"external insulation of external walls"

A new state-of-the-art business incubation building in Dorset has been completed with the use of an integrated package of Sto thermal insulation and external render and paint products. The company’s StoTherm Vario and StoTherm Classic insulation systems were specified for the new Innovation Studio at the Arts University Bournemouth, along with StoSilco exterior render and StoColor Dryonic façade paint.

A well-known and commonly used component of external wall coverings has wrongly remained unloved by the architect for almost 20 years since its introduction to the UK market in 1990. Whilst it is widely accepted that external wall insulation (EWI) systems and external render can dramatically improve the U-values of a building, the materials that are used in these systems may not be so popular.

NyRock Frame Slab 032 - in external wall - timber frame

The StoTherm Classic M external wall insulation system was specified for the new Day Hospice building at Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.

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.

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.

A new, three-story extension to the back of the Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon, and upgrades to the existing building have been completed with Sto external wall insulation and render systems. StoTherm Mineral and StoTherm Classic external wall insulation was applied to some lower sections of the buildings, with the higher areas of the façade completed with the StoRend Cote render system, to provide maximum crack resistance, weatherproofing and fade resistance. 

It can be difficult to find a lift that will operate outside without providing complete shelter from the elements. Full enclosures can have a significant impact on the building appearance and there may also be space constraints in lightwell situations. Penny Hydraulics Ltd uses design automation to quickly produce layouts based on its modular lift systems that can be adapted for external installation. The company has been manufacturing lifts in the UK for over 30 years and so has much experience to help find solutions that it knows will work well for the end user. Blueprint Studios in Manchester were experiencing problems moving audio equipment up to the first floor recording studio safely. It would have been very costly to fit internally both in terms of cost and space so a Penny Hydraulics MezzLift was installed externally within a minimal black frame and polycarbonate clad shaft to satisfy Listed Buildings consent. This saved considerable building works whilst enabling the Studios to become safer and more efficient. If the change in level is below 1.5 metres then a Loading Bay Lift could have been used that has much less impact over a more traditional style lift.

When Formby Point Construction needed to specify the insulation for The Gables, an exclusive housing development in Crosby, the project had multiple objectives. Firstly, the company wanted to go beyond the thermal and acoustic requirements outlined in the building regulations. Secondly, with such a large number of applications across multiple construction types, Formby Point Construction wanted to use one manufacturer and supplier to specify the correct product for each application. This would ensure ease of installation and ensure the project was delivered on budget.With this in mind, Formby Point Construction, consulted Formby-based builders’ merchant, Huws Gray, who referred it to Knauf Insulation.For the separating floor applications, Knauf Insulation recommended Knauf Insulation OmniFit® Roll 40, a versatile, non-combustible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification Glass Mineral Wool insulation that provides both excellent thermal and acoustic performance. Knauf Insulation also recommended Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 for the masonry cavity external walls, Knauf Insulation Masonry Party Wall Slab for separating walls to comply with Document E and Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 40 for the insulation of the loft.As well as considering the comfort of the homeowner, Formby Point Construction considers the welfare of its employees as part of its decision making. In addition to excellent thermal and acoustic performance, Knauf Insulation scored highly on this aspect thanks to the ECOSE® Technology, its patented sustainable bio-based binder. Products manufactured with ECOSE® Technology contain no added phenol or formaldehyde, and they are 70% less energy-intensive than products manufactured with traditional formaldehyde-based binder. They have no odour, are softer to touch, making them much more pleasant to handle and install. They have also achieved the best possible Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort, contributing to a high level of indoor air quality for installers and homeowners alike.Once the specification had been agreed, Knauf Insulation then worked with Huws Gray to price the project and take advantage of volume discounts. This meant that Formby Point Construction had some additional budget for insulation. The company therefore decided to install Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll within the stud walls between all rooms, going above the minimum standard required between bathrooms and bedrooms outlined in Document E.Thanks to Formby Point Construction’s commitment to going above and beyond the regulations, and Knauf Insulation’s high performance Glass Mineral Wool insulation, homeowners at The Gables will enjoy quieter, warmer homes. To see how Knauf Insulation can help with your insulation needs, check out our Housebuilders Hub.https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/Housebuilders-hub

Today’s students demand a high standard of living, and with 348 beds, separate study and social spaces, a dining room and gym, The Malthouse, new luxury apartments in Wilder Street, Bristol have been designed to provide it.Spread over five stories, the external envelope features a combination of different coloured brickwork and rainscreen cladding. AWW Architects had specified non-combustible insulation to meet the requirements of building regulations in England and Wales, which ban the use of combustible materials on the external walls of certain types of buildings over 18m.With this in mind, main contractors Watkin Jones contacted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team to determine which insulation solution would be most suitable to achieve the required U-value of 0.19 W/m²K. They also wanted to determine whether the wall build-up would prevent cold bridging and act as a vapour barrier.The Technical Support Team undertook complex 3D U-value calculations and condensation analysis. 3D U-value calculations completed in line with BS EN 10211 are used for rainscreen projects because they are the most accurate way to ensure a building’s thermal performance matches the initial design. The Technical Support Team provided a fast turnaround on the enquiry and recommended 100mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab as the best solution for the project.Manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. As well as having a British Board of Agrément (BBA) certificate for high rise residential applications, it also has a BBA certificate for use behind masonry façades – making it suitable for the different applications on The Malthouse.In addition to fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers excellent sound reduction characteristics.More than 8,000m2 of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab insulation was supplied to the development by builders’ merchants M Markovitz Ltd.Like all Knauf Insulation products, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been designed for ease of installation. Improved robustness means it is easy to manoeuvre into place and it can be installed either way round without compromising performance.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is 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. ECOSE® Technology is also 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.Thanks to the technical support from Knauf Insulation, The Malthouse will deliver the students a comfortable, warm, quiet and safe environment where they can enjoy their university years.

The vibrant, ivory-coloured façade of a new healthcare facility in Cornwall posed no problem for the Renderplas range of coloured PVCu external render beads. Renderplas provided a decorative and durable solution to match the through-coloured render of the £1.9m building. In addition to enhancing the building’s fresh-looking façade, ivory-coloured Renderplas beading has ensured straight, durable joints, corners and edges on all external rendering. The PVCu material is scratch resistant and will not discolour over time, so any exposed joints and edges will continue to complement the colour of the façade indefinitely.

External noise has been kicked into touch by a bespoke secondary glazing system, supplied by Granada Glazing, at the historic Stock Exchange Hotel in central Manchester owned by two prominent footballers.Due to the hotel’s city centre location on Norfolk Street close to the Royal Exchange Theatre, noise insulation from traffic and late-night revellers was a key requirement to create a quieter, more comfortable experience for guests. The original single-glazed timber box sash primary windows were retained due to the building’s listed status and a desire to retain the stone building’s character.

The Tower, at 23-storeys is the tallest tower block in Cwmbran, South Wales, and has undergone a dramatic upgrade in both thermal performance and aesthetics with the use of Weber External Wall Insulation.

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.

A combination of external wall insulation and resin brick slips from Sto has helped create a thermally-efficient and visually striking appearance for a £7.8m residential refurbishment project in London. Located on the Stockwell Park estate, Tyler House now benefits from the use of Sto resin brick slips which have been installed as the final façade finish, onto the company’s StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation system. The Tyler House building is organised around a central courtyard, and houses 48 flats with one, two, three or four bedrooms. “The buildings underwent a significant amount of refurbishment in order to improve the living conditions of the residents, and providing effective thermal insulation was a key element in that process,” explains Richard Watson of project architects Rock Townsend. “The Sto solution allowed us to provide that insulation. We also wanted to add 13 additional flats and the Sto brick slips gave us the opportunity to create a dramatic new appearance for the existing parts of the building which would contrast with the rooftop extension.” The Sto materials were installed by Sto applicator Regency Plastering of Dartford. “The residents remained in their homes throughout, and there were no problems in installing the external insulation and brick slips whilst they were there,” explains Regency’s Paul Brown. The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral K insulation system is ideal for refurbishment projects such as Tyler House. Its external installation means that insulation performance can be substantially upgraded without the loss of any living space inside the premises. Comprising mineral-fibre boards which deliver high thermal performance and unrivalled fire protection, the system also incorporates reinforcing layers to provide additional impact resistance. For this project the insulation was installed using StoLevell Uni adhesive and supplementary fixings to create a strong and reliable bond with the substrate. Designed specifically for use with Sto’s external wall insulation systems and StoRend systems, the Sto mineral brick slips used on Tyler House are manufactured from a rugged and durable synthetic render, and combine a realistic simulated brick appearance with reliable, weatherproof properties. They can be used to match the appearance of surrounding buildings without compromising on thermal insulation, or as in this case, to create dramatic and individual facades. For Tyler House they were specified in a white brick slip colour which contrasts with the new, rooftop extension. 

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 Era cradles were used to lay a level decking system on a roof terrace that had natural sloped drainage. We used UC4 treated external swedish softwood battens and composite decking to ensure long lasting and maintenance free-use.

NV Buildings is one of the most prestigious and iconic residential sites in Greater Manchester.The distinctive sail-shaped buildings are a major landmark in Salford Quays. The blocks have a curved main elevation providing a unique aesthetic on the skyline and are one of the most popular developments in the area.With a prominent location in Salford Quays, adjacent to the Lowry Theatre and Media City TV headquarters, the apartment blocks feature in many iconic photos of the area.The project itself was funded by the Building Safety Fund, the Government’s £4.5 billion fund to remove unsafe non-ACM cladding on residential and mixed-use properties that are 18 metres and over and do not meet building safety regulations.Our Approved Installer QFF Facades were contracted to complete the exterior wall insulation and rendering which upgraded the fire performance of the cladding, ensuring the safety of both the building and residents.Three 15 storey blocks were refurbished, with a safe and thermally efficient façade solution.Our ServiceWe worked in close partnership with QFF Facades throughout the duration of the project.Deliveries and install were strictly monitored and a very systematic approach was followed. A planned install programme was agreed to ensure minimal disruption to the residents of N V Buildings, who remained in their homes while the work was carried out on this prestigious site.We produced a bespoke specification which included various detailing such as soffits, balconies, and full height panels.A partnership approach was vital, as we worked with QFF Facades, Thomasons Consulting engineering, and the fire officer to agree upon and deliver specific detailing at abutments, openings, and for the drained cavity of the façade system.Particular attention to detail was afforded to the drained cavity fire-stops, including fire-stop details between floors, at party walls for each apartment and around openings.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.Technical Project DetailsAfter testing, the existing cladding had been deemed a fire safety risk by experts and therefore needed to be removed and replaced with anon-combustible alternative.The project was a strip-and-refit of a drained cavity external wall insulation system, which included an expanded polystyrene insulation system.Our Approved Installer QFF Facades installed a K Systems Exicco M, Drained Cavity External Wall Insulation System for steel frame buildings, utilising Mineral Wool insulation. This high performing system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility.The fire classification of the façade for N V Buildings was upgraded to A2-s1, d0 and therefore complies with the latest building regulations, ensuring the safety of its residents.For the finish, high-performance thin coat silicone render (Silicone TC) was specified. Our Silicone TC render has a number of fantastic advantages including ease of application, and its hydrophobic properties make the render low maintenance. Available in a wide range of colours the topcoat finish used on NV Buildings is a light grey to match the original façade, meaning aesthetically the iconic buildings maintained their distinctive design.

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

Knauf Insulation has been appointed as Bellway Homes’ insulation partner for an innovative project to measure the impact of low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies on energy consumption. Bellway’s experimental house ‘The Future Home’ has been constructed within Energy House 2.0, a controlled environmental chamber located at The University of Salford. Energy House 2.0 is the largest research facility of its type, with two chambers able to accommodate two detached houses each. The controlled environment can recreate a wide variety of weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from -20˚C to +40˚C, as well as simulated wind, rain, snow, and solar radiation. This allows housebuilders to monitor the performance of different builds and LZC technologies through year-round conditions, in just a matter of weeks, aiding the transition to net zero design. We spoke to Jamie Bursnell, Technical and Innovation Manager for Bellway Homes, about the aims of their forward-thinking project: “We want to identify the sweet spot where fabric is optimised alongside space heating and energy-efficient services, like solar photovoltaics and battery storage. Finding the best combination of these elements will allow us to design homes that are energy efficient and economically sustainable, both for developers and homeowners.” The Future Home Bellway’s ‘Future Home’ is a three-bedroom timber frame house, built to the current Part L 2021 (England) standard. A specification upgrade is scheduled to take place mid-way through the trial, increasing the build’s energy efficiency to an indicative 2025 Future Homes Standard. “Ultimately, our aim is to optimise the U-values of the home” Jamie explained, “but that needs to be based on real, in-use data, not just notional designs. With the home up and running, we’re now measuring its in-use energy performance against our design. After the mid-trial upgrade, we’ll measure again to see the impact on the build’s overall energy efficiency.”  Bellway is using sensors within the home to monitor its performance under a range of environmental conditions. To do this effectively, Bellway needed a reliable, high-performing fabric, capable of meeting both current and future building standards. Optimal results They turned to Knauf Insulation, who provided product advice, design input and U-value calculations to determine the best insulation for the job. For the initial build, Loft Roll 44 glass mineral wool insulation has been installed in the loft. FrameTherm® Roll 35 has also been installed to meet U-values of 0.18 W/m2K in the external walls. During the mid-way trial, upgrades will be made to the insulation, to reduce the external wall U-value and help reduce air movement within the cavity, which can negatively affect thermal performance.  Jamie noted, “Knauf Insulation has provided technical assistance to a very high standard and their U-value and Psi-value calculations are always reliable. We chose products from their Loft Roll and FrameTherm® ranges because they combine quality performance with cost-efficiency, both of which are essential to the success of our project.” Energy House 2.0 and The Future Home allow us to see how LZC technologies could be most effectively implemented in future years. But the insulation requirement will remain unchanged; reliable thermal performance will continue to be an essential component of any energy-saving home and it’s already available today, with the right specification. Learn more about Part L and the housebuilding sector, at our Housebuilders Hub

When completed, A3 New Bailey in Manchester will be one of Europe’s greenest buildings. Not only has it been designed to achieve the toughest sustainability ratings, it will also feature Europe’s largest living wall. But as with any innovative project, it presented some major challenges when it came to the specification of the rainscreen façade system. Meeting the target U-value Lester Cladding NW Ltd were responsible for the design and build of the façade. A rock mineral wool product with a thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK had been specified. But when conducting the calculations, they instantly ran into a problem. An insulation depth of 240mm was required to achieve the U-value of 0.15W/m2K.  Jamie Simm, Operations Director at Lester Cladding NW Ltd explained: “There was a strict external and internal boundary, so we needed to keep the façade wall build-up within those measurements. But the amount of insulation needed to meet the target U-value increased the depth of the wall, pushing it over the boundary line.” When looking for an alternative solution, the company approached Knauf Insulation’s Project Specification Team to discuss the brief. As well as meeting the thermal performance requirement, the insulation needed to comply with building regulations that ban the use of combustible materials in the external walls of certain buildings over 18m tall. It also needed to help reduce noise and meet the project’s sustainability targets.  After running 3D U-value calculations, Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team recommended 170mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the ventilated façade, a rock mineral wool insulation which has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK. For the Steel Frame System (SFS), they recommended 150mm OmniFit® Slab 35, a glass mineral wool insulation with a thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK.  This combination reduced the thickness of the wall build-up by a significant 70mm, ensuring the U-value could be met within the required parameter for the wall build-up. Simms said: “Not only did Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offer superior U-value performance for a slimmer profile, it reduced costs across the whole build. As well as reducing the quantity of insulation required, we could use smaller helping hand brackets and thinner fire barriers for example. It was the product that steered the job through.” In addition to achieving the required thermal performance, both products are non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means they will not add to the development or spread of fire, so comply with the building regulations. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is also British Board of Agrément (BBA) certified for use in buildings of any height and for the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market. Mineral wool also has an open fibre matrix, which means it has sound absorbent properties. The insulation will help to reduce noise from the busy city centre location and from disturbing residents. Project complexity The choice of insulation was not the only challenge for the build. There is no template for supporting Europe’s biggest living wall. So, Lester Cladding NW Ltd needed to draw on their own extensive knowledge and expertise, as well as that of the whole supply chain to create a bespoke solution from the ground up.   One problem with this approach, was that every potential solution impacted another aspect of the façade build-up. To overcome this, Lester Cladding NW Ltd took the unusual step of arranging a meeting between representatives from eight different design and manufacturing partners. Together they discussed the whole system ‘screw by screw’.  “Getting everyone sitting around the table meant that all our manufacturing and design partners were completely engaged. They understood what we were trying to achieve, and all worked together to find the best solution.” There was one particular factor that could affect the insulation – water. While a living wall utilises planting schemes that thrive in drier conditions, a 4,000m2 living façade still requires a lot of watering – something that could introduce lots of extra moisture into the system. Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has a water-repellent additive that promotes water run-off and ensures the slab will maintain its integrity. A traditional façade system prevents the insulation from getting saturated by rainwater, while the ventilation reduces the build-up of condensation and allows the insulation to dry out if it does get wet.  However, the water-repellent additive does not make the insulation waterproof, so it needed protection from the constant flow of water from the irrigation system. As a result, an additional breather membrane was installed to prevent moisture from penetrating the façade system and affecting the insulation. Sustainability A3 New Bailey has been designed to UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Framework and WELL Building Standard principles, as well as to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and Wired Score Platinum ratings. This meant the sustainability of the construction materials themselves was also important.  Here Knauf Insulation’s products ticked all the boxes too. Its glass and rock mineral wool insulation are made from materials that come from either naturally abundant sources or are recycled. For example, its glass mineral wool is made with upto 80% recycled glass from locally collected and processed household bottles and jars. Glass mineral wool has the lowest levels of embodied carbon of any mainstream insulation material. So, combining the use of both Knauf Insulation glass and rock mineral wool meant that the insulation solution for A3 New Bailey had less embodied carbon than a traditional all-rock insulation solution. Both products are also 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 a traditional binder. They also generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. This contributes to the health of both installers and residents. Its entire glass mineral wool product range is also Declare Red List Free, which means that it does not contain any harmful chemicals on the ‘Red List’.  Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s advice, technical support and high-performance insulation solutions, Lester Cladding NW Ltd was able to deliver the rainscreen façade for A3 New Bailey – and with it, Europe’s largest living wall.

Rockpanel non-combustible external facades dresses the contemporary redevelopment and extension of an existing Grade II Listed building, harmonizing old with new, bringing a crisp style and warmth to this important regional health and care hub.

Located on the former BBC site, Circle Square in Manchester aims to create a vibrant neighbourhood comprising city living apartments, prime office, retail and leisure space. Phase two of the development saw the construction of No’s 5 to 8, four buildings totalling 677 luxury flats with private dining, resident lounge, gym and cinema, as well as commercial space. Specification requirements FK Group were appointed to design and install a bespoke façade solution which meant they were responsible for specifying the insulation. There were three main performance factors that needed to be considered.  Firstly, the insulation had to be non-combustible to ensure compliance with building regulations in England and Wales, which ban the use of combustible materials on the external walls of certain buildings over 18m tall.  The second consideration was thermal performance. “When you’re designing a bespoke façade solution, accurate thermal modelling is essential because there are so many variables that can affect its energy efficiency,” explained Ben Hufton, Associate Design Director of FK Group. “One of the reasons we work with Knauf Insulation so much is because of their technical support. They always conduct 3D U-value calculations for rainscreen façade projects, so we know the insulation will deliver the performance we need to achieve.” This enhanced level of accuracy is one of the main benefits of 3D U-value calculations over other calculation methods, because it ensures a building’s real world thermal performance matches its initial design.  To achieve the required U-value of 0.28 W/m2K, the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended 200mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the external cavity. This has a thermal conductivity of just 0.034W/mK. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and is BBA certified for use in high rise buildings for the broadest range of build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market. It is also non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. The final specification factor was acoustic performance due to the site’s busy city centre location.  FK Group conducted offsite acoustic tests to ensure that the build-up met the requirements of Approved Document E. The Mineral Wool insulation contributes significantly to the acoustic performance of the build-up thanks to its open structure. Sound waves are trapped between the individual strands of Mineral Wool and turned into heat energy. This will help to reduce noise from surrounding roads, ensuring residents can enjoy peaceful homes. Other performance factors As it has been developed for external applications, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab contains a water repellent additive which is combined with a fibre matrix that promotes run-off. This ensures it can resist moisture ingress whilst maintaining its excellent vapour permeability. The physical characteristics of the fibres are unaltered if they get wet. Therefore, the thermal properties of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab are not affected by exposure to moisture and the product will perform as expected once it has dried out. The product is easy to install correctly thanks to superior robustness and durability, allowing it to be manoeuvred easily into place. Its natural flexibility means it adapts to minor imperfections in the substrate, while slabs interlock, eliminating air leakage that could reduce thermal and acoustic performance. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is also 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 generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort (Gold) certification. Circle Square will give residents access to everything they need from a community district – just as Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab ticked all the boxes for FK Group.

Herefordshire Housing Association, announced plans of a five year project with the aim of improving the energy efficiency levels of its entire housing stock, which includes over 500 Cornish type houses across Herefordshire. Many of these homes were built between 1946 and the 1960’s as a ‘temporary’ solution to the post-war housing crisis and they are easily recognised because of their distinctive Mansard roof structure.The contractors, Merriman Roofing and distributor Encon Insulation were given the target of improving the thermal performance of this insulation in the Mansard roofs to a u-value of 0.30 W/m²K, while minimising the disruption to residents which wouldn’t have been possible using traditional means. Because the houses were occupied, all improvement works needed to be carried out from the outside to minimise the impact on the occupants. Unfortunately, due to the Mansard roof which covers the second storey of the building, it’s difficult to significantly improve the energy efficiency of the homes using traditional materials and tools, with a u-value target of 0.30 W/m2.K, traditional insulation was too thick. In the past, efforts to improve the insulation of the Cornish-type homes have been limited by the design of the roof. Achieving a good fit within the timber frame using externally applied options has proved to be challenging due to the narrow cavity between the interior wall and the exterior roof and applying products from inside can typically be disruptive and intrusive for occupants.After visiting the houses that required new insulation, our experts came to the conclusion that our SuperFOIL SF40 multifoil insulation would be the perfect solution to the problem. Because SF40 measures to be just 65mm thick when installed, it was a suitable fit for the unusual Cornish-type properties and their distinctive roofs which only allow a narrow space for insulation. Working with, Herefordshire Housing, Encon and Merriman Roofing Contractors Ltd, we have supplied enough insulation to provide for over 500 houses, improving heat retention in the winter and energy efficiency throughout the year. SuperFOIL worked very closely with Hereford Housing Ltd and Merriman Roofing Contractors Ltd to offer a bespoke solution. SF40 was up to the challenge achieving 0.26 W/m2.K, significantly exceeding their target value. A single layer of SF40 provided maximum performance, minimal thickness, improved air-tightness, radiant barrier, huge cost savings and less disruption to the residents.

Two new apartment buildings in Kent have been given a thermally-efficient and visually-striking façade thanks to the use of an external wall insulation system from Sto. The two new blocks in Ashford - Stour Heights and Somerset Heights – have a single-skin construction, comprising a reinforced concrete frame with concrete block infill, and they benefit from the installation of StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation, with a StoCleyer B mineral brick slip and StoSilco render façade finish.“An alternative insulation system was originally proposed for these buildings,” says John Mahoney of Sheffield-based J Mahoney Architects. “As things progressed a different solution was required to meet the demands of the various parties involved in the project. Sto pretty much leads the pack in terms of quality, and the StoTherm Mineral system was able to satisfy everyone’s requirements, so it became the obvious choice. The fact that Sto could work with us and provide technical support was also extremely helpful.”The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system uses mineral-fibre boards to provide outstanding thermal performance, combined with reliable fire protection and effective sound insulation. Its efficient single-leaf construction and external installation do not compromise the building’s interior space, and it can be installed without the need for additional expansion joints.For the new buildings, it was installed using Sto’s unique Sto-Rotofix plus mechanical fixing system. The helical Rotofix fixings create a cavity behind the insulation board, which can be easily adjusted after installation to ensure a level outer surface is created. This system combines the ease-of-use of ETICS anchors with the flexibility of a mechanical rail system, but without the material and labour cost of installing the rails.“The StoCleyer B brick slips were specified to meet certain planning requirements,” adds John Mahoney. “An alternative brick solution was originally considered, but Sto was able to manufacture slips which were a perfect match for the proposed original. The fact that they were also fully compatible with the Sto insulation system was another significant point in their favour.”The new buildings have added 109 one- and two-bedroomed flats which are spread across the five floors of Stour Heights, and the three floors of Somerset Heights.

Location: Finchley, LondonSpecwall was used on the internal leaf of the cavity walls, with a brick tie system fixed directly to the panels, cavity insulation and brick outer leaf, as well as being used to accommodate the difficult curved façades. The installation of the internal walls at Beechwood Avenue needed to begin before the development was made watertight, necessitating a product like Specwall which can be used in all weather conditions. This enabled the required programme savings on the development which allowed it to proceed on schedule.Additionally, the site was constricted and external access was not available, requiring a wall system that could be built from the inside. Specwall satisfied this condition, and furthermore, the installation provided protection for the rest of the internal works to progress before the external masonry followed at a later date.

We built the world first Passivhaus CPD training facility / pub, this is the worlds most airtight pub at 0.07ach at 50 pa. This is a twin wall timber frame, it’s 450mm wide insulation Huntsman which is made of thousands of recycled plastic bottles. Huntsman also recycled 1 billion plastic bottles from the sea last year. We have a 7.2 KW system solar panels system that powers the building, it’s got MVHR Nilan. On the external façade we applied Passive Purple External which is airtight up to 0.03ach.

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.

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

The developer behind a Victorian mill conversion in West Yorkshire has achieved superior levels of sound insulation for the building’s separating walls, floors and ceilings through a range bespoke sound insulation systems and products from Hush Acoustics.The redevelopment of the Old Town Mill in the Pennine hills close to Hebden Bridge was undertaken by Clay Developments, with the conversion work managed by its sister-company Clay Construction. Both companies have a strong track record in successfully breathing new life into heritage buildings, but this latest project presented its own unique challenges including how to soundproof each of the newly created individual two- or three-bedroom connected properties.The original mill building was built around 1851, initially for use as a cotton mill. The complex was developed with the construction of a second larger mill building and associated facilities in the 1880s, and it was used for a variety of purposes during its industrial life, including for the production of hosiery yarns, wool combing and sheepskin rug manufacture.Externally the converted building, known as Carding Mill, retains its external character with its distinctive coursed square gritstone walls and Welsh blue slate roof, complemented by high performance aluminium glazing and new features including perimeter walls created using natural reclaimed stone. Internally, however, the transformation has been substantial to remodel the building into residential units which comply with the high performance standards demanded by today’s Building Regulations.The new homes created in Carding Mill could have been designed and built to comply with the minimum acoustic requirements, but that was deemed insufficient to deliver the level of luxury the developer wanted to offer potential buyers. Hence, Clay Construction approached Hush Acoustics to explore the design options and available materials to go beyond what the Building Regulations require for material change of use projects like this.Hush Acoustics supported Clay Construction and the architect, Gagarin Studio, to achieve the optimum separating wall and floor designs throughout, with underfloor heating (UFH) also accommodated.Airborne sound tests in the separating walls revealed levels ranging between 52 and 61 dB DnT,w+Ctr, well above the compliance level of 43 dB. And for impact sound on the separating floors, two tests were carried out which registered levels of 35 and 37 dB L'nT,w, again surpassing the Approved Document E requirement of no higher than 64 dB.

The refurbishment scheme at Buckley View in Smallbridge was completed in March 2022 and is one of a series of demonstrator projects that Rochdale Boroughwide Housing are completing.These projects are part of an ongoing approach to improve the energy efficiency of homes and reduce carbon emissions, helping to identify the best ways to meet Greater Manchester’s 2038 target to be carbon neutral.The scheme has seen 23 bungalows in Buckley View receive investment to help improve the energy efficiency of the homes and reduce carbon emissions using a whole-house, fabric first approach.The work carried out included replacing cavity wall and roof insulation, installing External Wall Insulation (EWI), upgrading ventilation and installing new windows and doors.We worked in close partnership with our approved installer Profac and provided a suitable EWI solution for the project and complementary finish. A brick slip finish was utilised, which was supplied in three colours to totally refresh the facades.The bungalows in Buckley View were totally transformed and will enjoy increased energy efficiency, improved thermal comfort, reduced fuel consumption for residents and, as a result, lower carbon emissions.Our ServiceK Systems prides itself on having an inspiring and effective solution for every style, and this project is just one example of how it provides the flexibility to fulfil any specific design criteria.We tailored the specification process for the project based on the set and very specific requirements of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and its properties, and every single request / objective of the client was not only met but exceeded in the refurbishment.The design and delivery of the refurbishment not only received 100% satisfaction ratings from all parties involved, but has also gained external recognition for its excellence and already been shortlisted for three prestigious industry awards:Large Scale Project of the Year at the North West Energy Efficiency AwardsSustainability Project of the Year at the Aico HomeLink Community Awards 2022Best Retrofit Initiative at the Northern Housing AwardsOverall, an outstanding and successful refurbishment by our team that has given Buckley View in the North West a new lease of life.Ryan Robson at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, said:“We are delighted and incredibly proud to have worked on the refurb project at Buckley View which has been recognised with three award nominations so far. These nominations are a testament to the great partnership approach by all involved parties, the highest levels of construction quality showcased throughout, and the exceptional performance outcomes of the entire project, for the housing residents, housing provider and for the wider area.”Technical Project DetailsThe external façade and sheathing boards on the existing, poorly insulated timber frame structures were removed. The sheathing boards were replaced with A1 rated carrier boards and the K Systems M, Mineral Wool Insulation System was specified.This system not only generates exceptional thermal performance and provides high levels of fire resistance (A2-s1, d0), but also boasts exceptional environmental qualities – by choosing it, we not only demonstrate our innate understanding of best-suited solutions but our dedication to sustainable working.The bespoke system specified for Buckley View was designed using 110mm non-combustible mineral wool insulation to meet the desired u-value of 0.20W/m2K, improved from 0.43W/m2K. This meant homes were more energy efficient, warmer, and less expensive to heat – a major bonus given the current cost of living crisis.For the finish, we specified a unique finish of VBriQ+ clay brick slips. This cost-effective, lightweight traditional clay brick slip system replicates traditional brick construction on low-rise buildings like the Buckley View bungalows.Our unique and innovative VBriQ+ clay brick slip finish was specified due to its robust, durable characteristics and wide range of colours. The brick slips were supplied in three colours, which totally transformed the facades aesthetically and with their low maintenance and element resistance qualities, will ensure the homes avoid cracking and maintain their appearance over time.At K Systems we are confident that we have the inspiring solution for every style, and this project is just one example of how we provide the flexibility to fulfil any specific design criteria.We tailored the specification process for the project based on the requirements of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and their properties. Bespoke technical detailing included use of pistol brick slips around window reveals with a soldier course detail specified above window heads to create a contrasting aesthetic feature to the main walls. A band of silicone thincoat render was added as a design feature around the doors– yet again showcasing K Systems’ unrivalled attention to detail.

Eye-catching, fire-safe Cavity System 2 and SpeedySlip Brick Façade for Wheatstone House, London Using a new and innovative non-combustible external wall insulation system, SPSenvirowall delivered on creating a fire safe and thermally efficient building. SPSenvirowall provided its innovative new product, the Cavity System 2 to the development, delivering results which are outstanding and produce an intriguing and engaging brickwork façade. To reach the highest standard of fire safety for the external cladding, SPSenvirowall supplied its Cavity System 2 solution for its A2-s1, d0 fire-rated classification in accordance with BS EN13501-1.

Sto has supplied the StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation system with StoLotusan render for the new Day Case and Eye Unit building at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital. Specified by Gilling Dod architects of Chorley, who worked closely with the main contractor Tilbury Douglas, the StoTherm Mineral K system combines impressive insulation with excellent fire protection characteristics. With an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification in accordance with BS EN 13501-1, the non-combustible mineral fibre insulation is fully bonded to the substrate and therefore no additional firebreaks are required. Ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects, its efficient single-leaf construction also means that interior space within the building is not reduced.  For this project, the system’s mineral fibre insulation boards were secured to the lightweight steel frame and sheathing board substrate with mechanical fixings and StoLevell Uni adhesive and levelling mortar. A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to the face of the insulation boards, with StoLotusan and StoSilco renders used for the final finish on different sections of the building, using light colours from Sto’s architectural colour range.  StoLotusan is the only render available that uses Sto’s patented Lotus-Effect® technology which delivers impressive water and dirt repellence. It forms a unique surface texture, similar to that of the lotus leaf, that causes the rainwater to run off the render quickly and easily, removing any dirt or dust as it goes. Providing outstanding resistance to the growth of algae and fungus, the building will retain its looks for many years to come.  The new Day Case and Eye Unit is the result of a major £17.5 million investment in developing enhanced ophthalmology and day case services. The new Day Case and Eye Unit now offers an extensive range of diagnostic and treatment facilities for patients with medical eye conditions.

Langley Academy Primary School, is a modern 2 storey development which will house 630 nursery, reception and junior pupils in Slough Berkshire. To carry out the main works of this project, the sub-contractor was appointed to construct the building using a concrete frame and cement particle board, then wrapped in high quality external wall insulation and render materials from SPSenvirowall. Working collaboratively, this saw the installation of 1100 meters of 200mm insulation, which met the desired thermal performance of the building as well as contributing to the fire and acoustic requirements.

One of the tallest new buildings recently added to the Bournemouth skyline has been completed with a combination of external wall insulation and render products supplied by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral M system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus mechanical fixings and StoSilco exterior render were all used on the new Skyline student accommodation building, which achieved a BREEAM ’Very Good’ rating.

Wilmcote House is located in Portsmouth which had undergone a major renovation to benefit the health and well-being of tenants.A high-rise, high-density housing estate that remains a prominent feature of Britain's urban landscape dating from the 1960's.Wilmcote House used a combination of several products and systems namely ROCKWOOL external wall and flat roof insulation together with a selection of the company's firestopping and fire protection products.