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Cladding & External Facades. . . 66
Insulation matters when it comes to refurbishment
HUGE IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO IMPROVE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF BUILDINGS BY ENSURING THAT THE OPTIMUM LEVEL OF FABRIC INSULATION IS USED. WHEN RETROFITTING AND REFURBISHING EXISTING BUILDINGS, SPECIFIERS CAN TURN TO THE BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION FROM BRUFMA TO GAIN AN INSIGHT INTO EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION, ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS OF REDUCING WASTEFUL HEAT LOSS.
With endorsement from the UK’s leading PIR manufacturers, the comprehensive guide from The British Rigid Urethane Foam Manufacturer’s Association (BRUFMA) is a best practice guide for both new build and refurbished buildings that are to receive an External Wall Insulation render system which incorporates PIR rigid foam insulation boards.
The fabric-first approach
External Wall Insulation (‘EWI’) systems, also known as ETICS (‘External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems’) have a number of key benefits including improved aesthetics, improved energy performance and the extended serviceable life of a building. They also offer benefits throughout the year, acting as heat protection on hot summer days as well, helping to create a more comfortable indoor climate – often without the need for additional cooling.
By improving the appearance and weatherproofing, external insulation and render systems are particularly cost effective when the envelope of the building is in need of upgrading and repair. There are two complimentary ways of fixing the PIR insulation boards, the first is using render bedding and the second is to mechanically fix the insulation to the existing structure. More often than not a combination of both is employed. Insulated render systems are proprietary and utilise different mechanisms for attaching insulation to the wall structure. This solution is particularly popular when a building requires both a thermal upgrade and an improved aesthetic, or internal upgrade is not practical.
A systemised approach
Highly efficient PIR insulation products, produced by BRUFMA members, have been used in ETICS for a number of years now and it is envisaged that this agreed standard guidance will be of help to both designers and installers to ensure delivery of high quality ETICS systems, using modern PIR boards. BRUFMA supports a system approach to ETICS and is pleased to develop this guide in support of the growing ETICS Industry in the UK. featuring a multitude of finishes and methods of application. In some cases, an EWI system may be the only practical method of achieving significant thermal and aesthetic upgrades.
Refurbishing our existing buildings to be more energy efficient has never been more important. As with new builds, many of the same principles apply for refurbishment projects, with a ‘fabric first’ approach such as ETICS being one of the simplest, most cost effective way of tackling fuel poverty and transforming our inefficient and energy hungry buildings.
For more information about BRUFMA visit www.brufma.co.uk.
The quiet children’s home achieves fame
THIS DRAMATIC “CHILDREN'S HOME OF THE FUTURE” IN DENMARK HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS MIES VAN DER ROHE AWARD. DESIGNED BY CEBRA, THE RENOWNED AARHUS-BASED DANISH ARCHITECTS, IT IS NEW TYPE OF 24HOUR CARE CENTRE FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN.
The architects’ focus on natural building materials has contributed greatly to its success, attraction and user satisfaction. For example, the exterior is entirely clad in wood while internally the floors are all wood and Troldtekt acoustic panels have been used on all the ceilings. All this has created an attractive environment, pleasant acoustics and a feeling of wellbeing throughout the complex.
The building comprises four interconnected houses which form varied, self-contained units that together feel more like a home and less like an institution. The shape is emphasised by the striking pitched roofs, window piercings and extensions which grow in and out of the individual sections. The resulting spaces are very flexible in terms of their layout, furnishings and use, depending on the needs and activities of the children.
Danish manufactured Troldtekt acoustic tiles are specified in the UK and Europe. Made from 100% natural wood fibres, their benefits are high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. They are used to improve acoustics in many different buildings, such as schools, swimming pools, commercial and public. Available in various sizes and in three grades from ultrafine to coarse, they can be left unpainted or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Troldtekt sustainability has also been recognised with certification at Silver level within the Cradle to Cradle concept. This international certification has been achieved because the panels do not contain hazardous substances and can be recycled.
For samples and comprehensive technical information tel 01978 664255 or visit www.troldtekt.co.uk
Troldtekt – Enquiry 117
Kingspan school is outstanding in every way
Over 1150m2 of premium and high performance insulation products from Kingspan Insulation have helped Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen Comprehensive School in Bridgend to become the first BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rated high school of its kind in the UK. Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board was specified as it provides outstanding levels of thermal performance with thermal conductivities as low as 0.020 W/m.K. To insulate the roof space of the school, a further 368m2 Kingspan Thermaroof TR26 LPC/FM was installed. The high performance product is fully compatible with most mechanically fixed waterproofing systems.
Kingspan Insulation –Enquiry 118 New ROCKFON Monolithic ceiling adds sound styling and sophistication
New generation ROCKFON Mono Acoustic ceilings have been chosen for the reception, restaurant and bar areas of the new London Mondrian hotel. ROCKFON Mono Acoustic brings together the seamless, clean lines associated with traditional plastered surfaces, with performance characteristics thought only possible with modular suspended ceiling and wall systems. It provides Class A sound absorption (0.90�w) which significantly decreases echo and reverberation levels, creating a relaxed environment where guests can hear their conversations. The tiles are installed using a Chicago Metallic suspension system or can be directly mounted on existing ceilings and walls.
ROCKFON –Enquiry 119 Systems from Fermacell are now available through bimstore
Systems from Fermacell, manufacturer of the “ultimate building board”, are now available through bimstore. Downloadable in the Revit format, more than 30 Fermacell systems for walls, floors and ceilings are now available through the UK’s largest BIM portal, www.bimstore.co.uk, as well as through www.fermacell .co.uk. The Fermacell BIM components include steel and timber stud partitions, steel and timber wall linings and SFS wall systems as well as dry floor screed and steel frame and timber ceilings. Fermacell’s BIM models provide 3D digital replicas of the products as well as the critical COBIE data.
