"breather membrane"

A £1bn investment will re-instate the Royal Docks as a commercial and trading centre for the 21st century. The Effisus Ecofacade Envelope System and its Effisus Ecofacade Membranes, Effisus Breather+ Membranes, Effisus Vap Membranes and accessories, was chosen to address weatherproofing and air sealing requirements on facade cladding systems.

This project, built by Ashe Construction, has been designed to comply with the Passivhaus standard. The main structure is Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and has been protected from the elements with Pro Clima Solitex Adhero, a weatherproof self-adhesive breather membrane and rain jacket for the building. 

So here we have a stunning steel framed barn conversion stripped down and retrofit with a huge hybrid timber frame panel system manufactured and installed by White Haus Bespoke Timber Frame. These panels are made up of 140mm insulated timber frame, 9mm OSB sheathing with Passive Purple External and two 50mm cross battens externally, followed by feathered edge cladding. With the internal side then adding an additional 50mm PIR insulation flowing into the joist zones with one continuous layer of Passive Purple and 25mm counter battens for services. This 326mm wall build up has used both Passive Purple and Passive Purple External which meet in the window formers to guarantee the build its internal airtight vapour control and external weatherproof breather membrane. The Joints in the OSB, PIR insulation and fixings into the timber frame studwork were all prepped like always using the BRUSH versions of both Passive Purple and Passive Purple External. This fibre reinforced product allows for a tough hold and elongation on any shrinkage the insulation or timber may have with building settlement or extreme changes in climate. With only a score of 2.5ach required, Intelligent Membranes have given this wonderfully unique home the full treatment for perfect performance to keep the HVAC system running on low hassle percentage and optimal performance output.

Located riverside, closed to Westminster and the London Eye, Southbank Place combines a perfect location with architectural quality, celebrating the heritage and history of its surroundings. For this project’s façade, and its intricate interfacing details, it was used the Effisus Pre-fab TrueSeal solution – a bespoke solution that assures a perfect sealing of complex details. Effisus Ecofacade Membranes and Effisus Pre-fab Corners, as well as Effisus Breather + Membrane, were used to achieve a complete façade weatherproofing.

Location: Canary Wharf, LondonMain Contractor: Canary Wharf Contractors LtdWood Wharf B2 is a modular construction project located on the edge of Blackwall Basin, Canary Wharf.All 279 serviced apartments were manufactured at their specialist construction site, fitted with kitchens and bathrooms and even furniture — before being transported to the site and craned into position.OBEX supplied fire-classified membranes that have been developed specifically for modular construction, including the 0400FR Class B Modular Roofing Membrane, as well as the 0223FR Class A2/W2 Breather Membrane.Storeys: 21Apartments: 279OBEX Fire-Rated products required: 4

The idea behind the project was to explore a new usage for the main exhibition hall and replace the administrative wing and develop it from a residential point of view. The project sits at the southern end of Holland Park and occupies an area of 30.000 m2. Effisus weatherproofing solutions and Consulting Services have been integrated throughout the project, aiming to maximize the building’s energy efficiency and air quality. Some of the Effisus solutions installed were: Effisus Ecofacade Membrane, Effisus Breather+ Membrane, Effisus VAP Vapor Control Barrier, Effisus Bonding KF Adhesive and Effisus 2Bond GO Tape.

Fireshield® vapour permeable membrane, which is designed specifically to improve the fire protection behind cladding has been chosen for a new Science Centre at Bevington Primary school in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London.The project includes a brand new Science Studio, plus before and after school club buildings.SIP Build UK was appointed as frame subcontractor for the project and chose the Fireshield membrane as part of the SIPS panelling system. Chris Duckworth from SIP Build UK explains: “We chose Fireshield as it provided the project with a number of really important benefits. Fireshield is a high-performance breather membrane which enables us to achieve the requirements in terms of fire protection without compromising on vapour control.Fireshield was also ideal because it is easy to use and allowed us to achieve the requirements in one process, using just the membrane, rather than the typical approach of two, cement board and a membrane.”Fireshield is the culmination of leading research to produce a vapour permeable membrane with a intumescent coated surface, which has a unique composition that actively reacts to help protect the materials underneath. The intumescent coating helps protect the substrate by reducing the risk of fire taking hold and significantly reduces the formation of droplets and smoke.The BBA Certificate awarded to Fireshield confirms that it has enhanced performance in relation to reaction to fire classification, will reduce the risk of interstitial condensation, and will have a life equal to that of the building in which it is installed.Fireshield complies with BS5250, BS4016 and NHBC requirements for vapour permeable walling underlays. It is installed and fixed to the substrate in the same manner as standard breather membranes using mechanical fixings. Applications include both commercial and residential buildings including apartments and student accommodation, as well as Rainscreen cladding and applications over 18m high (11m in Scotland).

Location: LondonMain Contractor: Berkeley GroupLondon Dock Block F is situated in the heart of Wapping, London, with a magnificent choreographed central water feature and the finest selection of high-quality new homes.The building, which will provide a total of 360 new apartments, is split into blocks at different heights to a maximum of 16 storeys, including communal roof gardens, courtyards and green roofs.The OBEX Class B Interface Sealing System and the Class A1 Breather Membrane System were specified in order to achieve full regulatory compliance and meet the correct performance standards.Quality Apartments: 360

Location: LondonMain Contractor: Berkeley Homes LtdWest End Gate is a mixed-use development by Berkeley Homes Ltd on Edgware Road in London W2, near the prestigious neighbourhoods of Marylebone and Little Venice.The development comprises 844 apartments (including 175 affordable), 8 shops and a restaurant, along with a new public plaza and improvements to Edgeware Road Junction.The full OBEX CORTEX Class A Through-Wall System has been specified on this project, including fire-classified Breather Membrane, Vapour Control Layer, Interface Sealing Membrane system, and the Score'N'Snap Cement Board system.With each OBEX product carrying a Class A fire-classification, it puts this façade installation by OCL Facades Ltd at the pinnacle of full compliance and highest performance.Residential Apartments: 844Buildings: 8Storeys: 29

The Moorings is a high-end, self-build project in an area of outstanding natural beauty in Anglesey, Wales.This collaborative project, between MBC Timber Frame and WM Design and Architecture, consists of a three-bedroom, 250m2 detached private residence that has been designed and constructed to achieve the airtightness and thermal performance targets required to meet Passive House standards. The timber frame home has been built incorporating a range of low carbon building solutions from Partel including high performing breather membranes ECHOFOIL EXO and EXOPERM MONO 150 and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and CONEXO MULTISEAL airtight tape.

Another housing refurbishment is set to benefit from the high-performance Roofshield breather membrane. The world-renowned Roofshield membrane from the A. Proctor Group has long been recognised as a first-class roofing membrane solution, providing a pitched roof underlay that is air and vapour permeable.Specialist roofing company S & J Roofing in Bath has been providing roofing services since 1981 and has established a reputation for high-quality roofing work for all kinds of domestic and commercial works, from restoration to complete new re-roofs down to minor repairs.Naomi Richards of S & J Roofing commented, “we have used Roofshield on many of our projects, Roofshield will always be our number one go-to product. Using Roofshield leads to savings in both labour and material costs, keeping the installation team and customers happy. Roofshield was the most cost-effective solution to control the interstitial condensation in a pitched roof. Roofshield is the most reliable product on the market, so it is used on every one of our projects.”Roofshield is a unique, three-layer, nonwoven, spunbonded, polypropylene breather membrane with a patented melt-blown core, and it provides a secondary barrier to the ingress of rain, wind, and snow. Designed with a low vapour resistance, it is air-permeable, with the additional benefit that it eliminates the incidence of interstitial condensation in pitched roofs.The exceptional performance of Roofshield has been successfully incorporated in many of the most demanding locations worldwide. Its characteristics allow pitched roofs to breathe without needing air gaps or secondary venting. Its patented SMS (Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond) structure allows high levels of airflow and the transport of moisture vapour, making the formation of condensation in the roof space virtually impossible. Numerous vapour underlays use an airtight VP film layer to achieve their performance. However, the exceptionally high vapour permeability and air permeability of Roofshield means that it can perform in conditions in which air-tight alternatives will not.The exceptional air permeability performance of Roofshield means that the roof space will result in similar air changes to that of a roof using traditional eaves/ ridge ventilation. Therefore, another advantage of incorporating Roofshield into the roofing design is that it can lead to savings in labour and material costs due to removing the need for these vents as well as a separate VCL at ceiling level.

Goodluck Hope is an exciting new development located on the historic Leamouth Peninsula, with incredible views along the River Thames, settled by Allies and Morrison architects. The development includes new shops, restaurants, bars and outside spaces to eat, shop and relax in. In order, to protect the façade elements and ensuring the protection of the building against driving rain and moisture preventing future corrosion, insulation deterioration and mould growth at the same time it increases the building energy efficiency and minimizes the condensation risk, Effisus Breather FR-B Membrane and Effisus Breather FR Class A1 membrane were applied.

The first Student Hotel in the UK will be in Scotland, in Glasgow’s Candleriggs Square, in the very heart of historic Merchant City, which provides a perfect location. The hotel forms the first development phase of the much-anticipated regeneration of the 3.6-acre Candleriggs Square site. Permavent’s A2 -s1,d0 fire rated membrane Safeshield XT Reflect was chosen by Walsin Construction to make up part of the internal cavity of the walls during construction of The Student Hotel in Glasgow. This new development in Glasgow’s Candleriggs Square will form part of the rejuvenation of a formally derelict site in the heart of the city, with the reflective properties of Safeshield helping to increase the energy efficiency of the structure, alongside class-leading fire performance. Cladding contractor Walsin Construction are installing Permavent Safeshield XT Reflect, a Class A2 -s1,d0 fire safe membrane, as a higher-performance and more robust approach than standard traditional breather membranes. Alongside the highest fire performance from a membrane Safeshield XT Reflect was the product of choice to deliver a sensible and competitively priced method of achieving a high thermal-performance and as built-anticipated level of airtightness.Peter Noon, Walsin Contracts Manager at Candleriggs, commented: “Walsin have worked on a number of projects with Permavent based on their technical support, knowledge of the required construction detail and tool box talks delivered on site. Safeshield XT Reflect is a superior product to other alternative membranes available. The inherent strength of the material provides confidence that the material will maintain the buildings integrity during and after construction. Being Class A2 fire rated provides further confidence in terms of building safety. Safeshield allows us a contractor to deliver an as designed performance to the buildings structure”.

Nestled in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, over-looking the Shannon Blueway and River Shannon, Drumhierny is a unique development of high-end holiday lodges situated in a 100 acre woodland estate. This multi-unit project, consists of sixteen lodges, in four distinct architectural styles, each nestled within their own private area of woodland. The lodges have been designed, manufactured, and constructed to achieve an A-rated Building Energy Rating (BER). To help achieve a thermally efficient building envelope a number of products from Partel have been used.The buildings were constructed using an offsite fabricated Light Gauge Steel (LGS) frame. As part of the frame construction a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions were used. This included EXOPERM MONO 150, a high performing breather membrane, IZOPERM PLUS, a phA Class Passive House Certified vapour control layer; and CONEXO MULTISEAL, a phA Class Passive House Certified airtight tape.

Spinnaker House is a residential building located at Battersea Reach, with views over the River Thames. It was designed by Broadway Malyan Architecture firm, with a contemporary specification, including full heigh glazing to enhance natural daylight. The location of the building is very attractive, because it offers prime transport links to London´s most fashionable area. In order to protect the façade building from moisture, driving rain and wind the solution Effisus A2 Fire Rated Breather FR System was applied, using an A1 Fire Rated Breather FR Membrane.

The purpose of this development is making the re-cladding of an existing building removing Aluminium Composite Material insulation and cement particle board and replacement with new 3mm aluminium cladding and associated works. The new building will include a mixed tenure unit of 138 one, two and three bed apartments. It’s design was developed by the PRP Architects. Its design was developed by the PRP Architects. In order to protect the façade building from moisture, driving rain and wind the solution Effisus A2 Fire Rated Breather FR System was applied, using an A1 Fire Rated Breather FR Membrane.

Whitethorn Village is an attractive residential scheme positioned adjacent to the centre of Naas. The contemporary development led by Cairn Homes PLC includes a mix of spacious family homes and two apartment buildings. These comfortable, sustainable residences offer the very best in terms of quality and energy efficiency.Developer Cairn Homes collaborated with Horizon Offsite to deliver the impressive 5-storey residential blocks in Whitethorn Village, benefiting from off-site fabrication, accuracy, and rapid completion within a tightly controlled cost plan.The apartments were constructed using an offsite fabricated light gauge steel (LGS) structural system. The external LGS wall panels and floor decking used in this system incorporated a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions. This included the advanced fire rated components EXOPERM MONO DURO 200 breather membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR airtight and windtight tape, the multi-purpose adhesive VERBOND, and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and VARA SEAL smart airtight tape.

The completion of a stunning new Hilton hotel at Silverstone is another step nearer and leads the way featuring the superior high-performance Wraptite external airtightness barrier.The impressive new hotel, located trackside, overlooks the starting grid for the home of the iconic British Grand Prix. Facilities include 197 guest rooms, a rooftop terrace and the offer of race-day hospitality experiences.KKA Architecture designed the hotel, with Metclad Contracts appointed as the specialist envelope contractor for the project.Wraptite airtightness membrane from the A. Proctor Group, specialists in supplying high-performance products to protect buildings, was selected by Metclad to maximise airtightness and energy efficiency, perfectly balanced with the crucial requirements of vapour permeabilityWraptite self-adhesive breather membrane is applied externally, quickly and efficiently as part of the rainscreen system. Incorporating the Wraptite System helps ensure “as-designed” performance. Its inclusion narrows the gap between asdesigned and actual energy performance whilst reducing the likelihood of possible failures to meet required airtightness levels.Traditionally air barriers have been fitted internally. The internal installation of an air barrier necessitates accommodating building services such as electrical, lighting, heating and drainage systems, thereby increasing the gap between as designed and built. However, the Wraptite membrane fully bonds externally to virtually any substrate, requiring no additional mechanical attachment, seals or tapes to suppress air leakage around junctions or penetrations.The high vapour permeability of Wraptite allows the substrate beneath to dry quickly and moisture vapour to escape and reduces the likelihood of mould, mildew, condensation, timber distortion and metal corrosion.Wraptite is the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane. Quite simply, providing a winning performance in advanced membrane technology for buildings.

The Redmonds Building provides the university with a state-of-the-art home for the Faculty of Business and Law, the Liverpool Screen School and the university’s new Professional Centre. The work is taking places in phases over a two-year period and will replace the cladding on the outside of the building. The external works are scheduled to be completed in summer 2021. Fire protection is a main concern for this project and Effisus Breather FR, a fire-resistant breathable membrane, was the chosen membrane for protection of the new façade against moisture, driving rain and wind.

Aykon London One is London’s luxury venture and the first of its kind in Europe. It was designed in partnership with the iconic fashion house Versace Home. Its residents will be able to enjoy the magnificent urban landscapes as well as the serenity of its private winter gardens. The building’s design make Aykon London One, the most exclusive real estate investments in London. In this new project the Effisus Breather B membrane was used for moisture management and protection of the façade against damp, and Adjoin TI tapes for the sealing of overlap joints between membranes.

Glasgow Harbour is one of Clyde Waterfront regeneration projects. This regeneration development will benefit Glasgow and Scotland economically and socially. Major infrastructure works have been carried out along the Expressway at Glasgow Harbour with £25 million spent on local roads improvements. In addition to its residential and commercial facilities, Glasgow Harbour also have features around 50 acres of open public space, and approximately 3km of waterfront walkways. Effisus A1 Fire Rated Breather FR Membrane, was the chosen membrane to protect the new façade against moisture, driving rain and wind.

Gracing the banks of the River Thames in the heart of historic Westminster, 9 Millbank is a landmark residential address that captures the very essence of British Luxury and style, developed by Eric Parry Architects. Effisus solutions were used in order to protect the façade building from environmental factors. Breather FR Class A1 membrane was used to protect the façade elements against moisture, driving rain and wind avoiding corrosion, insulation deterioration and mould growth. Vapour FR Class A1 membrane was used to prevent the condensation risk, improving the airtightness and consequently the energy efficiency of the building.

Harbour Central is one of the most recent developments in Canary Wharf, one of London’s two financial centres. There will be 5 residential buildings and a leisure complex. The main building of the development will be the Maine Tower with 42 floors. The upper floors are quite promising, as they will comprise breath-taking panoramic views of London. The Effisus Breather breathable membrane was the chosen solution for this project, in order to ensure the watertightness of the façade, and, at the same time, to allow ventilation of the façades components.

In the heart of the London’s Technology District, this projects, is one of the most ambitious projects to be built. It’s a vibrant community of successful start-ups and established digital corporations. Revolutionizing the workplace, the concept of designing new office buildings inside industrial spaces, is based on the principles of reducing lighting, heating and cooling, allowing maximum flexibility and adaptability, allied with excellent decoration and design. In this project, the Effisus Breather+ breathable membrane was chosen in order to assure the façade’s watertightness, whilst also permitting aeration of its components, such as the insulation boards.

Kensington Row is a residential development of apartments and penthouses in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London W14, design by the architect company Squire and Partners. The development comprises 160 apartments over 4 blocks and the flats are a mix of private and social rented. In order, to protect the façade elements and ensuring the protection of the building against driving rain and moisture increasing the building energy efficiency minimizing the condensation risk, Effisus Vapour FR and Breather FR Class A1 Membrane so as Effisus Ecofacade P-Fix, were applied.

The overall construction consists of 12 (mixed-use) buildings including the three primary towers which extend upwards over 54 storeys. When complete the towers will provide exception views over London, from the Thames and London Eye to the new American Embassy. In order, to protect the façade elements and ensuring the protection of the building against driving rain and moisture preventing future corrosion, insulation deterioration and mould growth at the same time it increases the building energy efficiency and minimizes the condensation risk, Effisus Breather FR-B Membrane were applied.

The 760,000 sq ft development will bring the Old War Office back into use, creating a world class 5-star hotel and 85 apartments. Works will include developing a six storey basement and constructing a three storey roof extension. The venue has been designed by UK-based EPR Architects, with the hotel interiors designed by New York-based designer Thierry Despont, and the residences by 1508 London. A1 Fire Rated Breather and Vapour FR Membranes were used to protect the insulation and building interior, maximizing its energy efficiency and value.

London Wall Place is a new development, with more than 500.000m2, located in the heart of London, between Moorgate and Barbican. This development is comprised by two commercial buildings and will add a large green area to the city. The largest building has about 300.000m2 and rises to a height of 12 floors, and the remaining building, with about 12.000m2, has 16 floors. For this project’s façade weatherproofing, three Effisus solutions were used: Effisus VAP (vapour barrier), Effisus Breather+ (breathable membrane) and Effisus 2Bond DS (double-sided solution for sealing between two surfaces).

Passive Purple used here on timber frame as a waterproof airtight liquid vapour control membrane

This Awkward Passivhaus design barrel roof made airtight with ease with Spray applied Airtight vapour control membrane Passive Purple

This £40 million retrofit transformation of Brindley Place, a well-known site in the Westside of Birmingham city centre, raises the bar for sustainability and wellness in an urban regeneration and commercial refurbishment project. The ‘back to frame’ concept combines 10 Brindley Place with the adjoining 8 Brindley Place to create over 200,000 square feet of offices with serviced apartments and one of the largest floorplates in the city. Amenities include an on-site café, fitness facilities, a fitness studio and bouldering wall, storage for 100 cycles, electric vehicle charging points, and two communal roof terraces with impressive views. Associated Architects have created a bold new identity for the site. The façade was completely redesigned using 245,000 locally sourced bricks from a sustainable quarry. Each one was installed by hand to cover an area of 40,000 square feet. The system was constructed off an exterior steel frame consisting of a breather membrane, thermal insulation, fire cavity barriers, and helping hand brackets and rails. Grooves were cut into the bricks before they were slotted into these rails and mortar was then applied to all brick joints.The Leicester Grey Stock, Atlas Dark Grey, and Blue Glazed bricks selected complement each other and create a modern and distinctive aesthetic that responds positively to the renovated building’s Broad Street context. Floor to ceiling windows on the large floorplates complete the design, which blends impeccably with the nearby Metro line and adjacent development. The identity is also carried through to the interior styling. This interior, that boasts a striking double-height reception area, was developed in partnership with Willmott Dixon.In addition to its impressive appearance, the renovated Brindley Place also utilises smart building technologies to provide real-time energy monitoring. The building also has excellent thermal performance, achieved a high WiredScore and an excellent BREEAM rating. Occupier wellness is also at the heart of the new design. Indeed, Brindley Place was the first building in Birmingham to receive a Fitwel accreditation. In summary, this highly acclaimed urban redevelopment has both shifted perceptions of Broad Street as an address and set new standards for the reinvention of office space in the city. It has transformed the site and provides one of the most attractive and well-equipped office buildings in the country. 

The new hospital was designed to combine a highly efficient clinical layout with a stunning external appearance. Set in beautifully landscaped grounds, it captures the essence of the original tuberculosis hospital that is today’s pioneering heart and lung treatment and transplant centre of excellence.The 40,000sqm hospital has 310 beds, six operating theatres and six catheterisation labs.Shield Membranes supplied materials for all external areas, including two of our BBA accredited ShieldTEC Hotmelt and ShieldSEAL Liquid Applied waterproofing systems as well as our ShieldBROWN living roof system.

Heathside and Lethbridge is one of London’s biggest estate regeneration programmes, and is planned to be carried out over six phases. The regeneration works being undertaken by Family Mosaic and the London Borough of Lewisham are transforming the estates into an attractive mixed tenure development, with over 1200 high-quality private and affordable homes.Phase three saw 218 homes built including 102 homes for social rent, the rest being for sale and shared ownership. Phase 4a and 4b saw 236 new homes built.Shield Membranes supplied the waterproofing, insulation & external finishes to all external areas with great efficiency, making sure everything was on site as and when it was required in order to keep each phase on track.

The Koster TPO Single Ply membrane was selected to waterproof the flat roof on this new build development. The design called for a warm roof system installed over a timber deck followed by a sedum blanket (on protection membrane).Koster TPO 2mm Fleeceback membrane was used as it is highly resistant against mechanical damage, fully weldable so no weaknesses and it will not contaminate any of the planting such as a PVC membrane would.The Slate Grey RAL 7015 colour was selected to compliment the Zinc cladding.

Made up of eight buildings and one tower, Deptford Foundry houses 276 private homes in total. A selection of one, two and three-bedroom homes are on offer, all boasting balconies or terraces.Deptford Foundry also has 32,000 sq ft of studio spaces provided by Second Floor Studio & Arts spaces for over 450 artists, crafters, designers and makers, plus its residents have access to a beautiful, communal landscape garden.Set in a thriving local community, the rest of the city is also within easy reach via the nearby stations at New Cross and Deptford.Shield Membranes supplied all external waterproofing, insulation and finishing products. Including our own ShieldINTENSIVE living roof product to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to external areas.

When it comes to residential, commercial or any structure below ground, waterproofing is a critical component within the construction process for protecting and preserving a building. A poorly designed or installed waterproofing solution can fail leading to significant implications on the structure itself.Delta Registered Installers, Abtech (UK) Ltd were called upon to give assistance on a particularly technically complicated project where approaches to waterproofing design and installation had been incorporated, however the system had failed. For a great remedial waterproofing outcome, seek assistance from an experienced waterproofing company to inspect your site and carry out the remedial work.The property when built had a Type C, cavity drain membrane systems incorporated (not a Delta System), however there was no basement drainage incorporated into the design to manage water ingress.In principle a Type C, drainage system is a water management system. The Type C system is used to control water ingress once it has penetrated the structure.  Moisture or running water travel behind the Type C membrane within a controlled drainage system. A Type C System isn’t classified as a barrier but provides protection by means of water management. For a Type System to be successful a suitable drainage system is required to collect and discharge water ingress to a suitable and safe evacuation point (either by natural forces or a mechanical pump system).When correctly installed, groundwater drainage channels effectively relieve hydrostatic water pressure in the below ground structure. They are installed below flooring membranes at the floor/wall junction.