Dec 19 2006
The re-modelling and refurbishment of social housing, to bring it up to modern thermal insulation and comfort standards, and add visual appeal, is frequently achieved using external wall insulation.
Two local authority estates have won the Andy Swan 2006 Award for the best use of external wall insulation for low rise social housing, sponsored by the Insulated Render and Cladding Association.
The winning project was Peel Avenue, an estate of no-fines houses that have been totally modernised both internally and externally using external wall insulation. Wirral MBC wished to upgrade the thermal efficiency in line with Building Regulations, and their aesthetic appearance.
The PermaRock mineral fibre insulation system was installed, with scratch render on the upper floors and dry dash finishes. A U-value of 0.35W/m2K was achieved with 70mm of mineral wool: the use of the different finishes and a specially made profile incorporated into the design, allowed a ‘stepping’ feature between the two finishes for a modern appearance. New windows, doors and canopies were added. The system designer was Permarock Products Ltd; the installer, E J Horrocks Ltd – both INCA members.
The runner-up was the two-storey residential flats for the elderly, at Norwood Avenue, Burley in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, which were remodelled, replacing the existing panelled substrate with an external wall insulation system fixed to timber framework and sheathing.
The specifier, BCHTG Aire-Wharf Area Housing Office specified the weber.therm XM system, with 90mm fibreslab, to achieve a 0.35W/m2K U-value. This was finished with a seamless decorative, textured acrylic render to blend-in with surrounding stonework. The system designer was Weber Building Solutions; and the installer, Slimline Building Services Ltd – both INCA members.