA, a self-adhesive bituminous waterproofing membrane that forms a barrier against vapour and gases, ready for the Proteus Pro-Therm PIR Insulation and Cold Melt® waterproofing installations.Proteus Pro-Therm PIR is stable, rot proof and will remain effective as an insulation system for the lifetime of the waterproofing covering, making it suitable for new builds. Cold Melt® waterproofing was then overlaid to the main roof and upstands. The exposed areas were covered with Cold Melt® UV Top Coat, making the waterproofing UV stable. Cold Melt® provides a seamless leak protection and is cold applied, therefore removing the risk of fire. The roof was completed with a Pro-Living® Green Roof providing ecological benefits for the building. Health and SafetyWhen working on occupied buildings, safety is of utmost importance. Proteus Waterproofing’s Cold Melt® system is cold applied and low odour, therefore meeting all necessary health and safety requirements. Cold Melt® is quick, simple and safe to apply allowing the Proteus Approved Contractor to successfully complete the project to a high standard within a short time frame, whilst ensuring the planned building works continued to run on schedule.Long Term PerformanceIncorporating recycled rubber crumb and organically grown products, Cold Melt® creates an elastomeric, seamless, cold applied waterproofing membrane. Cold Melt® system can include inverted roof insulation and, with or without insulation, can be designed as a paved, ballasted, green or brown roof. The membrane is made in the UK, does not become brittle with age and is BBA Certified to last the life of the structure.

The circular building, where legends like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd began, was redeveloped and reopened in 2006. FOAMGLAS® insulation was used for the floor, the façade and the flat roof, ensuring water and vapour resistance despite the open nature of the façade. It is also non-combustible and waterproof.

Dan Court is a housing block containing 138 one-two, and three bedroom apartments in Wembley, London.Higgins Partnerships was appointed by Catalyst Housing to undertake the reclad works and deliver a safe and compliant estate. To meet the reclad performance requirements, Rainscreen Duo Slab from ROCKWOOL was specified for the insulation.

URSA TERRA Glass Wool specified at major regeneration scheme  Construction giant Kier, has specified over 3,000 square metres of URSA TERRA Glass Wool as part of a £30million regeneration scheme at Manor Street, Braintree, Essex. The scheme will help rejuvenate and revitalise the area, providing essential new facilities and an attractive public realm whilst cultivating a vibrant town centre destination for the local community. Under the ambitious scheme, Kier chose URSA glass wool, as core insulation specification. The architects opted for URSA Walltec Black 32 at 100mm, 140mm and 200mm thickness along with URSA Hometec Roll 35 in a range of thicknesses for use throughout the development. Ian Claydon of URSA explained: “We were first involved in the scheme in July 2020 when approached by our distributor, Encon Insulation (Newmarket) to discuss a series of architect’s drawings and design the specification for a number of different wall types including traditional masonry cavity and rainscreen cladding with both cladding panels and brick outer leaf.  “We undertook numerous U-value calculations covering 18 different wall types. We also offered advice on the ‘buildability’ of some wall types, effect of linear thermal bridges, the fire performance of the walls and fire performance of the insulation. “The specification has evolved since with Kier adding metal roof insulation to their chosen product range and we are now providing a complete insulation solution. “This scheme typifies how our glass wool products are the perfect fit for almost any wall design or construction type that can potentially make up a building. It’s far reaching benefits in terms of performance, durability and flexibility see URSA TERRA specified time and time again in both commercial and residential schemes.” Ian added: “Working closely with Encon Insulation we will be supplying products to site on an as needed basis. Whilst we are facing challenges with imports caused by both Brexit and Covid, we are still devising solutions which allow us to retain strong stock levels and cater for the demands of a large site such as this.” The mixed-use scheme at Braintree will include 35 new homes, a 70-room hotel, health provision, new bus interchange, two-storey car park, and enhanced public realm, which will complement Braintree’s historic Town Hall and provide the perfect backdrop for a new café restaurant. A new healthcare facility will sit at the centre of the development and will also provide a home for Mid Essex CCG’s first Livewell Hub including a GP surgery, pharmacy and further preventative healthcare services. At the centre also will be an accessible garden area which the general public are encouraged to utilise, enjoy and relax surrounded by existing public amenities offered by the library, museum and the historic, Grade II listed, Braintree Town Hall. A new car park across two floors will provide additional parking capacity whist a new hotel feeds into the wider tourism strategy for the district. Partnering remains critical within the wider URSA approach. Technical staff are keen to collaborate with clients at the initial design stage to support the best specification available. Ian concluded: “The Braintree scheme represents the very best of what URSA can offer – from a true sense of partnering with the client to the application of a vast range of products designed for multiple specifications. We continue to demonstrate our agility and strength as a business and are able to present products with assured confidence.” 

The full I-House system package was used for each unit, comprising the structural inner skin, insulation, floor cassettes, roof cassettes, soffits and facias. The I-House system is manufactured offsite by Roofspace Solutions who also supply a 3-person team and crane operator to create each structure. 

Aldgate Tower is an office development that comprises 16 floors of Grade A revolutionary office space.ROCKWOOL products were specified for the insulation of pipework.A combination of non-combustible products provided thermal performance for the lifetime of the building, as well as providing a sustainable solution for the building that helped meet the BREEAM requirements for an 'Excellent' rating. 

The proposed developments followed traditional timber kit design, consisting of an outer brick skin 50mm cavity, with an internal 140mm stud frame, and using mineral wool insulation minimum 20mm service void, finished with a plasterboard lining. The brief was to achieve air permeability less than 6m3/h/m².

Bakers Timber Buildings specialise in manufacturing high-end, custom-made garden rooms to meet all manner of needs. The buildings can be used all year-round thanks to their insulation and durability – qualities they gain from two MEDITE MDF solutions: MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX) and MEDITE MR.

The aesthetically pleasing Victorian residences built in the 1870’s by Matthew Allen are still going strong today. TAPERED FOAMGLAS® insulation replaces the original concrete screeds, allowing the roofs to shed water. Excellent thermal performance and long-term reliability ensure that Mr. Allen’s properties will last for a long time.

Cottrell & Vermeulen Architects specified Marley Western Red Cedar Shingles in order to complement the surroundings. They recognised the excellent aesthetic qualities, along with providing a low maintenance building with a high level of thermal insulation, whilst also meeting the planning authorities requirements of keeping the building sympathetic to the historic church on the same site.

For what is one of the world’s most spectacular and busiest entertainment venues, the £125 million SSE Hydro in Glasgow required an acoustic solution that could deliver consistent high-quality sound for music and sport events within the arena bowl. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products SIDERISE met the challenge.

The distinctive, semi-elliptical shape of the new 90m high glass and steel office building at 70 St Mary Axe in London required proven passive fire protection and acoustic solutions that could fit with the unique curved frame. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products, Siderise, met the challenge.

Hydrostop AH-25 liquid roofing was chosen as a better alternative to built-up roofing for installation to a new build Surrey County Council office development. The Hydrostop AH-25 system was applied over a concrete substrate with a bituminous vapour control layer with Eurodeck liquid roofing board and cut to falls insulation.

When selecting your new polycarbonate rooflight, the main deciding factor should be how energy efficient you need or want it to be. In this process it is important to ascertain the rooflight’s U-value. U-values measure how effective a rooflight is as an insulator. The lower the U-value the more thermally efficient your polycarbonate rooflights will be.

SubFloor raised flooring was used to renovate, raise and level a 25 m² loft to allow for deeper insulation near Llanelli, South Wales.The SubFloor system was used to transform an attic renovation. By increasing the void height, this revolutionary solution not only allowed for enhanced insulation but also significantly improved the energy efficiency of the entire building. Enhanced Energy Efficiency:By replacing the existing 100 mm insulation with a superior 200 mm insulation, the entire building's energy consumption underwent a drastic reduction. This upgrade meant lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and a more environmentally friendly space. Flawless Floor Levelling and Efficient Storage:Say goodbye to uneven floors and wasted space! With the introduction of the screw and joist system, the SubFloor system seamlessly transformed the attic. This innovative setup not only adjusted the uneven floor to become completely level but also paved the way for efficient storage solutions. 22 mm chipboard was fixed on top, supported by fibre-reinforced screws and high-quality pine, ensured that the SubFloor system effortlessly met all load requirements. Versatility and Speed:Flexibility was key in the successful implementation of the SubFloor system. Its adaptability to varying floor heights proved to be a true asset. The 3.6 m long joists allowed for easy setup and adjustment, effortlessly conforming to the unique shapes of different rooms. Even after installation, the joists could be easily raised or lowered to achieve the desired height, ensuring a swift and efficient assembly process. Testimony“Very glad I found your system as almost every leg needed to be a different length in this old house. The various loft legs products are not adjustable and the floor would have been like the rocky road to Dublin. Thanks and regards, Jim”Products:Wooden Joist 45 x 45 x 3600 mmSubFloor Screw 200 mmScrew Foot Construction:Joist separation c/c 400 mmBuilding height: 65 – 214 Data:System weight: 3.07 kg/m²                                                            Uniformly Distributed Load:9.32 kN/m² - Between screws7.96 kN/m² - Over screw at joist edge Materials:Pine T0-C24Fibre-reinforced PolypropylenePolyamide

Find out why we recommend rafter ventilation slides when using spray foam insulation in pitched roofs where a high-resistance roof membrane is in place. The rafter slide not only provides ease of access to the external roof for future repairs/replacement, when ventilated appropriately, it can be effective at managing moisture.

Premier Loft Ladders understand that ‘one-size does not fit all’. That is why our Designo and ISO loft doors are made-to-measure. These insulated doors are available in a wide range of sizes and can be fitted with security locks and other accessories. CAD drawings are now available for download from Premier Loft Ladders website.

webertherm XP External Wall Insulation system has been specified for a contemporary new build in a designated conservation area in South West England. The revolutionary system has been used on the walls of the property while weberpral M through-coloured render has been used extensively to long runs of concrete walling.

The new Cobham Free School comes following the refurbishment of an existing 1990s office building into state-of-the-art teaching facilities, the school opened its doors to senior pupils in September 2020. To meet the required performance for education buildings, Southern Industrial Roofing worked with ROCKWOOL to design a robust acoustic and non-combustible insulation specification.

Accoya wood has recently been specified by Architekturo Siemonsen for windows at private residence in Hamburg, Germany. Fitted by Reinhard Adling Accoya was chosen for this project because of its stability and durability properties over other woods. Accoya wood is the perfect substrate for windows and doors as its naturally insulating and is so stable that the coatings last longer.

The Spirit of Sittingbourne is a town within itself, offering town centre shopping, city living, hotel and a cinema complex.Within the Travelodge on this town centre development Soundis provided Soundis Acoustic Battens overlaid with an 18mm OSB and mineral wool insulation between the battens. This specification is a perfect combination of providing great impact and airborne acoustic performance due to the resilient layer pre-bonded to the battens along with the void created by the battens and the added mass within the build up from the mineral wool insulation.Acoustic solutions for both airborne and impact noises...The cinema specification on this project was a lot more specialised as are all solutions to the required acoustic flooring within cinemas. The system used on this project was the Soundis CineSystem – Ultra (Concrete/Structural Screed), one of two CineSystems which Soundis offer for anti vibration flooring requirements. This system is the natural choice of a floated build-up when there are no constraints in regard to weight, distribution etc. due the additional mass that this system provides and offers the greatest acoustic benefit.

Pura® NFC by Trespa as connecting factor between two building volumesIn close cooperation with Guus Vedder (2•1 Architecten), architect Hendrik Jan van der Valk (Van der Valk Woudst ra) has designed a modern villa, consisting of two main volumes. The villa was for a private client and is located in a rural village in the Veluwe region. One volume is used as living/ dining room and kitchen, while the bedrooms, bathrooms, playroom and technical area are located in the other.The client had a number of explicit requirements for the design of the villa which is located on a large plot in a wooded area. In addition to various aesthetic aspects, the villa had to be sustainable and energy neutral. The facades, roofs and floors were therefore very well insulated and of airtight construction. All window frames have aluminium profiles with optimum insulation and have triple glazing. The whole house is equipped with domotics and all installations are powered by the solar panels that were fitted; there is therefore no need for a gas connection.

Charlotte and her family have always enjoyed living in their Edwardian terraced home in Wimbledon, although after spending lockdown with their two young daughters, they realised they needed more indoor space. The couple decided to complete a rear extension to create more space. Built using H+H Celcon Blocks the extension has made the house noticeably warmer and improved the sound insulation.The finished extension houses the kitchen and dining area, as well as a large corner sofa. Charlotte notes, “I’m actually pursuing a career in interior design, so I worked closely with Westminster Building Company to ensure the space is both warm and inviting. My partner and I love cooking and dining in there now, and our kids certainly enjoy the extra space.”“H+H is a big name, so I didn’t give it a second thought when using their Celcon Blocks. I knew I was buying good quality building materials that are light to handle and easy to use.” “Technically speaking this was a job that required some forethought, as the homeowner wanted the extension to be future proofed for building up a storey. Also, one of the next door neighbours was planning for a rear extension to their home. “This meant that we built a 300mm wall with two layers of 100mm Celcon Standard Blocks (3.6N/MM2) with a 100mm cavity wall insulation and used Celcon Block High Strength Grade (7.3N/mm2) on the inner skin. This was both to facilitate future upward building and to ensure that the neighbours plans weren’t mitigated.” Will Clark, Director, Westminster Building Company.The floor to the extension was created using an Insulated Beam & Block construction, using Celcon Block Standard Grade 100mm blocks. 

Scarborough Spa, a Grade II listed building and venue for conferences, exhibitions and events required a new waterproofing membrane as the existing felt roof had reached the end of its serviceable life. Following a site survey, Proteus Waterproofing specified Proteus Pro- Felt® Ultima Plus, along with a Cut to Fall insulation scheme, providing a long lasting, bespoke, waterproofing solution.High Performance WaterproofingA built-up roof system was installed with Cut to Fall insulation and Proteus Pro-Felt® Ultima Plus felt. As the roof was had many changes in levels, Cut to Fall insulation was essential. It was designed so water could be directed to suitable outlets, significantly reducing water retention on the roof. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor to ensure the project was completed to a high standard.Health & SafetyWhen working on occupied or public buildings, safety is always of utmost importance, as well as keeping disruptions to a minimum. Proteus Waterproofing always promote fire safe instillation methods. The Proteus Pro- Felt® range conforms to the industry lead Safe2Torch guidelines and is also certified with the highest European Fire Rating BROOF(t4). Long Term PerformanceProteus Pro-Felt® Ultima Plus is a high-performance multi-layer bituminous membrane system, tested to perform in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. This membrane is impervious to water and will achieve a weather-tight roof. It has class leading modified bitumen content which allows the flexible membrane to move with the building and ensure long term durability and performance which is certified by the BBA to be in excess of 30 years.

Bath Western Riverside development is a multi-award-winning project for client Crest Nicholson Regeneration. The project has won multiple awards including the coveted NHBC ‘Pride in the Job’ award for H&S and the seal of excellence for quality.Systems in useExcel®ChallengesThe ‘curved’ bulk-heads, walls and interior finishes presented a special challenge to our on-site team, one that would be present over multiple floors and apartments.The system needed to be both robust and aesthetically pleasing, as the roofs are overlooked by residents and used as amenity spaces, and the colour had to be in keeping with the traditional Bath stone.In addition to this, the project featured many unique and complex terraces in terms of shape, threshold height, u-value requirements and access.SolutionsTo achieve both a level threshold and a good thermal performance, we designed a unique tapered insulation scheme for the terraces, utilising our Excel system, reinforced bitumen waterproofing membrane, in combination with our high performance and cost effective Hytherm VIP (Vacuum Packed Insulation) insulation scheme.To meet the aesthetics guidelines dictated by the local planning authority, the capsheet membrane was specified with a white granular finish, which provided the unique look the authorities were looking for.To ensure the terraces were installed correctly and in accordance with Axter requirements, we worked in close partnership with the development construction team. In conjunction with Avonside, a ‘traffic light’ system was introduced to ensure that each individual terrace had been checked by our Quality Assurance team, that it had been independently integrity tested and that it was installed in accordance with the architect’s details, upon which the guarantees were issued and the finishes thereafter installed.

Verdo, Kew BridgeEcoWorld BrentfordCemfloor Level PlusA luxury development of apartments, shops, restaurants, parks and offices situated next to Brentford Football Club in West London.Cemfloor Level Plus was chosen for this project as the contractor required a screed that could be installed at low thicknesses. Cemfloor Level Plus was supplied by Capital Concrete and installed by Advance Screeding UK ltdClose to the River Thames, and next to Brentford football club in West London, Kew Bridge is a selection of beautiful new homes, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants. It is part of the wider Brentford regeneration project, and developed by EcoWorld.There are a total of 6 blocks on the site, and Cemfloor was the screed of choice for the main contractor.The main contractor had problems with the floor levels on site, so Cemfloor provided a thin screed system to work alongside the unique low profile UFH system; a castellated mat system installed onto Superfoil insulation. The UFH system was supplied by Compact Underfloor Heating. The complete floor build was only 45mm in depth and included acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, castellated UFHsystem, and Cemfloor Level Plus.Advanced Screeding installed Cemfloor Level Plus throughout the development. In total 800m3 of screed was easily pumped to height, over 11 floors without issue,providing an excellent, fast drying low profile floor, and saving significant time on the project.As Cemfloor Level Plus is a ready mixed solution it removed the need for any site mixing, material storage and material disposal from the site. Given the volume of screed required; if a self leveling compound product was used this would have equated to approx. 55,000 x 25kg bags of material having to be mixed on site.

An historic landmark in the Lake District has been given a new lease of life with the installation of StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation and StoSilco finishing render. Built in 1937, the building in Keswick originally housed the UK’s first pencil factory, and now provides new headquarters and site for the Keswick Convention for the Keswick Ministries organization. After being used by the Cumberland Pencil Company the building had fallen into disrepair. Set at the entrance to Keswick, this important local landmark has now embarked on a £10.5m redevelopment project, split into four phases. The Sto materials have been used on the first phase which has seen the building’s front elevation fully restored, and they have also been specified for the remaining three stages of the work.The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral K system combines impressive insulation with unrivalled fire protection characteristics. It features Sto-Mineral Fibre thermal insulation boards, which in this case were fixed to the substrate using StoLevell Duo Plus mineral bonding and reinforcing mortar.  “This allows any unevenness in the surface of the substrate to be accommodated and makes installation a fast and easy process,” comments Alan Rees of Eco Rend North East who installed the Sto system. This efficient single-leaf construction allows for excellent thermal performance without reducing the interior space, and as it requires no additional expansion joints, a smooth and unbroken exterior surface can be created.  An additional mineralic reinforcing coat was applied and the exterior surface was finished with StoSilco silicone resin render.  With high CO2 and water-vapour permeability, StoSilco render allows a weather- and water-repellant outer surface to be created in any of the 1,000+ colours available in the StoColor System.