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ENSURING LONGEVITY: ESSENTIAL CARE FOR YOUR EXTERNAL DOOR HARDWARE

ENSURING LONGEVITY: ESSENTIAL CARE FOR YOUR EXTERNAL DOOR HARDWARE

ASH Door Furniture & Entrance Specialists Ltd

External door hardware face constant environmental challenges, enduring exposure to pollution, corrosive salt air in coastal regions, and the relentless elements. Unlike their internal counterparts, external hardware requires special attention to maintain optimal functionality and appearance.PROACTIVE MEASURES FOR LONGEVITY:ortunately, these issues can be easily avoided with a proactive approach to care and maintenance. Implementing regular tender loving care (TLC) with the right products can make a significant difference in preventing complications and ensuring customer satisfaction.HOW TO MITIGATE COMMON ISSUES:TEA STAINING AND FLASH RUST ON HARDWARETea staining, a common cosmetic issue on the surface of stainless steel, doesn’t compromise structural integrity but can affect the hardware’s aesthetics. To address this concern:Regular Cleaning: Tea staining can be avoided with routine cleaning. Use a soft cloth and mild soapy water to gently clean the hardware.Proper Drying: After cleaning, ensure thorough drying with a clean, soft cloth to prevent residue accumulation.Correct Cleaning Technique: Rub or wipe the hardware in the direction of the brush or polish lines to maintain its appearance.By incorporating these simple yet effective practices into your hardware maintenance routine, you can extend the lifespan of your external door hardware, promoting customer satisfaction and minimizing the need for costly call-backs. Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving the integrity and aesthetics of your hardware.
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Wilmcote House

Wilmcote House

ROCKWOOL Ltd

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.
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Heathfield School creates quality external communal areas using Brett's high quality Invicta Paving.

Heathfield School creates quality external communal areas using Brett's high quality Invicta Paving.

Brett Landscaping

Brett Landscaping’s premium Invicta products have been used to create a range of walkways and modern hard landscaped areas for pupils of a new school in Surrey to use and enjoy. Heathside School is a new comprehensive school, opened in September 2022, serving the communities of Walton on Thames and Molesey. The capacity of the school is 900, and the first two year groups in the school are currently enjoying a state of the art, modern environment for education. Brett Landscaping supplied the school with more than 2,100 square metres of Invicta products in a range of finishes, including Citrine (with black fleck), Pearl and Onyx, alongside Omega in Natural, to create the external walkways and paths between school buildings. The Pearl and Onyx Invicta products were used to create a theatre style terrace in the main school yard, and a range of external communal areas for pupils to gather during their school day.
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Preston Springs Passivhaus

Preston Springs Passivhaus

Knauf Insulation Ltd

Built from traditional stone and slate, Preston Springs, a four bed home in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, may look like a typical new-build property, but it is far from it. Designed by architects LEAP, Preston Springs is a Passivhaus, meaning it is ahead of its time in terms of air quality, comfort and reduced energy use. It is one of the only properties of its type in the local area, with just over 1,000 Passivhaus properties in the whole of the UK. Passivhaus is a voluntary standard for designing and building very low energy properties that offer high levels of comfort for their occupants. To achieve this, the levels of air tightness and thermal performance far exceed those mandated by building regulations. To meet planning constraints, Preston Springs has been built using a conventional cavity wall construction. The 300mm cavity was fully-filled using two layers of 150mm Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 34. Manufactured from Glass Mineral Wool, Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab is specifically designed for cavities and uses a water repellent additive to prevent water ingress, making it ideal for its exposed location close to the Yorkshire Dales.Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 34 was chosen over rigid board insulation. Its structure meant the stone masons could cut and fit the insulation easily on site to ensure it fully-fills the cavity, touching both leaves continuously. This prevents undesirable air gaps that reduce thermal performance. It is worth noting that masonry construction with partially-filled cavities are particularly prone to air gaps between insulation boards or breaks in contact between the insulation and the wall surface.Secondly, because detailing at junctions between the building elements and the openings meant thermal bridging was virtually eliminated, a more cost effective insulation specification could be chosen. Principal architect Mark Siddall was confident that Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 34 would deliver the 0.1 W/m2K U-Value required to help the project achieve Passivhaus certification. For the loft, Supafil® Loft Blowing Wool was specified after extensive consultation with Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team. While Supafil® Loft is very popular in Scandinavian countries, it is not widely used in the UK. However, Siddall believes that blown insulation has a distinct advantage over other insulation types when working towards very high levels of thermal performance. He said: “The advantage of Supafil® Loft insulation is that it can get it into all the nooks and crannies very quickly and easily. This makes it a low-cost solution as far as labour is concerned because installers don’t have to cut and scribe around individual trusses at 400 and 600mm centres – something that would take a huge amount of time. By avoiding these air gaps, the roof can be expected to deliver the thermal performance that was specified.”It was not just the use of Supafil® Loft that was unusual on the Preston Springs project, but its depth; 700mm of Supafil® Loft was installed, delivering a U-value of 0.06, which Siddall believes makes it one of the most highly-insulated lofts in the UK.Siddall explains that to achieve Passivhaus standard, installation is hugely important. He said: “The only way to close performance gaps is through high quality workmanship. I have used the same construction team on several projects. I ensured that the installer had received the necessary training on how to install the Supafil® Loft insulation correctly, so I had the quality assurance that it would perform as specified in practice.”Steve Wise, Programme and Product Development Manager at Knauf Insulation added: “It is always exciting to work on projects that feature products not commonly used in the UK or in applications that differ from the norm, such as the 700mm Supafil® Loft at Preston Springs.“Passivhaus projects allow us as manufacturers to explore what is possible. Preston Springs demonstrates how environmentally-focused design, high performance products and high quality installation can deliver and meet even the strictest thermal standards in a real-world environment.”Typically, Passivhaus properties achieve a 75% reduction in space heating requirements, compared to a standard UK new build. While monitoring is ongoing, anecdotal evidence from the owners show that Preston Springs is performing as designed, maintaining a temperate climate throughout the year. During ‘The Beast from the East’ the internal temperature was a reported 19°C without heating, while the external temperature plummeted to -6°C. Furthermore, the owners report they are delighted with the low energy bills thanks to the very high thermal performance of the insulation combined with the heat recovery system.
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Edge Grove School - External

Edge Grove School - External

Acoustic Products Ltd

This Edge Grove School has used the Laudescher2.4.3 system that will not only work as an absorbing surface but also works at diffusing the sound. Along with the great acoustic properties the Linea range also adds to the natural aesthetics.
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Basement and External waterproofing

Basement and External waterproofing

Delta Membrane Systems Ltd

The scope of this ambitious project was to restore and transform an abandoned Neo-Gothic Cemetery Keeper’s Lodge with adjoining public facility into a luxurious mansion in just 12 months.  Works included demolishing the adjoining public facility to enable the construction of a new basement.The proposed new build construction would be a luxury ground floor extension which would run the footprint of the redundant public facility to offer a 4,000 square foot subterrain space with key features such as 13-meter swimming pool, 2 additional bedrooms, a tv games room and office space.Simon Gill Architect designed the ambitious project and was appointed as Project Manager.Delta Registered Installers 5 Star Basements were employed to undertake both dig out and installation of the structural waterproofing with Delta’s Technical Waterproofing Consultant, Paul Callaghan representing Delta. This approach at the design stage, allowed Paul to attend design team meetings and to ensure all criteria’s of BS8102:2009 were met.As aired on Grand Designs on 6th January 2021.
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Bath Spa University

Bath Spa University

SPS Envirowall Ltd

The Bath Spa University development is an attractive courtyard design with individual houses for up to 10 students where 561 will be housed in these new residential units amidst the beautiful countryside. The objective of the scheme was to deliver with minimal disruption to the student's experience on a tight schedule maximising the use of the summer holiday period to suit delivering the programme deadline. Phase 2 of the Bath Spa University development consists of over eight blocks, each utilising an application of external wall insulation covering 4,800m2with a value of £665.000.
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Trafford House, Basildon. Featuring Deceuninck 2500 Series Chamfered, Anthracite Grey Foil External, White Internal

Trafford House, Basildon. Featuring Deceuninck 2500 Series Chamfered, Anthracite Grey Foil External, White Internal

Deceuninck Ltd

With a value of £1.7 million and delivered with specialist commercial fabricator Dempsey Dyer, this project was on behalf of Criterion Capital with contractor RGB. It features: 4,500 frames Deceuninck 2500 Series Chamfered Tilt and Turn Anthracite Grey RAL 7016: grey foil external, white internal Full EPDM
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PORT ONE, GREAT BLAKENHAM

PORT ONE, GREAT BLAKENHAM

Tata Steel

Tata Steel’s building envelope products have played a key role in the delivery of the first phase of the Port One giant e-commerce warehousing and distribution storage complex, and were incorporated into Unit No.4, a new 143,000 sq ft purpose-built unit, designed for Ipswich-based FDS Corporation Limited, a Chinese fulfilment house operator specialising in online retail. This building is 17 metres high and has been designed to store goods on pallets and on racking nine levels high.The external cladding solution for Unit No.4 used over 17,000m2 of our Trisomet® and Trimapanel® insulated panel systems. Around 11,472m2 of Trisomet® 60mm manufactured using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® was supplied for the roof in Anthracite Matt, as stipulated by the planning consent; while the external building envelope was constructed using over 6,000m2 of Trisomet® 40mm and Trimapanel® 120mm insulated panels manufactured using Colorcoat Prisma® pre-finished steel. The wall elevations used a contrasting colour mix of Alaska Grey, Anthracite, Oyster Slate Grey and White.
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Power Grab ‘n’ Bond for Installing External Showroom Signage Without Mechanical Fixings

Power Grab ‘n’ Bond for Installing External Showroom Signage Without Mechanical Fixings

C-TEC

Case Study – Power Grab ‘n’ Bond Customer: Signal Signs – OmaghProject: Pat Kirk Car Showroom, Strabane Power Grab ‘n’ Bond Eliminates the Need for Mechanical Fixings!Mechanical fixings on bright, new external facades can be ugly and distracting, especially when being installed at the entrance of Pat Kirk Motors stunning new car showroom in Strabane, Northern Ireland.With clean lines and seamless transitions throughout the building, mechanical fixings where exactly what the architect DID NOT want. This was the challenge presented to Michael from specialist installers McLaughlin Joinery who were tasked with fabricating the entrance and installing the façade design created by Signal Signs on extra-large 1500x3000mm sheets of Dibond® aluminium composite metal panels. A Stickler for Quality!Being a real stickler for quality and perfection Michael McLaughlin believes in always using the best materials, tools and brands to ensure the best, most durable and superior finish on his projects. He immediately sourced Power Grab ‘n’ Bond as he knew it is the best construction adhesive in the market, with excellent initial grab and exceptional tensile and sheer strength. Guaranteed to adhere to metal, wood and concrete substrates it totally eliminates the need for additional mechanical fixings. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is developed by leading British manufacturers CT1, the No1 sealant and adhesive in the UK. CT1 is always leading and providing the industry with the very latest technology. Now thanks to its unique ‘Tribrid®’ technology Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is a revolutionary product in the field of heavy-duty versatile bonding. Why Choose Power Grab ‘n’ Bond?Working with large Dibond® metal 1500x3000mm panels being installed at height in an external environment Michael and his team needed a solution that would grab, hold and act instantly without needing to be braced and supported. With incredible initial grab, Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is a fast curing, non-shrinking and almost odourless adhesive that held the metal sheets with immediate effect.Three times stronger than regular hybrid polymers, the ‘Tribrid®’ technology in Power Grab n Bond ensures a phenomenal final tensile strength of 22kg/cm2, yet remains flexible, won’t dry out nor become brittle and will work effectively in temperatures ranging from 90°C right down to the Baltic cold -40°C.In fact, not only does Power Grab ‘n’ Bond successfully stick Dibond® to wood and concrete it will adhere to all metals (including lead), stone, granite, ytong, marble, MDF, fiberglass, glass, polystyrene, mirrors and most plastics (except PP, PE and PTFE).Creating a Superior Mechanical Fixing Free FinishUsing a heavy-duty caulking gun, Michael applied Power Grab ‘n’ Bond straight from the cartridge, onto the back of the Dibond® Sheets, allowing it to rest for 4-5minutes to begin activating, before fixing them directly into place.Originally created for facades and heavy stonework such as the installation of quoins, the versatility, strength and reliability of Power Grab ‘n’ Bond means it now used more widely by professional shop fit out companies as well as specialist trades, landscapers, kitchen fitters and bathroom installers. It is tested by a UKAS Accredited lab to BS EN 12003 (Determination of shear adhesion strength of reaction resin adhesives) and BS EN1308 (Determination of slip resistance).Power Grab ‘n’ Bond provided the perfect solution as it’s the ultimate grab adhesive, eliminating the use of mechanical fixings completely and coupled with the rapid curing characteristics saved a lot of additional labour time and cost.Michael said;“The result is exactly what the architect and client wanted, a stunning external façade, with no unattractive mechanical fixings, that not only makes a statement entrance but creates a stunning backdrop for promo photos of new cars too.”Grab also ‘n’ Bond is made in Britain with British technology and British design. Its available now in all good builders’ merchants nationwide and online from www.ct1.comCT1 often copied never equalled!We Innovate – Not Imitate!
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Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Sevenoaks

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Sevenoaks

Knauf Insulation Ltd

“How good is Knauf Insulation’s specification and technical support? Let’s put it this way, I’ve used Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for every façade project since.”- Nikesh Patel, Façade Design Manager at A2O Cladding The Weald of Kent Grammar Annexe extension is a new three-storey satellite facility for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys in Sevenoaks. It comprises state-of-the-art classrooms for a cohort of 90 boys. A2O Cladding were appointed by Willmott Dixon to deliver the technical design and installation of the façade, which is finished with a white and grey silicon render set against a red Corium brickslip façade. One of their first tasks was to finalise the insulation specification based on three key requirements: thermal performance, non-combustibility and sustainability. Meeting the thermal performance challenge The first factor, the thermal performance of the rainscreen façade system, initially proved more difficult than expected. Nikesh Patel, Façade Design Manager at A2O Cladding explained: “U-values provided by the architect for a rainscreen façade system are a bit belt and braces because they’re based on assumptions. So, once we’ve confirmed the sub-structure, we redo them to ensure they’re an accurate representation of the building’s thermal performance.”   “The problem is the manufacturer we were working with couldn’t deliver the U-value of 0.18 W/m2K because they didn’t have the right software.” For most applications, the simplified methodology used for calculating U-values is sufficient. But it is not recommended for rainscreen façade systems, because it does not take into account the complex interaction between the Steel Frame System (SFS) and the insulation. Instead, a blanket correction factor is applied, which can lead to the over-specification of insulation – as it had in this case. To prevent this, 3D U-value calculations should be used. They thermally model the build-up based on the complex interaction between the insulation and the rails and brackets. This ensures greater accuracy giving the specifier a true picture of how the build-up will perform after construction, so it matches its design. But most manufacturers don’t have the capability to undertake these complex calculations in-house, so outsource the service to a third party at a cost to the contractor. Before they went down this route, A2O Cladding asked project architect Bond Bryan for advice, who suggested they contact Knauf Insulation.  “We’d not used Knauf Insulation before so didn’t know the standard of their technical support. The biggest tick in the box was they do free 3D U-value calculations – it really helped to keep the project on track.”  Using these calculations, the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the façade insulation. The product has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK and crucially, a depth of just 150mm would meet the required U-value.  They also recommended 150mm of Rocksilk® EWI Slab with a thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/mK to insulate the rendered external walls. A2O Cladding also decided to use Knauf Insulation’s OmniFit® Slab 35 to insulate the junctions at roof level to ensure continuity of insulation. Fire safety at every height All three products have the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire, should it occur. This meant they met the second specification factor, non-combustibility.  “The Annexe extension is under 18m tall but that would never influence our choice of insulation material. The A2O ethos is that we don’t touch combustible stuff when there are suitable non-combustible solutions available. I mean why would you introduce that risk? Using Mineral Wool insulation gives us, and the school peace of mind.”  Patel goes on to explain that Willmott Dixon has a reputation for quality and will only authorise the use of tested and certified systems. “As the façade contractor, it’s our job to ensure the quality of the supply chain. The fact that Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use in high rise buildings and for so many different build-ups meant it met the rigorous standards demanded for the project.” A focus on sustainability But choosing suppliers isn’t just about performance and fire safety. The third factor in the specification process was sustainability.  “As we finalise the technical design, we need to provide Willmott Dixon with a Technical Submittal for every product, and this includes details of its green credentials. It was another example of how Knauf Insulation makes things simple for contractors. They have EPDs for every product and all the relevant ISO standards, so our insulation specification sailed through.” As well as producing products that improve the thermal efficiency of buildings, Knauf Insulation has been taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint of its products. One example of this is its unique bio-based binder, ECOSE® Technology, 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. From technical support to performance and sustainability, Knauf Insulation scored top marks in all categories – which meant that A2O Cladding didn’t need to compromise on any of their specification requirements or criteria. 
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EWI for two high-rise residential towers

EWI for two high-rise residential towers

Sto Ltd

Located in Tower Hamlets, Gayton House and Sleaford House are managed by housing association Poplar HARCA. Following amendments to Building Regulations, which banned the use of combustible materials in external walls of high-rise buildings above 18m, StoTherm Mineral K was specified to replace the existing EWI system.BBA-certified, StoTherm Mineral K comprises mineral fibre insulation boards and the system is classified with an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.Working on behalf of Westminster Building Company, Square 1 Architectural Solutions was responsible for removing the existing EWI and installing the StoTherm Mineral K system onto four elevations on each 23-storey block. The non-combustible mineral fibre insulation boards were secured to the existing concrete substrate using adhesive and mechanical fixings, and without the need for additional expansion joints.A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to the face of the insulation boards. This was followed by the application of 1.5mm stippled StoSilco, a silicone resin render that provides high levels of water repellence to protect the walls from weathering.
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Grandy's Croft

Grandy's Croft

Kingspan Insulation

Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board has dramatically reduced the energy requirements of a social housing development in Solihull
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Bespoke external furniture for Cardiff & Vale College

Bespoke external furniture for Cardiff & Vale College

Furnitubes International Ltd

The new city centre campus at Cardiff & Vale College sees a distinctive wedge shape building designed with a high focus on sustainability. Furnitubes designers worked closely with the project contractors and Architects involved who were keen to encourage open welcoming spaces for students and members of the public. Part of the solution included a bespoke Elements Podium platform, manufactured in iroko timber slats with steel supports. The platform created an informal seating provision to encourage interaction and socialisation amongst students. Also supplied to the development were a number of contemporary seats and benches to suit the character of the scheme.
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External Waterproofing System - Hobbit House

External Waterproofing System - Hobbit House

Delta Membrane Systems Ltd

The scope of this project was incredibly interesting. The owners sought to create a subterranean space which had the look and feel of a magical ‘Hobbit Home’ as if created by J. R. R. Tolkien himself.
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Trafford & Eccles Housing Project, Manchester

Trafford & Eccles Housing Project, Manchester

Knauf Insulation Ltd

Building performance is crucial if the UK is to meet its ambitious net zero targets. But there’s a big challenge ahead. There are 29 million homes in the UK and buildings generate one third of the UK’s CO2 emissions, 50% of which relate to heating.To address this, the government has announced a clear regulatory roadmap introducing ever-stricter thermal performance requirements.But there’s a bigger issue that tougher thermal performance measures alone will not address. Industry research suggests 27 million homes are not delivering the performance stated on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). That’s because EPCs require no physical measurement on site, assumptions are made based on answers to questions such as whether a property has insulation or a condensing boiler. It does not account for any of the variables that influence actual performance, such as build and install quality or location. This means homes are less energy-efficient, use more carbon and are more expensive to run than their EPC suggests. As a result, the Government’s EPC Action Plan will see EPCs shift from being a notional tick-box exercise to a genuine, evidence-based record of a building’s actual performance.That leaves the construction industry with a problem. How will it ensure buildings actually perform as designed?A genuine, evidence-based recordThe only way to address the issue is to measure real energy performance, but this has been difficult and costly – until now. Knauf Insulation and Knauf Energy Solutions have undertaken two pilot projects which have combined accurate measurement and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology with a quality-controlled retrofit of Mineral Wool insulation to deliver impressive results.The solutionThe two companies have invested in six years of research and development. The result is ground-breaking sensor technology that accurately measures the real energy performance of a home, which is used alongside quality-assured installation of retrofit measures to create buildings that perform as intended.Until now real performance could only be measured via expensive, lengthy, and invasive co-heating tests. By contrast, Knauf Energy Solutions sensors can be fitted unobtrusively to occupied buildings, making the technology discreet, scalable, and cost-efficient.Over 12 weeks, the sensors capture an accurate picture of the building’s performance using machine learning to combine energy meter readings with humidity, temperature, CO2 levels, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and weather data. It then calculates the heat lost through the building roof, walls, and floors to create an accurate picture of each home’s thermal performance. It essentially gives an ‘mpg’ for a home or building.The sensors can be used to ensure new buildings are performing as designed and specified. Or they can inform ‘smart retrofits’ that improve existing buildings’ energy performance and track the subsequent energy bill savings.Retrofits that deliver resultsKnauf Insulation and Knauf Energy Solutions have undertaken the UK’s largest ever real performance retrofit project, to upgrade the thermal performance of 28 homes on a 1970s social housing estate run by Great Places Housing Group in Trafford, Manchester. Early investigation showed the existing insulation had been incorrectly installed and had degraded. Adding to the complexity, the homes also contained unusual build features, such as a stagger between terraces meaning one wall acted as both a party and external wall, each with different thermal characteristics. The companies built a full-scale mock-up of the junction to develop clear protocols for the removal of existing insulation and installation of Knauf Insulation Mineral Wool products. This innovation has enabled the successful installation of Supafil® Party Wall in a staggered party wall – a world first which can be replicated in tens of thousands of other ‘hard to treat’ properties with similar staggers across the country.The second project took place in Eccles, Salford, where the 12 houses had been built to Part L1A in 2014.Sensors were used to benchmark the thermal performance of the properties before commencing quality-controlled refurbishment programmes on both estates, using Knauf Insulation products including Supafil® 34, Supafil® Party Wall, Loft Roll 40 and Rocksilk® RS100.The retrofits were ‘cost-optimal’ delivering results usually targeted by whole-house retrofits with only fabric improvements. To achieve this, the standard of installation was key. Contractors were chosen and managed for quality, and included approved Supafil® contractors, who are certified and actively monitored by Knauf Insulation. Supafil® 34 was injected directly into the cavity using a calibrated blowing machine, ensuring each cavity was fully filled so the specified thermal performance could be achieved. Loft installations were carefully designed and installed so the Loft Roll 40 met up with the Supafil® to provide continuity of insulation and minimise thermal bridging.The two pilot projects delivered impressive results.Trafford31% average fabric efficiency improvement per homeOne home experienced a 51% improvement£411 average annual bill reduction for residentsAverage space heat demand: 65.57 kWh/m2yearAverage CO2g/m2/year: 14.23Eccles17% average fabric efficiency improvement per home28% improvement in one semi-detached homeMoist air leakage risks corrected, preventing sustained structural deteriorationAverage space heat demand: 32.79 kWh/m2yearAverage CO2g/m2/year: 6.78The need for a fabric first approachAccurate measurement alone will not create net zero homes – despite the improvements, all 28 homes in Trafford retained EPC ratings of grade D or E. Similarly in Eccles, the EPC ratings remained mostly static. The refurbishments simply brought their real-world performance in line with the theoretical EPC performance.But the project does show that Knauf Insulation and Knauf Energy Solutions have developed a viable solution for measuring real performance that can be used to underpin net-zero housebuilding and retrofitting by taking a fabric first approach.Bringing benefits to the whole supply chainBefore the refurbishment, residents on the Trafford estate regularly complained their homes were cold and expensive to heat, despite being insulated. In fact, a survey by energy supplier E.ON found this is common, with 49% of landlords saying they didn’t know how to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. This new technology not only gives landlords that information, but by making real-world measurement viable at scale for the first time, it brings benefits to the whole supply chain:Housebuilders can ensure quality control and compliance with the ‘fuel and energy performance’ aspects of the New Homes Ombudsman scheme.Builders and developers can measure thermal performance with certainty and demonstrate they’re delivering for their clients.Tenants and purchasers will enjoy better thermal performance, lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment, and they can also assess the operating costs of prospective homes.The government, councils, housing associations and landlords can verify the return on investment on refurbishments.Ultimately if we are to achieve net-zero, we must first accurately measure building performance. By combining the use of sensor technology with a quality-controlled insulation installation or retrofit, we can close the performance gap of every building – new and existing. The building fabric component of an EPC will be based on real evidence and homeowners and tenants can save money with lower energy bills.Low carbon insulation for low carbon homesKnauf Insulation undertakes Life Cycle Assessments to evaluate the embodied carbon of its products. Its products can be considered low in embodied carbon, with transparent evidence available in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) across its ranges.Knauf Insulation has proactively reduced the embodied carbon in its products over the years, as part of a broader set of activities to reduce its environmental impact. Specific actions to minimise its carbon footprint include the introduction of ECOSE® Technology, its unique bio-based binder, which is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, as well as initiatives to reduce road miles in both sourcing and distribution. Its Glass Mineral Wool products are manufactured using up to 80% recycled glass collected from the local communities around its factories, and the finished products are compressed by up to 10:1 to fit more product into each lorry reducing transport emissions.“From day one, Knauf Insulation brought a level of quality control we haven’t previouslyexperienced in other projects. The measurement service is the first time wehave been offered any certainty that our homes have actually been improved.”Sarah McClelland, Environmental Manager, Great Places
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Springvale Estate, ‘Tavener Court’, West Kensington

Springvale Estate, ‘Tavener Court’, West Kensington

Sto Ltd

Sto’s specialist façade solutions have ensured a new affordable housing development seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. Located in West Kensington on the Springvale Estate, ‘Tavener Court’ comprises eight one and two-bedroom flats as well as two three-bedroom houses, spread across three floors.Externally, the scheme features the StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, which has been finished with StoSilco silicone render in a pale shade of yellow, and a variety of StoDeco three-dimensional profiles to add architectural detailing across the building. With 1,000 colours to choose from in the StoColor system, the Sto render offered extensive design flexibility for architecture and design company, NORR. It has also provided a high level of water repellence and water vapour permeability, making the façade resistant to the build-up of dirt and reducing the growth of algae and fungus. The StoDeco profiles were specified to create window surrounds in pure white, corner detailing around the roof area, and a decorative band course across the façade. Manufactured from Verolith, which comprises 90 per cent perlite, the StoDeco profiles are highly resistant to weather and other environmental factors. Light in weight and easy to work with on site, the products are quick to install and form a durable bond with the render. 
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Granada Blocks External Noise in New Look Coroner's Court

Granada Blocks External Noise in New Look Coroner's Court

Granada Secondary Glazing

Granada’s secondary glazing is contributing to a quieter environment within the new Bradford Coroner’s Court following its move to a newly refurbished separate building in a more built-up and noisier area of the city.Formerly located inside Bradford Magistrates’ Court, the Coroner’s service moved to an independent site in Cater Street, Little Germany in early 2022 following years of concern over “sub-standard” facilities. It serves families in neighbouring Calderdale and Kirklees, as well as Bradford.
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New Build Basement Remediation

New Build Basement Remediation

Newton Waterproofing Systems

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.
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The Bushels

The Bushels

Kingspan Insulation

Kingspan cavity wall insulation is helping to insulate a rural development of affordable homes.
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Tennyson Wharf Care Home

Tennyson Wharf Care Home

Kingspan Insulation

As residents have a varied degree of mobility, care was taken to ensure a level threshold on all doors to external spaces. To achieve this, whilst keeping the area well insulated, the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System was specified. 40 mm Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System was installed on the terrace below Kingspan Thermaroof TR27 LPC/FM. Kingspan OPTIM-R panels were also installed on the balconies, with matching thicknesses of flex infill strips laid around the edges. A further layer of Kingspan Thermataper TT47 LPC/FM was installed above this, providing a fall to the gutter.
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GT Yarmouth - Beattie passive - Retrofit

GT Yarmouth - Beattie passive - Retrofit

Intelligent Membranes

An old block of apartments in Gt. Yarmouth getting a low carbon Retrofit for a higher, cleaner living standard and reduced energy bills. Passive Purple has been used externally on this huge scale block of apartments. with no margin for error and tricky details throughout, a liquid applied airtight membrane was the only way going forward. The building was being insulated externally and getting a whole new façade from render to aluminium panels. With the residents still inhabiting the building this had to be done quickly and easily with maximum results. Being a liquid applied airtight membrane, any cracks, gaps, and service penetration leaks in the existing building fabric quickly became thing of the past. That and the hundreds of Panel brackets being installed to support the new façade going on, this Retrofit had multiple penetrations and tricky details. Making good of the building fabric and awkward brackets with a near on impenetrable adhesion, Passive Purple made fast work of this great conversion, impossible for any other method. Being in liquid state on application, Passive Purple can be applied onto most/any surface (See data sheets for more information) and will find its way into all the unseeable tiny gaps and cracks all buildings will undoubtably have. Like this old pebble dashed façade, any rough, uneven and awkward areas are no longer an issue, our products simply flow into these areas. We also have the fibre reinforced Passive Purple brush, used on this job to prepare the brackets by filling the larger gaps between that of the bracket and the existing wall and also the large penetrating bolts. A huge win and demonstration of the power of liquid products by Intelligent Membranes.
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Thermopassive SIPS house in the Black Isle

Thermopassive SIPS house in the Black Isle

Fakro GB Ltd

Fearnach House on The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland was designed by architect Iain Macbeath, and built by the firm’s sister company, Thermopassive.The house is a 190m² new house, built to the architect’s “Thermopassive” specification with larch timber and render walls and profiled metal roofing. It has PV solar panels with a “diverter” heating up water and charging an electric car. High levels of thermal capacity storage in an insulated concrete floor slab (so it stays warm and flattens out rapid temperature fluctuations) and very good air tightness.There are no cold bridges (which is more important than you would think) and also a heat recovery ventilation system for fresh air.This project uses FAKRO top hung and pivot window preSelect MAX and L-shaped combination windows.When asked, why Fakro roof windows were specified for the project, Ian McBeath told us, “We have been specifying and buying Fakro roof lights for many years. They are well-priced compared with competitive products and of excellent quality and design.The positioning of the handles at the bottom of the window is also a major factor. It makes it much easier to operate a window with the handles at the bottom rather than the top of the window, which is often out of reach of many shorter and disabled people. The windows are also very well insulated and airtight.”The windows have helped achieve an extremely energy-efficient home as well as flooding the upper floor rooms with an abundance of natural light. And the client loves the internal and external finishes.Based in the North of Scotland, Thermopassive Ltd is an architect-owned company which specialises in highly insulated buildings (better than passive house standard) constructed in Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS).
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EASTLEIGH BOROUGH COUNCIL

EASTLEIGH BOROUGH COUNCIL

Metalline Architectural Fabrications

The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. Metalline’s glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels have provided the finishing touch to the external façade of the recently refurbished council offices in Eastleigh, Hampshire. The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. The exterior façade featured a range of horizontal, corner and vertical Ultima panels glazed in on all four sides to a Kawneer structural glazed system. Each of the 50 vertical panels were manufactured by Metalline in aluminium in 3150 mm lengths and joined together to form an impressive 6300mm long aspect. The Ultima flat panels were finished in a grey Syntha Pulvin, whereas the Ultima feature panels complete with a 76mm projection were finished in both green and white Syntha Pulvin, these added a stylish and modern appearance to the building envelope. Metalline’s Ultima aluminium insulated panels are extremely versatile and possess excellent acoustic, thermal and fire performance ratings. They are typically produced using class A1 non-combustible insulation core and can be adapted to fit a variety of facade details, which include the ability to be glazed into a standard curtain walling, or as in the Eastleigh project, a structural glazing system. The panels can also be perforated and manufactured into a variety of shapes to meet the most challenging design criteria. Unity aluminium insulated panels can now be fabricated in an impressive 6000mm in one length.
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Cherrywood, Ireland’s largest urban development

Cherrywood, Ireland’s largest urban development

Sto Ltd

More than 20,000m² of Sto’s external wall insulation system has been specified for two residential schemes at Cherrywood, Ireland’s largest urban development driven forward by real estate group Hines and its joint venture partners, APG Asset Management over the past seven years.Located on a 360-hectare site to the south of Dublin, Cherrywood is expected to serve a population of 25,000 people, offering more than 7,700 new homes, six schools, three parks and leisure facilities.Henry J Lyons Architects selected the StoTherm Mineral insulation system for apartment blocks forming part of the first and second phase of the residential construction. Now complete, the first scheme comprises 431 homes divided into two equally-sized blocks. The second consists of 520 units spread across three blocks and is due to be completed in Summer 2023. Sto installation work was carried out by applicators Platt Reilly.Consisting of mineral fibre insulation boards, the StoTherm Mineral system provides a high level of thermal performance and fire protection. It has been installed onto lightweight steel frames using Sto-Rotofix Plus. Thanks to a unique spiral design, these fixings help to create a seamless façade across all the blocks as well as a cavity behind the insulation board allowing any excess moisture to drain. Using the Sto-Rotofix-Plus, any unevenness in the substrate can be easily rectified by adjusting the insulation boards after they have been installed. This means there is no need for unsightly expansion joints and a smooth surface can be created ready for applying the render.All the apartment blocks will be finished with the StoSilco silicone resin render to provide high levels of water repellence and resistance to algae and fungus growth. 
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London Square Orpington

London Square Orpington

Kingspan Insulation

To ensure these new homes both are energy efficient and warm, the project team sought to surpass the Building Regulations. This led to the specification of Kingspan Kooltherm K106 Cavity Board, which boasts a thermal conductivity of just 0.18 W/m.K across all available board thicknesses. In addition to its outstanding thermal performance, Kingspan Kooltherm K106 Cavity Board also features a water–tight, vapour–open polypropylene fleece outer facing which protects against moisture penetration. As a result, it can be installed with a void of just 10 mm, limiting the thickness of the external walls.
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Kingspan insulates beachfront Grand Design

Kingspan insulates beachfront Grand Design

Kingspan Insulation

A range of premium and high performance products from Kingspan Insulation has been installed on a stunning new beachfront home on the Isle of Wight, featured on Grand Designs. This includes Kingspan Kooltherm K8 Cavity Board, which was used to insulate the majority of the walls throughout the property, and Kingspan Kooltherm K7 Pitched Roof Board, which was were applied to the ground floor overhang. With thermal conductivities as low as 0.020 W/m.K, the products delivered the required thermal performance with a slim build-up, helping to maximise space within the rooms.
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UNIT 25 CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE PARK

UNIT 25 CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE PARK

Metalline Architectural Fabrications

Unit 25 Cambridge Science Park is a state of the art facility providing laboratories and office space for Bio tech and Med Tech companies. This BREEAM Good facility was built by SDC and features an external façade of glass, metallic panels and fins for solar shading. At each corner of the building a chamfered picture frame feature of curtain walling and panels, adds to the modern design. Metalline who manufacture a range of architectural fabrications worked closely with MTW Architectural the specialist façade contractor to ensure that all materials were delivered on time and to exact specification. They supplied in excess of 1000m2 of A2 Ultima insulated panels, Unity interlocking rainscreen panels, interlocking soffits, copings, pressings and cills for the project.The picture frame finish to the corners of the building were finished in a slate grey polyester powder coating. The horizontal rainscreen panels used to break up the expanse of glass shown on the front of the building were finished in tiger drylac 068/70764 PPC This finish mimics an anodised finish and features on all four sides of the building 
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150 Holburn

150 Holburn

URSA UK LTD

A 9-storey, 18,000m2, mixed use development at 150 Holborn in the centre of London. It incorporates retail on the ground floor, offices above and 13 apartments in an adjacent block. Architect Perkins & Will specified URSA’s Walltec 32B slab in critical areas of the new build structure.URSA has supplied 1000m2 of URSA Walltec 32B slab as part of the multi million pound development in London. The mixed use scheme replaces a 1980s office block and feature a café, exhibition and reception space, atrium and roof pavilion with rooftop gardens. The overall building height was limited in order to maintain views of the nearby St Paul’s Cathedral.  The new building aims to offer a healthy work place with natural daylight being a key design feature. As a result the design also incorporates measures to minimise solar gains. Additionally the scheme aims to achieve a LEED ‘Platinum’ rating, BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and Fitwel certification. URSA products assisting here with BS EN ISO 9001 and BS EN ISO 14001 certification along with a BRE Green Guide rating of ‘A+’.Ian Claydon, Technical Manager at URSA commented: “We worked closely with Perkins & Will in developing the specification for those areas of the external walls incorporating URSA Walltec 32B. Including options for the type of insulation to be used and U-value calculations. A particularly critical requirement was for the insulation to be non-combustible, Euroclass A1”.
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Keswick Convention Centre, Keswick Ministries organization

Keswick Convention Centre, Keswick Ministries organization

Sto Ltd

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

Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Saint-Gobain Weber

Having won a bid for £15m of capital funding in 2020, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT) commissioned a new children’s emergency department – including upgraded, expanded facilities and a new overnight observation ward – at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury.Completed in March 2023, the 3,500m2 extension not only provides a dedicated area for children but has also freed up much-needed capacity for adult patients in the existing emergency department, and has reduced overcrowding and improved infection control. The plans also included new facilities to improve access to maternity and gynaecology outpatient services in a modern, purpose-built environment. The buildings adjacent to the children’s department house the hospital’s A&E department and maternity ward, so it was crucial that construction could go ahead without causing any disruption to day-to-day access.Throughout the project, the emergency department drop-off route, blue light route, maternity drop-off route, and A&E entrance remained in use at all times. Designed by London-based architects Hunters, the two-storey buildingwas made using modern methods of construction (MMC) at the main contractor Western Building Systems’ purpose-built in-house manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland.The decision to build using modular construction resulted in minimal disruption to the hospital, both in terms of number of deliveries and overall time to build. Hospital buildings require many services to be installed so the subcontractors worked closely together, supported by quantity surveyors from MESH Construction Consultancy Limited. Steel structure modules were made at the Western Building Systems factory in Coalisland to form the frame of the building. They were then sheathed in 12mm cement particle boards and wrapped in breather membrane.The modular design specified an efficient, certified External Wall Insulation (EWI) system that met all stringent safety standards. EWI systems have huge thermal benefits for any building by conserving energy, minimising heat loss and reducing CO2 emissions. In addition to this, having a fully certified non-combustible solution offers great peace of mind, as well as a fast-track way to provide an attractive and durable façade.  Once the frame was in place on site, render and EWI specialists from Clarke ECO Wall Ltd installed Saint-Gobain Weber’s webertherm XM – a system they are familiar with, having used it on projects previously, including University Hospital Limerick.he EWI system included webertherm MFD mineral fibre insulation board with carbon tip screw fixings, weberend LAC rapid adhesive render coat and silicone enhanced webersil TF decorative finish. This building was made up of two types of wall: one which used 170mm of external insulation and achieved a U-Value of 0.12 W/m2K and another which used just 70mm of webertherm MFD yet still reached a U-Value of 0.18 W/m2K. Both were combined with additional insulation installed within the frame. The system was finished using webersil TF – a highly weather-resistant silicone decorative finish – in Winter White. “The team from Weber were very helpful,” said Michael Clarke, managing director of Clarke ECO Wall Ltd. “They provided all the specification and completed the necessary pull-out tests, fixing patterns and condensation analysis – ensuring everything was approved and there were no grey areas – and offered our team application support while carrying out the work. They took a very collaborative approach.”A representative from Weber made weekly site visits to support the applicators to ensure the system was installed in line with Weber’s recommended best practice. The EWI system was installed in two phases, totalling eight weeks, between April and November 2022.
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The Woodsman’s Treehouse

The Woodsman’s Treehouse

SuperFoil Insulation

Completed in 2016, The Woodsman’s Treehouse is a unique property set high up in the branches of a 200-year-old oak tree in Dorset. The fantastic property is six metres tall and sits 30 feet up in the trees.The Woodsman’s Treehouse needed high performing insulation for the walls in order to keep its guests warm year-round. Due to the already compact area he was building the treehouse in, Guy didn’t want to compromise on space when it came to the thickness of the walls. He needed space saving insulation that still maintained the performance levels of traditional insulation, in order to make sure the heat produced from the wood burner didn’t escape from the building.SuperFOIL provided the project with our SF60 multifoil insulation, which is the world’s highest performing multifoil. The insulation is just 100mm thick, so was the perfect solution to ensure space wasn’t compromised, whilst still offering high thermal performance. The insulation has a 3-in-1 design which consists of three layers- insulation, vapour control and radiant barrier. What this meant was that the treehouse would be protected from condensation whilst still maintaining the right temperature, whatever the season. Offering excellent value for money, SF60 is ideal for both new build or retrofit projects and is certified by BBA and LABC, ensuring it meets the needs of building regulations. The insulation is also made from 40% recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its 50+ year lifespan, so contributed to the sustainability of the project.
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Recticel’s insulation boards provide thermal comfort for modern housing development

Recticel’s insulation boards provide thermal comfort for modern housing development

Recticel Insulation

THE PROJECT: Recticel supplied the low-thermal conductivity insulation boards to ensure new-build homes within a large residential development attained the required levels of thermal performance. The 450-home complex in Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire was fitted with Eurothane® GP boards, which were installed within the properties’ timber-frame cassettes. The insulation was specified for its excellent thermal conductivity of 0.022W/mK. In addition, the boards’ consistent tolerances, straight edges and flatness enhance their usability without compromise to durability. The cassettes containing the insulation were assembled off-site before being installed within the properties’ walls.THE SOLUTION: For this project, the client required a high-performance PIR insulation board that offered walls throughout its collection of houses and bungalows superb thermal performance. This, along with their easy handling ability, made Eurothane® GP boards the ideal solution. It led to the development achieving a U-value of 0.21W/m2K which is above the project’s specific regulatory requirements. It means when the first occupants inhabit this beautifully designed, modern development, they will be inheriting homes that are as comfortable on the inside as they are attractive on the outside.Derek Gough, Senior Estimator at Taylor Lane Timber Frame, which delivered the project’s timber frame properties explained:"Our excellent working relationship with Recticel was key to the success of this project. It’s a collaboration that thrives on their products’ quality, technical expertise and our installation skills and long-held construction experience."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
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St Ann Court, Jersey

St Ann Court, Jersey

URSA UK LTD

Urban development within St. Helier, the capital of Jersey is gathering momentum with URSA seeing its specialist insulation products specified at one of the capital’s newest and most ambitious developments. The largest of the Channel Islands, St. Helier is a lively harbour town and has become one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, creating a high demand for ongoing residential and commercial development. Both its commercial port and marina, as well as the centre and the main neighborhoods, are undergoing an in-depth study for the renovation of its building stock and the transformation of the urban landscape it offers. The ultimate objective is a profound urban regeneration carried out through the creation of a commercial heart open to the sea, in the city centre, and modern, sustainable and healthy residential developments on the outskirts to ensure the demands of future growth. It also aims to reduce traffic and create a walkable city for pedestrians and cyclists with green spaces and open spaces. In the north of the city is Ann Court, a large development located next to a large municipal park built on the site of a former car park that has been demolished. Being developed by Andium Homes, construction is nearing completion on the development of 165 new homes of different sizes and orientations (with internal and external courtyards), but with a common standard: the energy efficiency and sustainability of the whole complex. To support the sustainable objectives, architects have specified a ventilated façade that guarantees thermal and acoustic comfort, whilst preventing moisture penetration and condensation. A correctly designed ventilated façade system also guarantees a fire safe structure, prolongs the life of the building and enhances its energy efficiency. As part of the specification, 2,400 square meters of 220mm URSA Walltec Black 32 were specified. The choice of material was the direct decision of the architect Stephen Marshall of Axis Mason Architects, who decided on the glass wool slabs after learning about their performance and the knowledge provided by URSA's technical office. URSA Walltec Black 32 is a semi-rigid glass wool slab treated with a water repellent additive. The slabs have a black glass fibre tissue to one side only that helps to hide the insulation in ventilated façades with open joints. It is a non-combustible product that does not contribute to the spread of fire, is water repellent and has high performance to ensure the thermal and acoustic comfort of the entire residential complex. Once the insulating material has been fixed, the façade is completed with the installation of the cladding to create cavity that ensures the properties of the system. This imposing façade enveloping the courtyards of Ann Court facilitates a new building in the north of St. Helier where social interaction, tranquility, quality, comfort and healthiness are guaranteed.  Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, said: “We first became involved in this scheme in June 2020. We were approached by the architect for recommendations on correct choice of product and the thermal assessment for the external walls.  “During the early stages of the project, we were in regular contact providing advice on the target U-value in the wall(a commendably low 0.18 W/m2K), as well as the impact on Jersey SAP energy assessment and the technicalities of rainscreen cladding. The team were particularly impressed with the speed of response and our wider technical knowledge, helping to support the perfect specification.” 
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John Taylor High School in Staffordshire Add External Dining Area Canopy

John Taylor High School in Staffordshire Add External Dining Area Canopy

A&S Landscape – School Canopy Manufacturer

Often a challenge during the course of a busy school day, many schools experience pressure on facilities such as dining room areas.
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City West Housing Trust

City West Housing Trust

Knauf Insulation Ltd

ChallengeThe boundary between adjoining properties has always been assumed to be an area of neutral heat loss. However, research undertaken by Leeds Metropolitan University, MIMA (the Mineral Wool Insulation Manufacturers’ Trade Association), BRE (Building Research Establishment) and Knauf Insulation has revealed that a significant amount of heat is actually lost through uninsulated cavity party walls.It is estimated that there are 7.4million existing party walls that have been built with a cavity across the UK.Although these walls provide fire and acoustic separation to meet the requirements of relevant building regulations, the thermal performance of a party wall had not previously been considered.Knauf Insulation has provided solid evidence that its Supafil® Party Wall glass mineral wool blowing insulation is a reliable way of eliminating party wall bypass and so City West Housing Trust, a Salford based housing association, has installed the product as part of a pilot scheme to a number of its properties.Working alongside Bridgewater Surveyors and others, City West wanted to improve the energy efficiency of their tenants' properties and are continually looking for other ways to reduce energy costs and consumption. Knowing that by insulating the cavity party walls of properties could lower energy bills for their tenants they embarked on the trial project – with the aim of a possible roll out across other areas in the North West.After approaching Knauf Insulation for advice, City West and Bridgewater Surveyors settled on a reliable solution: Knauf Insulation’s Supafil® Party Wall insulation.SolutionSupafil® Party Wall prevents heat loss through party separating cavity walls by fully filling the cavity. Supafil® Party Wall is an in-situ formed unbonded, non-combustible glass mineral wool. Knauf Insulation have now completed an extensive research programme to develop a proven methodology for installation into existing homes to add to the product’s use in new build applications.As well as being an excellent thermal insulant, Supafil® Party Wall insulation also has good sound absorption characteristics which help to ensure that when a party wall is upgraded, it complies with the requirements of Approved Document Part E of the Building Regulations - which is designed to protect occupants from noise in adjoining rooms or buildings.As part of the Salford project, houses were tested before and after the installation took place. The reduction in the heat loss was equivalent to an improvement in the effective U-value of the party wall of at least 0.5 W/m2K. This shows there is a significant beneficial impact for tenants in fully filling cavity party walls with Supafil® Party Wall Insulation.Supafil® Party Wall insulation fitted into City West’s obligation to maintain a greener environment as the product conserves energy and reduces the emissions of the major greenhouse gas, CO2. The energy and CO2 emission saved by the product in use vastly outweighs those generated in its manufacture. Supafil® Party Wall has a generic BRE Green Guide Rating of A+ and has zero Ozone Depletion Potential and zero Global Warming Potential.When completed, the trials will measure the extent of customers’ energy bill savings – estimated to be up to £90 a year – as well as the amount of carbon emissions that could be reduced."We are committed to ensuring our properties are as energy efficient as possible and along with Supafil® Party Wall insulation we have installed cavity and loft insulation to our portfolio of properties."Gary Vaughan – Head of Sustainability & Supply Chain, City West

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