"cavity wall insulation"

The size and poorly insulated design of the Avon Fire & Rescue Service's existing building makes it uneconomically expensive to maintain and run. To address this, the building is being demolished in stages with a new fire station being built on a much smaller footprint. The energy performance of the building envelope was a key consideration. A target U-value of 0.23 W/m²·K was set for the walls of the building. To help achieve this Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board was specified. This has allowed the Service to not only save lives, but also energy and money.

Ashwood House is a development of Manhattan-style apartments in the desirable Surrey commuter town, Camberley. Situated in a converted 1960s office block, developer Berkeley Homes Southern Ltd needed to ensure the 116 luxury flats were as energy efficient as possible.This was a particular concern for the properties situated above the first floor car park, which has open walls to allow adequate ventilation of exhaust fumes. As a result, the specification stipulated a U-value of 0.25 W/m²K.Chris Body, Business Development Director at RPN Ltd, the specialist sub-contractor at Ashwood House said: “We approached several insulation manufacturers to discuss the different options available. Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard met the brief in terms of thermal and fire performance. It can be used on uneven substrates and looks fantastic – all of which were key priorities for Berkeley Homes.”Aesthetic appealHow the insulation looked was an important part of the brief as Berkeley Homes wanted a solution that would be aesthetically pleasing. Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard features a black glass veil facing, so no additional finishing was required. This meant that RPN Ltd has been able to install the slabs perpendicular to the ring beam to create a quilted effect across the ceiling.A high-performance solutionThe other specification factors were thermal performance and fire safety. Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team undertook U-value calculations to determine that 130mm Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard would be required. It is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool, has a thermal conductivity of just 0.034 W/mK and is designed to insulate structural soffits in applications such as open sided car parks.It is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so will not contribute to the development or spread of a fire should it occur. Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard also has excellent sound absorption characteristics so will help to ensure that residents are not disturbed by the noise of cars parking beneath their flats.Better for installersThe insulation was supplied by distributors CCF Ltd who delivered it to the site in line with the schedule of works. It was then installed by RPN’s specialist team.Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard is easier to install correctly than other insulants. The product recipe makes each slab rigid, which ensures the insulation maintains continuous contact with the substrate, preventing gaps that can reduce thermal, fire and acoustic performance.Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. This means they are kinder to the installers who use them too.A safe solutionUltimately, using Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard means the Ashwood House car park ceiling not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but it helps to meet the increasing demand for non-combustible insulation in car parks too.

ChallengeThe project, at Winston Court in North Walsham, is organised by Benjamin’s Building Company, part of The Benjamin Foundation. Benjamin’s Building Company is a social enterprise that works to create homes, training and employment opportunities for vulnerable people. The ambitious venture will see the development of four, self-contained accommodation units. Seeking help in this task, The Benjamin Foundation turned to CRASH for assistance in locating suppliers and materials.SolutionKnauf Insulation donated 24 rolls of 150mm Loft Roll insulation, 48 rolls of 140mm Rafter Roll 40 and 72 rolls of 110mm FrameTherm® 32 for the project. These glass mineral wool insulation products are extremely easy to handle and install, being lightweight and easily cut to size, benefiting the large project.BenefitsBy its nature, Loft Roll is non- combustible and classified as Euroclass A1 to BS EN ISO 13501-1, a crucial requirement to any public building. Additionally, Loft Roll insulation has been manufactured with ECOSE® Technology which delivers superior environmental performance, as the binder technology is up to 70 per cent less energy intensive than traditional binders. The technology has been developed for Knauf Insulation’s glass and rock mineral wool products, enhancing their environmental credentials without affecting the thermal, acoustic or fire performance. Insulation products made with ECOSE® Technology contain no dye or artificial colours – the colour is completely natural.

Fed up of renting in London, Joe and Lina decided to build their own on a tiny 38m² plot of land in East London. With a budget of just under £200k they set about delivering Joe’s innovative concept for a six half-floor house with floating concrete slab, designed to maximise the space into a 83m² home, all whilst being filmed by Channel 4’s Grand Designs. However, things soon went south…Within weeks of the project beginning in October 2015, rogue contractors had performed a disastrous basement excavation attempt contrary to the Structural Engineer’s instructions, leaving unsupported banks of earth falling in beneath the street and shutters bursting inwards under the weight of the concrete.This first attempt, described as “spectacularly shambolic” by Kevin McCloud, more than doubled Joe and Lina’s budget for the excavation from £48k to £100k, and caused months of delays in order to get the project back on track.Having already contacted Newton Waterproofing Systems to consult on the poor workmanship, Joe and Newton soon determined that if he were to save his home and get it out of the ground, he would need a specialist contractor to actively communicate, collaborate and listen to him as both the engineer and client.MJ Rooney Construction came on board as contractors in November 2015, and following discussions to determine exactly what was required, modelled the entire project in 4D to ensure that all potential difficulties were solved before work began.With the right lines of communication in place, work recommenced in late January 2016, with the first challenge being to make safe a 3.5 metre high bank of unsupported earth with sheet piles, before creating a new and waterproof structural shell of reinforced concrete.With the shell of the structure in place, Newton and MJ Rooney’s next challenge was a much more welcome one, as they created a bespoke waterproofing solution to accommodate Joe’s ingenious design for a suspended reinforced slab that acted as both a floor and a prop force against the lateral pressure from the basement walls.This entire slab rested on brackets designed by Joe and his structural engineer, insulating it from the external walls by ensuring minimal contact, and only making contact through insulated blocks with enough compressive strength to take the vertical loading. The design also created a cavity around the slab that can be fully insulated, allowing the slab to be used as a thermal mass inside the building without having to insulate the entire external envelope.Working closely with Joe, a solution was devised that enabled the continuity of the waterproofing behind the brackets without compromising the structural design.

Knauf Insulation is delighted to have been appointed as preferred insulation supplier to innovative new housebuilder, HarperCrewe. In addition to supplying their Supafil® and Loft Roll glass mineral wool solutions, Knauf Insulation will provide support to HarperCrewe’s team, from the design phase through to installation. Their first collaboration is already underway at The Steadings, HarperCrewe’s new neighbourhood of homes in Cirencester, and future projects look set to benefit from the same end-to-end support service. John Nunney, Commercial Director for HarperCrewe explains, “Outstanding build quality is at the forefront of our approach but, as a smaller business, it can be harder to get first pick at the best products on the market. Supafil® 34 is in demand because it’s straightforward to install and it works as it’s supposed to, so our relationship with Knauf Insulation is very important to us. It means we have consistent access to reliable, high-quality products that form an essential part of our builds.” Working closely with HarperCrewe’s design team from the very beginning of the process, Knauf Insulation’s Housing Specification Managers have already helped the business to navigate the latest updates to Part L of the Building Regulations. Advice on SAP calculations and detail drawings, as well as guidance to optimise their insulation specification have helped HarperCrewe’s team meet the new requirements, without compromising on their existing priorities. Of course, getting the specification right is just the first step, so Knauf Insulation’s support will continue well beyond the design phase. As projects move into construction, Housing Specification Managers will attend site start meetings and discuss each plot with HarperCrewe’s team. This will allow them to identify the right time for installation to take place, preventing the product’s performance from being compromised by subsequent construction work. When that time comes, Knauf Insulation’s Regional Technical Managers will be on-hand to offer advice to site teams as needed and ensure a smooth installation.  For projects using Supafil® insulation, HarperCrewe will have access to a list of Approved Supafil® Installers, who have the necessary training and experience to deliver a high-quality installation. Those installers will in turn have access to KinetiK®, Knauf Insulation’s app-based site reporting system that creates an instant digital record of installations.  Using the app on their mobile device, the installer will simply select their site and plot number, take a photo of each elevation, scan the unique QR code on each pack of Supafil®, and install the product as specified. HarperCrewe will then receive confirmation that the specified product has been installed. Not only will this provide additional confidence in the specification integrity, it will also streamline HarperCrewe’s reporting process, giving them more time to focus on the ‘big picture’ aspects of their development. 

Sto Ltd provided a comprehensive insulation solution for this ground-breaking healthcare project built in Northumberland. Innovative offsite construction techniques were used to create the £15m extension to the Northumbria Emergency Hospital in Cramlington, with a combination of StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system and Sto render finishes being specified to help achieve a striking appearance for the building.

Landmark is a 180,000 sq ft prime office development located in Manchester’s premier business district. Partially built off-site, it has been designed to achieve the highest sustainability standards – a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’ and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A so the thermal performance of its insulation was hugely important.Building regulations in England and Wales ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m. With 14 floors and a roof height of 27m, the architect, Squire and Partners, specified non-combustible insulation with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification.With this in mind, external wall sub-contractor FK Group consulted the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team for advice about which insulation to use. The team conducted 3D U-value calculations and determined that Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab in thicknesses of 50mm, 100mm and 150mm would achieve the desired U-value.Rocksilk® RainScreen SlabRocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and has a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK. It is BBA certified for use over 18m and has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, meaning it met the required specification for fire safety.FK Group also sought advice about what to do if the Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was exposed to rainwater during installation. There is a common misconception that the thermal performance of Mineral Wool will be permanently compromised if it gets wet, but this simply isn’t the case. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been developed for external applications – its fibre matrix promotes water run-off, and it contains moisture-repellent additives in the binder. This ensures it can withstand higher levels of exposure to moisture during installation. Knauf Insulation also provided advice on the storage of insulation on site to protect the insulation from prolonged exposure to rainwater prior to use.Offsite constructionLandmark was built using an offsite construction method. Decorative concrete rainscreen panels were manufactured by Techrete in Hull. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was fitted offsite before the entire panel was transported to Manchester and craned into position on the concrete frame.The Knauf Insulation Specification Team provided further support by carrying out visits to both the Techrete manufacturing facility and the construction site to check the insulation was being installed correctly.SustainabilityAs well as its thermal and fire performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers considerable sustainability credentials. It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. This is beneficial when insulation is being installed offsite in an enclosed industrial environment.Enhancing the St Peter’s Square heritageMurray Levinson partner at Squire and Partners said “Landmark is an important project for Squire & Partners, representing our first completed new build project in Manchester. When we were approached to design Landmark, we recognised an opportunity to extend the cluster of prime office buildings of the adjacent St Peter’s Square southwards. Our design concept aligned itself with the new developments, whilst creating a building which enhanced its specific site heritage and context.“A priority for both ourselves and the client was to create a building with exceptional sustainability and wellbeing credentials, and we are proud to have achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings,” added Levinson.Thanks to its thermal performance, fire safety and environmental credentials, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab will contribute to Landmark achieving the world's foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. All of which means this will truly be a landmark building both visually and in terms of sustainability.For further information about how our insulation can contribute to BREEAM, see below.https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/all-downloads?search=BREEAM

Skyfold has launched a pioneering, fully automatic, moveable wall solution into the UK.The Skyfold Prisma, which is exclusively available from leading moveable wall specialists, Style, is a new and streamlined glass vertical partition which not only allows light to shine in but does so without the use of any wall or floor tracks, rendering it completely invisible when stored in the ceiling.“This is a real breakthrough in moveable wall technology from our global manufacturing partners, Skyfold,” said Style’s group managing director, Julian Sargent.“As a fully automated, acoustic glazed moveable wall that stacks into a ceiling cavity, its slim metal frame, clean lines, and sleek design will add elegance and an abundance of light to a wide range of rooms. We see demand being very strong in the corporate, hospitality, education, healthcare, religious and public sectors.”Skyfold Prisma's glass panels combine with a minimalist frame to allow light penetration into otherwise dark rooms and corridors, creating an open plan feel to any area, positively impacting both mood and productivity.With an impressive 52 Rw dB acoustic rating, Prisma also delivers privacy between divided spaces, allowing confidential meetings, classes, and collaborations to occur simultaneously. With space always at a premium, the panels of this innovative new partitioning wall cleverly ‘taper’ down into position, making it suitable for restricted areas or where there is potential for obstructions. Further maximising space, when not required, the partition can be quickly retracted into the ceiling cavity where it is neatly stored, completely out of sight. Skyfold has announced that Prisma is available in a variety of materials including glass, frosted glass and solid panels, with almost any combination being possible. Solid elements can be finished in fabric, vinyl, paint, laminate or even marker-board, allowing a true showcase feature to be created that is both superbly aesthetic as well as highly functional.

Tapered roof insulation offers drainage and fabric performance on roof of Grade ‘A’ Office development

URSA storey’s high with new Whitechapel development Global insulation manufacturer, URSA, has seen some 25,000 m2 of its specialist insulation materials specified and installed at one of the capital’s largest residential development projects in recent years. Ian Claydon, Technical Manager for URSA UK, describes the specification through to installation journey: “The Silk District is a new development located close to Whitechapel Station and within walking distance to the City of London. The Whitechapel based scheme compromises three residential blocks set around a piazza with private landscaped gardens. New commercial space on the ground floor of The Silk District will welcome many new and exciting restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. The Borough is considered an important area of regeneration for London and will meet the aspirations of neighbouring Shoreditch, Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market and Bethnal Green all of which are less than a 10-minute walk from the development.  “Our work with the London based property development company leading the scheme, Mount Anvil, began in November 2018. We provided advice and guidance on making the correct choice of materials, achieving compliance with Building Regulations (thermal performance, fire resistance requirements and resistance to rain penetration) and compliance with the NHBC Standards. We also provided numerous thermal models, U-value calculations and associated condensation risk analysis. The Mount Anvil team were undoubtedly impressed with the speed and quality of URSA Technical Services. “We were involved with external wall construction as well as the design of a brick clad rainscreen system and continued to work extensively on the scheme throughout 2019 as the design developed further. Work was delayed at the beginning of 2020 due to Covid and re-started in July 2020. Ian explained: “Collaborating with the client in these very early phases ensured that they were able to select a product that is entirely right for each and every one of their primary and secondary needs. Planning was critical within the design and roll out and meticulous attention to detail was applied during these initial phases and throughout. Key products installed included URSA’s Cavity Batt 32 & Walltec 32 – 12,000m2 and URSA Acoustic Roll - 13,000m2.   URSA Walltec 32 is a lightweight, non-combustible, semi-rigid glass mineral wool slab treated with silicon based water repellent. It is faced with a black glass tissue on one side and are ideal for use behind rainscreen cladding systems in both new build and refurbishment projects.URSA Cavity Batt is a lightweight, semi rigid glass mineral wool slab treated with silicon based water repellent. It is suitable for use in both fully and partially filled masonry cavity walls up to 25m high.Mark Guest, Regional Sales Manager for URSA UK continued: “URSA Walltec proved to be the ideal choice due to its outstanding fire performance qualities, with a Euroclass rating of ‘A1’ making it totally non-combustible and the ultimate in safety specification for behind cladding systems. URSA glass mineral wool is manufactured from an abundant, sustainable resource and utilises at least 50% glass waste. From an installation perspective, the black glass fleece tissue facing means that the product could be used behind open joint cladding without being seen.“The Cavity Batt is available in a wide range of thicknesses, ensuring the client was able to meet all appropriate Building Regulations and standards. Our new generation URSA TERRA mineral wool has a ‘soft touch’ feel making it easier to handle and install whilst still maintaining its excellent mechanical properties.“There were several other over-arching factors to consider within this scheme and those included the sheer size and scale of the site and its location in a packed city centre. The lightweight nature of both products meant that they could be compressed therefore saving time and money on transport, effectively halving the number of journeys needed. This meant that more products could be delivered to site and stored in an area where space was at a premium. “Work is now once again very much underway with an anticipated completion date of early in 2021. The property market is thriving once again and Whitechapel is becoming recognised as a hotspot for investment and is now being considered the destination of choice for many new businesses. Our distributor partner, Encon Insulation in Dagenham, worked closely alongside us during the project” Ian concluded: “It’s fantastic to see two of our core product specified at this major residential development. We have enjoyed a collaborative, partnering approach with the client throughout. The client has been keen to specify the safest, most durable, sustainable and quality product available on the market today and we’ve been pleased to support them in their design journey through to installation.”

New primary school building is on course for BREEAM ‘Excellent’ with a specification including underfloor insulation boards

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council unit required refurbishment due to its poorly insulated roof and subsequent thermal issues. The 2.000ft2 apex roof and adjoining service areas were refurbished to improve thermal performance with a total of 98, 50mm and 100mm thickness Eurothane® GP boards applied to the building.Spencer Crossley, the store owner explained:"The Eurothane® GP panels have done a fantastic job. They’ve made a huge impact on thermal conditions inside the shop. It means I can keep the store open later. The insulation within the refurbished roof has made for a more enjoyable shopping experience for customers and better working conditions. I’m extremely happy with this fantastic product."About Eurothane® GP:Eurothane® GP is a high performance PIR insulation board that is light weight, easy to cut, handle and install. Whether it’s a pitched roof, framed wall or floor, Eurothane® GP is the ideal solution amongst contractors and installers

A unique residential Pocket Living development recently completed in Barking features highly effective thermal performance and an attractive appearance thanks to an integrated package of insulation and exterior façade products provided by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus fixings and StoCleyer B Brick Slip façade finish, have all been installed on this town-centre project at Whiting Avenue.

Our tapered roofing insulation was installed on London's first cable car system spanning the River Thames

A stunning community campus is supporting learning, health and wellbeing with a leading specification featuring Kingspan underfloor insulation boards.

When the London School of Economics (LSE) sought an architect for The Marshall Building, it held an international competition to select a contemporary design that matches its global academic reputation.The winning design by Grafton Architects features striking pale stone rainscreen cladding that contrasts with the red bricks of surrounding buildings on Lincoln’s Inn Fields.At 10 storeys high, the building needed to conform with the changes to building regulations which ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m in England and Wales. As a result, Grafton Architects specified Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the three external wall build-ups.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use at any height and the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups on the market. It has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK.With U-values of 0.14 Wm2K, 0.20 Wm2K, and 0.21 Wm2K required for the different rainscreen wall build-ups, sub-contractor I&S Construction consulted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team about the right depth of insulation. After conducting U-value calculations, 150mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was recommended for all three build-ups.As well as fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has excellent sound absorption properties.It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are also soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, the Marshall Building will provide students and academics at LSE with a comfortable and quiet environment to facilitate their world-class academic work.

London’s oldest station receives a significant upgrade to meet its increasing demands including optimum performance floor insulation

ChallengeFor the air traffic controllers at Birmingham Airport, concentration is critical to ensuring the safety of the hundreds of passenger jets that take off and land every day. Studies show office workers lose concentration when noise levels hit 55dB; however, the sound of just one medium-sized aircraft descending at 1,000ft is 70dB.SolutionWith this in mind, noise reduction was an essential factor in the specification of the insulation for the 105ft air traffic control tower. The airport’s developers consulted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team for advice. The Technical Support Team recommended Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, a non-combustible Rock Mineral Wool insulation designed for use in high-rise rainscreen façade systems.Mineral Wool insulation has superior acoustic performance because of its open structure, which traps sound between the individual strands and turns it into heat energy.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is quick and easy to install and adapts to minor imperfections in the substrate. Slabs are flexible and knit together eliminating air gaps for maximum acoustic and thermal performance, making it perfect for use on the curved walls of the funnel shaped control tower. The same level of acoustic performance could not have been achieved with rigid foam boards, which have closed cell structures that offer virtually no sound absorption. Rigid foam boards are also more prone to air gaps, reducing acoustic performance further.As well as excellent acoustic and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is non-combustible with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means it will not contribute to the spread or development of fire should it occur.Another factor in the specification of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was sustainability. It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally friendly. Products made with ECOSE® Technology generate low levels of dust and VOCs, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Thanks to Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab the air traffic controllers at Birmingham Airport can enjoy a quieter, warmer, safer and more sustainable workplace."Acoustic protection, energy performance, fire safety and sustainability were all crucial factors taken into account during the design of the air traffic control tower and so all materials specified with the project needed to meet these multiple requirements. We are extremely pleased with the building."Will Heynes, Birmingham Airport’s Development Director

When the government instructed people to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, the gym where Wirral-based personal trainer Megan Hewitt worked closed down. So, Megan and partner Dan decided to build a fitness studio in their garden to allow her to conduct video personal training sessions during lockdown. To ensure the 6m x 3m timber frame building would be suitable for use all year round, it was essential to insulate the roof and walls.The couple researched various types of insulation online and narrowed it down to Mineral Wool because of its thermal performance and fire safety. They had three other considerations: it had to be good at blocking noise, have excellent sustainability credentials, and be easy to install, as they planned to fit it themselves.Just one product for all applicationsTheir research showed that Knauf Insulation 50mm and 70mm OmniFit Slab ticked all the boxes. It is a multi-application slab, meaning the couple didn’t need to purchase separate products for the roof and walls. What’s more, it offers a higher level of thermal performance than alternative versatile slabs on the market.It is manufactured from Glass Mineral Wool and is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not add to the development or spread of a fire should it occur.Keeping quietAs any exercise fanatic knows, a good workout needs a strong soundtrack and Megan wanted to motivate clients without becoming a noisy neighbour. OmniFit Slab provides excellent levels of acoustic performance thanks to its open fibre structure that absorbs sound waves.Insulation that doesn’t cost the earthSustainability was another important factor for the couple. Like all of Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool insulation, it is manufactured from up to 80% recycled content, mostly used glass bottles and jars that would otherwise go to landfill.It is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold Standard.Its softness was a benefit that Megan noticed during installation. She said: “I remember helping my Dad with our ‘old-school’ Mineral Wool loft insulation when I was younger and it was horrible, it irritated my skin for 24 hours after. But the OmniFit was fine – there was no irritation whatsoever.”Installation was no sweatA tight fit between joints is essential to eliminate gaps that can reduce thermal and acoustic performance, but with some types of insulation it can be difficult to achieve the high quality installation required. OmniFit Slab is manufactured to provide friction fitting to ensure all joints are sealed correctly. Despite having no previous experience, Megan, Dan and a friend fitted the 40m2 OmniFit Slab themselves over the course of a day.“Before fitting the insulation, we watched an installation video on YouTube,” said Megan. “We followed the techniques shown and it was really easy to install. We had no problems at all.”“I’m delighted with the finished result. When the fitness studio was finished, we kept turning up the stereo to see whether the insulation really was soundproof – even at full blast, you couldn’t hear the music outside. It’s amazing.”“Before we put the insulation in, I was exercising in winter gear with the radiator on full – now the studio is lovely and warm. I’m back in vests and I haven’t had to put the heating on at all.”Thanks to Knauf Insulation OmniFit Slab, Megan and her clients can enjoy a high energy workout in a warm, safe environment – without disturbing her neighbours. What’s more, the insulation is sustainable and will ensure the studio’s energy consumption and carbon emissions are low over its lifetime. Note: Megan, Dan and her friend maintained social distancing guidelines during the insulation install. Megan continues to follow government guidelines for the operation of gyms and exercise facilities, conducting her sessions online when in-person training is not possible.

BackgroundFor the perfect example of architectural excellence which not only delivered an impressive aesthetic, significant environmental benefits, and a more robust structural foundation, but also improved thermal performance, look no further than the eight-storey, three-building Building Safety Fund (BSF) project Devonshire Mansions.Situated in beautiful Eastbourne on the south-east coast of England, Devonshire Mansions were an extremely attractive choice for those wanting stunning sea views and some peace and privacy. However, due to their location in a high exposure area, the buildings were aged and weather-beaten, and required a full overhaul and refurbishment to modernise, align with current safety regulations for high rise buildings, and strengthen the buildings at their core whilst rejuvenating the exterior.Understanding and appreciating K System’s renowned ability for outstanding refurbishment projects, Pavehall contracted K Systems to completely refurbish this residential development and deliver on the following four primary objectives:- Remediate unsafe cladding- Improve the thermal performance rating of each home- Update and seamlessly replicate existing façade features- Deliver a solution with acoustic benefitsOur ServiceIn collaboration with Archiflair Design, Pavehall, and Fullers Plastering, K Systems delivered an industry-leading, insulated façade solution that fulfilled the desired criteria, achieved a U-value of 0.26 W/m²K and resulted in an outstanding architectural structure.The commitment of K Systems team, their continuous communication, in-depth level of reporting, and consistent presence on site not only ensured a perfect refurbishment, but also instilled 100% confidence in the supply chain throughout, showing exemplary levels of customer service.This project is a great example of how K Systems overcame various construction challenges to deliver within the agreed time constraints.The make-up of the façade had multiple protrusions in forms of balconies meaning that every sheathing and insulation board had to be cut to fit. Replicating this without compromising on the strict site deadlines was a challenge but under the great install team and K Systems’ expertise and onsite presence, this was achieved.Additionally, Devonshire Mansions had a problematic substrate and challenging aesthetic deliverables. Working closely with all partners, and utilising digital technology, K Systems mapped out the refurbishment and specified the ideal solution to Pavehall for implementation.Technical Project DetailsAfter a comprehensive scoping process, K Systems discovered that the existing system had a drained cavity build up and when removed, the sheathing boards were compromised by water. With the buildings being high rise, steel frame and multi-occupancy, the industry-proven K Systems Exicco Cavity Drainage EWI System was specified.In the Exicco system, the drained cavity behind the insulation ensures that any interstitial moisture escapes without detriment to the performance of the system. Due to their seafront location, Devonshire Mansions were prone to fierce rain and water exposure, so this system was the ideal choice to ensure any future moisture or condensation build up was allowed out to avoid compromising the substrate or newly installed façade.Once the strip out of the existing façade had occurred, further challenges were discovered – the substrate was far from line and level. This meant that every rail within the newly installed EWI system had to be packed out using steel shims to create a level vertical façade, subsequently adjusting the specified fixing lengths to suit.Some elements of the substrate were high strength concrete incorporating a flint aggregate which proved problematic for standard mechanical fixings. Via K Systems’ on site support, a suitable, more bespoke fixing was specified which ensured proper anchoring of rails and intumescent fire barriers. A swift solution was achieved with no detriment to the construction programme.The newly installed Exicco system was combined with the K Systems M (Mineral Wool) system. This high performing system provides optimal levels of fire resistance and noncombustibility and its installation at Devonshire Mansions meant that the fire classification of the buildings was upgraded to A2-s1,d0 meaning that the development is now compliant with the latest building regulations for all high-rise dwellings in England, further ensuring the safety of residents.Devonshire Mansions is visually impressive with its feature balconies, architectural cornices, ashlar panelling and quoin detailing. It was a specific requirement of the client to remediate the unsafe cladding without losing these exterior design features.K Systems created two specifications; one for the elevations and one for the balconies and provided bespoke detailing to allow them to seamlessly harmonise as one façade. Ashlar panelling and quoin detailing was replicated cost-effectively using varying thicknesses of non-combustible mineral wool insulation which was over-rendered skilfully by the contractor using K Systems Silicone Thincoat render.The more intricate cornice features were all bespoke manufactured using compliant non-combustible materials and integrated into the design with K Systems providing robust detailing to create a water-tight barrier and eliminating cold bridging. Decorative columns were installed at ground level to complete the façade.The eye-catching, waterfront dwellings were finished with Silkolitt+ - a versatile, easy to apply, water repellent, durable, and low maintenance thin coat render, perfectly paired and formulated for use with our Exicco systemOverall, K Systems specified a fit-for purpose, non-combustible façade with a high level of complex architectural detailing using cost effective solutions. The installation process was overseen by our unrivalled site support team who were frequently on hand to solve any issues as they arose.“Working alongside K Systems on a project of the size and nature of Devonshire Mansions was a true pleasure. From initial scope and specification to intricate detailing and innovative finishes, the K Systems team lead by example and made the process and delivery a slick and seamless operation. The refurbishment was a complex case but working together in partnership, we all delivered on excellence, and the beautiful Devonshire development is something we can all proudly put our names to.”James Fuller, Fullers Plastering

As part of its ongoing work to improve the energy efficiency of its homes, over the last two years Clarion Housing Group has retrofitted 505 homes across Fenland, Tonbridge and Malling which had an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. Among them were 13 bungalows in the Chapel Gardens development in Benwick. The work was part-financed via the first wave of the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), which was launched in 2021 to help social housing providers and local authorities increase the EPC rating of their properties to C or above. All social housing provided by registered providers was eligible for SHDF wave one funding, regardless of archetype, and the work being carried out is designed to tackle issues associated with fuel poverty including mould and condensation.    As a registered provider of social housing, Clarion could apply for the funding as part of a consortium with Fenland District Council and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. The £4.35m secured by the two local authorities was match funded by Clarion, which is working closely with its main contractor Equans to upgrade the homes. “We were already carrying out works to improve residents’ homes under existing maintenance contracts, in line with the government’s 2030 EPC C target, but this funding has allowed us to accelerate and increase the scale of it all, ultimately improving more homes much faster,” said Daniel Archard, asset sustainability manager at Clarion. Meeting PAS 2035 standards  Sarsvati Varsani is part of Equans’ dedicated specialist retrofit team. As a senior technical retrofit advisor for the contractor, she is overseeing the process in terms of energy efficiency and compliance. She said: “The delivery of all SHDF projects must be PAS 2035 compliant, which specifies a whole-house or whole-building approach to retrofit. It means that energy efficiency measures should be installed with the requirement of the entire building in mind – both from a technical standpoint and considering factors like occupant comfort. “The SHDF facilitates a multi-measure approach to allow us to upgrade Clarion’s least energy-efficient homes to meet the PAS 2035 specification using more than one measure. For example, as well as replacing insulation we are also installing air source heat pumps at the properties where necessary. “I’m working closely with the site team, retrofit designer and contracts manager to address any issues throughout and ensure that every measure is compliant with the standard. Representatives from Clarion and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero also conduct site visits to review progress throughout.” One of the key principles of wave one of the SHDF is a fabric-first approach. This ensures heat loss prevention measures are installed before other energy efficiency measures, to maximise the dwelling’s suitability for low carbon heating either now or in the future, and to benefit tenants in terms of comfort, health, well-being and bills. The Chapel Gardens bungalows had an original U-value of 1.43W/m²Km, so this was going to take considerable changes. Having been built between 1967 and 1975, the cavity insulation in the bungalows was no longer fit for purpose as it had slumped to the bottom or – in some cases – didn’t even exist. It has now been replaced with a polystyrene bead insulation. The benefits of external wall insulation As part of the fabric-first approach being taken by Equans and Clarion, Saint-Gobain Weber’s External Wall Insulation (EWI) system was specified for the bungalows to improve their thermal efficiency. It is being installed by FRT Property Services Ltd, which is PAS 2030:2019 certified – something that is required of all of the subcontractors working on this project. By gaining PAS 2030:2019 certification, retrofit installers can demonstrate that they have installed energy efficiency measures that meet the required specifications, and have delivered on customer requirements and expectations in accordance with TrustMark standards. FRT Property Services – which began working on Chapel Gardens in January 2023 – specialises in EWI and its director Farhat Ahmed and Operations Director Radu Ursache helped to ensure work was delivered to Weber standards, on time and within budget.  For this project, Farhat’s team installed webertherm XM with 100mm of webertherm MFD insulation. The SHDF stipulates an energy performance outcome of 90kWh/m2/year, with a target U-value of 0.30 W/m²K. The addition of EWI from Weber was critical in enabling Clarion to meet the SHDF space heating demand performance outcome, as the replacement cavity wall insulation alone wouldn’t suffice – with the properties only achieving 0.44W/m²K. Having requested that the retrofit work didn’t change the aesthetic of the bungalows, the planners wanted to maintain a brick finish. To achieve this, weberwall brick was specified along with the webertherm XM EWI system. This innovative brick slip system is lightweight and quick to install, containing the equivalent of 20 brick faces per sheet. It is available in a wide range of colours including Antique Buff, which meant it was possible to closely match the surrounding buildings.  Farhat said: “The team at Weber has been very helpful throughout the process and applications manager Linda Twidale showed my team how to install the product. It’s very simple and provided the like-for-like result the client wanted; as far as brick slip systems go, weberwall brick provides the closest match to real bricks I’ve seen while working in this sector.” It was important to Clarion that the residents of the bungalows were able to remain in their homes while the work was completed which is why EWI was the perfect solution. Farhat’s team worked closely with Equans’ retrofit liaison officers and other subcontractors, including the scaffolding and utilities companies, to ensure everything went smoothly and the homeowners were not inconvenienced.  By installing the webertherm XM EWI system, the U-value at the properties has been improved to an efficient 0.20 W/m²K – far exceeding the target of 0.30W/m²K. Once all of the retrofit work has been completed, the bungalows will undergo a post-works EPC assessment and are expected to achieve a C rating. The new insulation will provide improved thermal performance all year round, helping to keep residents’ homes cooler throughout the summer and warmer in the winter. It is predicted that those living in upgraded Clarion properties will save between £300 and £500 on their energy bills each year. Switchee smart thermostats have been installed in some properties to relay data to Clarion, enabling them to monitor the energy consumption of the properties. Within six months, Equans’ retrofit evaluator will issue a questionnaire to residents to assess whether everything works as it’s supposed to, and Farhat’s team has already received feedback. He said: “Residents have told us they’re already feeling the difference in the temperature of their home. “It isn’t right that people have had to choose between eating and heating but getting such positive feedback really highlights the role that we’re playing in improving these homes.” Daniel Archard, asset sustainability manager at Clarion, added: “We’ve received more funding via wave two of the SHDF and are planning to increase our retrofitting tenfold over the next three years, as pressure builds to upgrade all social housing to an EPC rating of C or above by 2030.” Farhat concluded: “We’re looking forward to continuing our support during the delivery of the future pipeline of work within this area for Clarion Housing under SHDF Wave 2.1.”

Hush Acoustics provided the acoustic floor and wall solutions for a development in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire involving the conversion of a former Woolworths store turned snooker hall, which was being transformed into a ground floor sports shop with nine first floor apartments above. In addition to meeting the acoustic performance requirements, the client was also keen to ensure the design would meet the fire regulations required.Following a site visit, the Hush HD1030 system was specified for the separating floors. This is compliant with UK Building Regulations Approved Document E and is suitable for refurbishment projects with timber structures that incorporate lath and plaster ceilings – all with the benefit of a 1-hour fire resistance at ceiling level.We worked closely with EH Building Contractors to ensure the HD1030 acoustic floor system was installed to the required standard. For the separating walls, Hush Twin Frame Metal Stud Party Walls were installed onto the plywood structural floor and isolated using Heavy-Duty Isolation Tape. The stud walls were insulated using the Hush Slab 100 Sound Absorber, ensuring the cavity between the two stud frames were kept clear.The client had initially discussed keeping the original existing lay in grid ceiling within the shop, however, in order to achieve outstanding acoustic performance, the majority of the perforated metal panels from within the lay in grid ceiling had to be removed. Some of the original ceiling could be retained, however, with higher performing ceiling tiles used to replace it in other areas, maintaining the original features as per the client’s request.Once completed, acoustic testing was carried out on site to determine the success of the acoustic design and installation. First of all, the twin metal stud wall was tested, which achieved an airborne performance of 56db (DnTw+Ctr). An airborne sound test was then conducted between the sports shop and one of the first floor apartments which showed a performance of 47 dB (DnTw+Ctr).All of the acoustic performance goals were achieved without any significant ceiling treatment and our client was happy with the results.

Salamander Street is a mid-market rent initiative that provides high quality affordable homes in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh. It comprises 199 flats and maisonettes across six storeys of accommodation, constructed over a basement car park.It was designed by 7N Architects, which specified Knauf Insulation’s 50mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab to insulate the ventilated façade. They chose this product because it met the brief’s two critical performance factors: thermal performance and fire safety.It is a Rock Mineral Wool insulation slab with a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK, so it delivers the required U-value of 0.16 W/m2K. It is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification and is BBA certified for use in a wide range of build-ups in high rise buildings. This means it complies with Building Regulations in Scotland that restrict the use of combustible materials on most buildings over 11m.The Salamander Street development was overseen by main contractor Cruden Building East with sub-contractor Soundtex responsible for installing the insulation.It was constructed using an Ancon Brick Restraint System. Ancon has undertaken independent third-party tests to demonstrate that its restraint system does not require a compression sleeve when used in conjunction with Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab under 180mm thick. This provided a huge saving in labour costs for Soundtex as fasteners are usually inserted into compression sleeves by hand.Throughout the build, Knauf Insulation’s Specification Team attended regular project meetings and conducted site visits to check the quality and progress of installation. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is optimised for ease of installation and improved robustness, making it easy to manoeuvre into position. At Salamander Street, the Specification Team noted the uniformity of installation and perfectly staggered joints. This is important because it ensures there are no gaps, which could reduce thermal and acoustic performance – a common issue with rigid foam board insulation.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.The Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab insulation was installed in conjunction with Knauf Windliner sheathing board for maximum performance.Thanks to Knauf Insulation, the residents of Salamander Street will enjoy warm, cosy homes that meet the highest standards of fire safety.

An 11-storey student accommodation facility on Liverpool’s Hotham Street marks the second phase of an exciting redevelopment project for the city. Cladding contractor, BAK UK, has specified URSA’s Façade N35 slab across the vast new build structure.URSA has supplied over 1000m2 of URSA Façade N35 slab to cladding contractor as part of a £35m student accommodation project in Liverpool.Under the scheme, 500 student homes are to be created in a multi-storey environment on the site of the former Odeon cinema on London Road/Hotham Street. A swimming pool, gym and two landscaped gardens also form part of the ambitious city centre development set for occupation later this year.As appropriate for a prestige, high-rise residential and multi-occupancy building, superior materials have been specified throughout including URSA Façade N35 slab.The scheme has been halted for several years due to issues surrounding development funding. Now under new ownership, the design and construction have been scrutinised and it appears that a combustible insulation may have been used in the original cladding system. This has since been replaced and new work completed using URSA’s specialist product.  Ian Claydon, Technical Manager at URSA commented: “As with many high rise buildings developed only a handful of years ago, unsuitable products have been installed that don’t offer the necessary levels of protection to ensure the safety of occupants.”Rainscreen cladding is a lightweight, non-load bearing system attached to the outside of a building using a bracket and rail system. The cladding system provides protection from wind and rain, improves the thermal performance and limits solar gains.  Ian added “URSA Façade N35 is totally non-combustible, Euroclass A1, so doesn’t add any fire load to the building or prejudice the overall fire performance of the wall. The presence of the ventilated cavity behind the cladding system means that cavity barriers are required to prevent the spread of fire and/or smoke. This is a unique and highly effective product that we are seeing specified increasingly across UK and European sites.”    

A 1963 Vanwide railway goods wagon with plans to turn it into a garden room for a family. To get the wagon to a usable state, a full strip out was required, leaving only the metal casing of the original wagon remaining. Once the wagon was stripped back, there wasn’t much metal remaining for the roof, only six thin metal trusses were left. Due to the shape of the wagon, insulation was needed that not only performed well but was fully flexible to fit the arched roof. It was also important that the insulation had a shallow profile to fit into the narrow space. Looking to insulate the 2m x 5m roof, careful consideration had to be given to retaining the original look of the carriage.

ROJECT NAME: RENOVATION PRODUCT SUPPLIED SUPPLIED: INSTALLER SELFBUILD CONTRACT FLOORS AEROMIX was chosen for this renovation project thanks to its many benefits of offering warmth, smoothness of finish and speed of install. This project came with a challenging access issue meaning a long pump distance and lots of services in the floor AEROMIX was the perfect solution. This was the perfect product, providing an ideal solution for the insulation for this project. Reducing CO2 due to reduced carbon emissions within the product. The installer who completed this project SELFBUILD CONTRACT FLOORS said AEROMIX was poured as insulated ground baring slab, installed at 250mm deep achieving the required 0.11 u-value, this allowed the customer to clip the UFH pipes directly to it before being topped with a 65mm C20 liquid screed AEROMIX provided the ideal solution for the insulation on this project, compared to the normal concrete floor and other traditional methods, the speed of pumping the insulation coupled with the high thermal properties has contributed in saving the customer both time and money. 

Hockley Mills is a prestigious mixed-used development comprising 395 apartments and 28,000 sq ft of commercial space with a new entrance to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter train station – and undercroft parking for 116 cars. Car parks present a unique set of challenges when it comes to the specification of soffit insulation and Hockley Mills was no exception. There were several factors to consider. As well as thermal performance, fire safety was essential – so the insulation had to be non-combustible. It also needed to reduce sound transfer to ensure that residents and workers in the building would not be disturbed by vehicle noise from the car park below.  As well as meeting the specification factors, the insulation needed to be delivered to site in line with a tight schedule of works; an issue that was more complex than usual because it was set against a backdrop of heightened demand for construction products such as insulation.  Meeting the brief With this in mind, Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd approached its Strategic Supply Chain Partner, Knauf Insulation, to discuss the best available solutions for the Hockley Mills car park. Knauf Insulation’s Project Specification Team conducted U-value calculations and recommended that 130mm Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard would meet the three critical performance requirements of the brief. Manufactured from rock mineral wool, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard is designed to insulate structural soffits in applications such as open-sided car parks. It has a thermal conductivity of just 0.034 W/mK, so will deliver the stipulated 0.16 W/m²K U-value required for the separating floor. It is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so will not add to the development or spread of fire should it occur. This means it is ideal for enhancing the fire safety of buildings of any height.  Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard also has excellent sound absorption characteristics, so will help to reduce the transfer of noise from the car park to the properties above. Additional advice and support Once the product had been determined, the Knauf Insulation Project Specification Team provided details about the choice of finish available. Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd opted for Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard, which has a black tissue face finish. The Project Specification Team also advised on the required fixing pattern and set up meetings with their fixing partner who provided technical support such as pull-out value calculations. When it was time for Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd to order the insulation for Hockley Mills, there were high levels of demand across the whole construction sector causing significant challenges in obtaining materials. Knauf Insulation worked closely with distributor CCF to ensure the insulation was delivered to site in full within the required time frame. Wider benefits of Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard has been designed for ease of correct installation. Its enhanced rigidity means it can be quickly manoeuvred into place. Once in position, the mineral wool adapts to the substrate preventing gaps that can reduce thermal, fire and acoustic performance.  Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard also contributes to the building’s sustainability credentials. It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. This means they are kinder to the installers who use them too. By working with their Strategic Supply Chain Partner, Knauf Insulation, Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd received the technical and product advice they needed to choose the right soffit solution for Hockley Mills. A solution that will ensure residents are warm and comfortable, as well as helping to keep them and their homes and businesses fire safe. 

Middlewood Locks is a prestigious 25-acre mixed-use regeneration scheme of Salford’s canal district. The first development phase included the construction of Quarry, an eight-storey building combining ground floor commercial space, luxury apartments and an undercroft car park for residents. It was the insulation for this car park that threw up a challenge for sub-contractor Horbury Building Systems. A complex underdrawing method had been specified, comprising the installation of timber battens, non-combustible mineral wool insulation and a separate soffit insulation over the top. Installation would be extremely labour-intensive, so Horbury Building Systems consulted Knauf Insulation about whether it could provide an alternative that would meet the thermal performance and fire safety requirements, but also be easy to install. Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team reviewed the specification and recommended 185mm Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra to achieve the required 0.18 W/m2K U-value.  Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra is a Rock Mineral Wool insulation slab bonded to a 6mm off-white weather resistant facing board which provides a two-in-one aesthetic and thermal solution. It has a low thermal conductivity of just 0.034 W/mK and is designed for use as an insulated underlining solution in semi-exposed environments. The off-white cementitious particle board reflects light which makes it ideally suited for use in car parks. As well as thermal performance, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra is non-combustible. It has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so it will not contribute to the development or spread of a fire should it occur. This is important because car parks can contain large quantities of a potential propellant – petrol. So the insulation will help to ensure the fire safety of the rest of the building.   Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra also has good sound absorption characteristics so it provides high levels of sound reduction. This reduces noise from the car park, minimising disruption for the people living and working in the premises above. As well as meeting the specification, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra has been enhanced to add rigidity and is easy to install. The board is simply placed onto the concrete soffit and fixed into position with five drillscrews. This reduced the installation method from three separate phases to just one, saving Horbury Building Systems time and associated labour costs. Stephen Hampshire, Contracts Manager at Horbury Building Systems said: “We found the panels easy to install. Firstly, we marked and drilled the fixing points at bench level. Next, we held the panels in place to the underside of the concrete – although the panels are lightweight ‘this is a two-handed operation’ – then we drilled through and fixed.”  “We took care in lining the panels together when installing it against the soffit and with some minor tweaking up and down we got a nice flush finish.” Being able to align the panels exactly is not only important for ensuring a good finish. It also means that the slabs will butt tightly together, reducing unintended air gaps which can reduce thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance.  The insulation was supplied to the Middlewood Locks construction site by distributor Galaxy Insulation.  Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra, the underlining of the car park at Middlewood Locks was easy to install, is aesthetically pleasing, and provides complete thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance.

Factory International will transform the former Granada Studios into a world-class cultural and arts venue in the heart of Manchester. It features The Hall, a large auditorium, and The Warehouse, a flexible multi-purpose space that is taller than four double-decker buses, longer than a jumbo jet and can accommodate 5,000 visitors.Alongside the two public events spaces are The Towers, which house the ground floor entrance foyer, five floors of office space and a plant room at the top of the building. Noise reduces productivity by 66% so when it came to specifying the soffit insulation for The Towers, the architect wanted a solution that would limit airborne sound transfer and reverberation.The insulation would be on display, so aesthetics was also important, and because Factory International will cater for large crowds of people, the chosen solution needed to be non-combustible.Meeting the briefThe architects specified Knauf Insulation’s 50mm Heraklith® Tektalan A2 SmartTec for the soffit insulation in the ground floor foyer of the Warehouse area, main feature staircase, offices and plant room of The Towers.Heraklith® Tektalan A2 SmartTec is a cement-bonded wood wool panel combined with a rock mineral wool insulation core. Both materials have an open structure that naturally absorbs the kinetic energy of sound waves, turning them into heat. It is also non-combustible with an Euroclass A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire classification.Crucially, the Heraklith® wood wool range is also designed for applications where aesthetics is important because the panel is on display. It features bevelled edges and comes in nature tone as standard, or can be ordered in any RAL colour upon request, to create a stylish, uniform finish.To compliment the design schemes in the different zones across the building, contractors, Mansell Building Solutions, ordered the panels in a combination of midnight blue, pebble grey, anthracite and black.Scheduling deliveriesAs the Factory International site is quite compact, there was little room available for storage. So, Knauf Insulation worked closely with distributor Encon Insulation to ensure the insulation was held in stock. Smaller deliveries were then made in line with Mansell Building Solutions’s schedule of works. This ensured that the insulation could be installed as soon as it arrived on site.The product is quick and easy to install. Panels are fixed into position by installing Heraklith® DDS Plus Concrete Screws into each corner and the centre of the panel. The fastener heads have a patented wood wool texture to enhance the finished appearance.Ultimately, installing Heraklith® Tektalan A2 SmartTec onto the soffits in The Towers and the ground floor foyer of the Warehouse not only compliments the design scheme and contributes to fire safety, but it will enable the team behind the events at Factory International to enjoy a quieter working environment too. 

At 73m, Thames Quarter is Reading’s second tallest building. It will include 315 built-to-rent apartments, a hub for tech start-ups, a cinema, dining rooms, roof terraces and a residents’ lounge overlooking the Thames.Specialist contractor Precision Façades chose high-performance insulation solutions that would not only contribute to homeowner comfort but would also be kinder to installers. The company specified more than 20,000m2 of Knauf Insulation’s Glass and Rock Mineral Wool insulation for the project.Steve McGowen, Managing Director of Precision Façades explained that Knauf Insulation is the company’s preferred supplier thanks to the high level of support it provides. He said: “Knauf Insulation’s Sales Team are always on hand to help us with our orders, they also have a Technical Team who can provide 3D U-value calculations, and crucially, they are always able to deliver our orders quickly.”The design called for a variety of façade panels manufactured from different materials and finishes, which affected the thermal performance required across the build. To accommodate this, Precision Façades used Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab in four different thicknesses (50mm, 100mm, 140mm and 190mm) for the rainscreen façade. It also used 100mm and 150mm OmniFit® Roll 40 within the steel framing system.Both Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40 offer the required levels of thermal performance. They are non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. This means both products meet the requirements of building regulations in England and Wales banning the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has also been certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) for use in high rise residential applications.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40 also have excellent sound absorption characteristics ensuring quiet spaces for residents, even while moviegoers enjoy surround sound.In addition to delivering the required thermal performance, both Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40 improve installer’s experience of using Mineral Wool. This is because they are manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.As well as being kind to installers, ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40, residents at Thames Quarter will enjoy warm, safe, and comfortable homes, built with insulation that is kinder to installers and the environment.

BackgroundLocated in Stroud, the Park Parade, Park Road refurb project was part of a large refurbishment planned by Stroud District Council. The shopping area and sheltered accommodation scheme were given a complete revamp with internal and external work being completed.MD Group from Bristol were awarded the contract by Stroud District Council and were appointed as the main contractor. A new external wall insulation system was installed, along with an extensive refurbishment to the communal areas, external balconies and roofing. Our approved installer Elite Rendering Systems were contracted by MD Group to complete the exterior wall insulation.Alongside Elite, we transformed the premises aesthetically creating modern homes and commercial premises. The buildings were given a new lease of life, and together with Elite we delivered safe, stylish and energy efficient buildings that will help to reduce fuel bills for residents and help decarbonise the Council’s housing stock.Our ServiceOur Technical team were available to provide hands-on-guidance throughout the duration of the project. As part of our service commitment, our K Systems Site Technician regularly visited the project to inspect progress, offer support and ensure high levels of construction quality.As the ground floor of Park Parade is used for commercial premises, one challenging aspect of the project was the detailing and installing around complex interfaces such as air conditioning/refrigeration units. We transformed the outside of the properties with a durable, low maintenance solution that is fully compliant with fire regulations and fulfilled the Council’s criteria.The combination of finishes used not only delivered the desired contemporary aesthetic but provided an additional benefit of cost savings for the client. Residents of Park Parade, Park Road will enjoy reduced energy bills and better living conditions thanks to the U-value improvement.Technical Project DetailsFollowing design and site meetings with the K Systems Technical team, K Systems M (Mineral Wool) was specified by Bailey Partnership Architects and Stroud District Council. This system incorporates eco-friendly mineral wool insulation boards. As an A2-s1, d0 firerated solution, it is widely specified to provide thermal and aesthetic improvements to buildings, reducing energy usage and therefore energy costs.K Systems M, utilising non-combustible insulation, ensured the latest building safety regulations were met. Thanks to its exceptional properties, the thermal performance of the walls after installation has been significantly enhanced. A U-value of 0.27 W/m²K was achieved, which will help to reduce the residents fuel bills and reduce the level of condensation forming on the inside walls – two key objectives for the client.For the finish, high-performance Silkolitt+ silicone renders were supplied along with our lightweight synthetic brick slips (VBriQ). This combination improved the aesthetics of the buildings for its residents.Silkolitt+ silicone thin coat renders are available in a wide range of colours offering a contemporary finish. The excellent vapour permeability allows the building to breathe and prevents interstitial condensation. The flexibility of the finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish to the properties. It is very user friendly, and its hydrophobic properties reduce maintenance requirements.Accredited by the BBA, the K Systems VBriQ brick slips provide top tier Cateogory 1 impact performance and are ideal for use on this project. This lightweight system is quick and simple to install and has high UV resistance while also allowing the original brick colour to be maintained. An extremely durable finish that will withstand the day-to-day demands placed Park Parade, Park Road.

New primary school is ready for the future with a fabric first specification including Kooltherm floor insulation

Byker WallBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)SynopsisAs part of the £26 million refurbishment of this Grade II listed residential estate, which features a continuous block of over 600 properties, work was performed to not only repair the existing roof but to bring Byker Wall to the forefront of modernday roofing technology with the installation of a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system.Bauder Building BoardProject:Byker WallLocation:Newcastle upon TyneRoof Area:4,500m²Specifier:Your Homes NewcastleMain Contractor:KeepmoatApproved Contractor:Hodgson SayersProducts appliedBauder Total Roof SystemAn integrated bituminous system with a life expectancy in excess of 40 years as stated in BBA cert,BauderSOLARPhotovoltaic system was installed with 132 PV modules being fitted.The resultBefore replacing the existing waterproofing the team needed to convert the pitched metal roof back to its original flat roof status by removing the profiled metal sheets and timber framework. Subsequently, Hodgson Sayers then installed 4,500m² of Bauder’s top quality reinforced bitumen system, which included a highly efficient 120 mm PIR insulation. Four of the ten housing blocks were fitted with 132 PV Modules, enabling Byker Wall to generate at least 39.6 Megawatt Hours of solar power each year. All work was completed on time and to budget in December 2015, much to the delight of all project stakeholders.System installedBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)1 Bauder K5KA heavy duty, torch-applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet, featuring a spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture. The mineral finish provides protection against UV degradation.2 BauderTEC KSA DUO 35A technically advanced self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen underlayer with “DUO” lap technology to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints, even in lower temperatures.3 BauderPIR FA-TEAn efficient PIR insulation board with aluminium foil facing on both sides. The top facing features a printed grid pattern to aid site cutting. It is lightweight and has zero ozone depletion potential.4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finish.AdvocacyKevin Scott, Property Services Manager at Your Homes Newcastle:“Byker Wall is an exceptional example of how modern roofing can revive a historical landmark. Bauder and Hodgson Sayers delivered a roofing solution of the highest quality giving us total confidence in the future performance of the roof.”

Bellway had a prime location, just four miles from Canary Wharf and eight miles from central London, with 300 metres of river frontage and panoramic city views, in which to build an attractive new housing complex.Due to its prestigious postcode, the new homes needed to be of the highest quality in terms of construction and elegant in appearance to appeal to the target clientele.Following extensive planning, K Systems brought Bellway’s vision to life and created a beautiful collection of new one, two, and three-bedroom waterside homes on the banks of the River Thames.Each home in the River Gardens development boasts outstanding thermal performance incorporating a façade with an A2 fire resistance rating and a high-quality finish with superb durability and resistance to the elements.Our ServiceThe River Gardens project took place during a global pandemic when the construction industry was significantly impacted in terms of workforce and availability and costs of materials. Despite all these external factors we delivered a stunning, successful project, within budget, without delay or compromise on quality, that not only met but exceeded the requirements and expectations of the client, Bellway Homes.We worked in close partnership with Jessella Ltd (the installer) throughout the duration of the project. As part of our service commitment, our technical team were available to provide hands-on-guidance, offer support, technical guidance and ensure high levels of quality.Jessella Ltd Project Manager, Pavel Mihaylov explains:“River Gardens was one of the most challenging but rewarding projects I have worked on. It was a very complex project with a strict scaffold strike programme and being dependent on weather and many other trades. That made it very difficult to achieve completed areas on time. Thanks to working closely with Jason and Patrick from K Systems and their regular site visits and guidance over the phone, we managed to achieve the required completion dates, safely and with an excellent quality finish.”Technical Project DetailsAfter extensive planning and a comprehensive scoping process with the client and all involved third parties, we specified the K Systems Exicco M, drained cavity façade system with mineral wool insulation. This high performing system is suitable for steel and timber framed buildings and is highly compatible with high rise projects like River Gardens.Fire safety with high rise buildings is of utmost importance and the K Systems Exicco M system generates exceptional performance and provides high levels of fire resistance and noncombustibility (A2 rating).K Systems specified River Gardens with a façade system with an A2-s1,d0 fire rating. The system specified was made up of a combination of A1 fire classification substrate (sheathing board), a Tenmat 120-minute cavity barrier, an A1 non-combustible, dual-density stone mineral wool insulation slab, and a galvanised steel rail. The latest building regulations were complied with ensuring the safety of the future residents.Mineral wool has superb acoustic qualities, another reason it was specified for this project. Its inclusion in the build meant that noise from the wind and traffic travelling up and down the River Thames would be significantly reduced, ensuring a quieter residential option for target clientele who wish to avoid an audible disruption yet still live within the hustle and bustle of city life.For the finish, high-performance 1.5mm thin coat silicone render (Silicone TC) was specified. Our Silicone TC render is renowned for its ease of use on application, variety of texture and colour, and its high-performance properties. Each waterside home in River Gardens was finished in a variety of shades complimentary to the development’s surroundings.Aesthetically the development had a clean, crisp attractive finish with an impressive thermal performance and a protective exterior. The hydrophobic qualities of Silicone TC ensure a low maintenance finish, ensuring it will remain aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

A Victorian mill transformed into CAT-B office space with a retrofit featuring premium performance roof insulation.

The Chilterns Lifestyle Centre in Amersham will feature a range of leisure, sports and community facilities. As each of the activities taking place will require different indoor temperatures – warm or cool – to keep users comfortable, a high-performing insulation solution was essential.Thermal performance wasn’t the only factor in insulation choice for specialist façade contractor Teampol. At just 14m high, the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre doesn’t fall under current fire regulations banning combustible insulation. But non-combustibility was still a key consideration in installing 2,300m2 of Knauf Insulation’s OmniFit® Slab 35 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab.“The original specification was for a combustible phenolic insulation,” said Scott Millins, Quantity Surveyor at Teampol. “But there’s always that concern at the back of my mind of ‘what if the worst happened?’ so I will only use non-combustible insulation whatever the height of the building. Plus, there’s a very real possibility that regulations may change again, and I don’t want my projects to need costly remedial work further down the line.”“I approached several manufacturers for a non-combustible alternative. They weren’t able to do the calculations quickly and couldn’t meet the U-value required without increasing the depth of the rainscreen insulation from 80mm to 120mm, which would have impacted the whole design.”By this point, finding a solution was critical, otherwise the entire project would be delayed. Millins approached Knauf Insulation’s Specification Team for support and product advice stressing the need for a fast turnaround. Within 24 hours, the Technical Support Team had conducted 3D U-value calculations and a condensation analysis.They recommended 150mm OmniFit® Slab 35 for the steel frame stud with Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the façade. Crucially, this combination meant they were able to meet the U-value of 0.22 W/m2K and keep to the original 80mm insulation depth specified for the rainscreen.“Knauf Insulation were fast, responsive and helpful,” explained Scott. “From our initial conversations, it was clear they had the technical expertise, and this was backed up by an extremely quick turnaround for all the supporting calculations that I needed to move forward with the job.”Both OmniFit® Slab 35 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offer exceptional levels of thermal performance. They are non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use at any height.OmniFit® Slab 35 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab also have excellent sound absorption characteristics which will help ensure that any sports and community activities taking place inside don’t disturb local residents.As well as Knauf Insulation’s technical advice and product performance, the consistency and quality of the two products have impressed Millins and the Teampol installation team.“Installation of both OmniFit® Slab 35 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has gone extremely smoothly. They’re both quick and easy to fit and it helps that these Mineral Wool products from Knauf Insulation are nice and soft – our installation team love working with them,” added Millins.This softness is thanks to the ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. Products made with ECOSE® Technology are also easy to handle, generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.As well as being kind to installers, ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is kinder to the environment too.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s rapid response and technical support, Teampol was able to meet the thermal requirements for the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre project using non-combustible insulation – all while keeping to the tight build schedule.