Why is airtightness important?

 

Ensuring airtightness is rapidly becoming a key objective for both traditional and modern methods of construction (MMC). This is driven by a number of factors including the protection of a building’s structure, thermal comfort for the occupants – and perhaps most importantly of all – energy efficiency.

It is fast approaching 2025, and compliance with the Future Homes Standard (FHS) will become mandatory. The goal of FHS is to ensure that new homes built from 2025 onwards will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes constructed under the current Building Regulations.1 The Government has already updated Part F2 and Part L3 of the current Building Regulations, which came into effect in June 2022. Part F refers to new standards of ventilation and Part L highlights the airtightness requirements, minimum energy performance targets for buildings and improved minimum insulation standards required for new builds, renovations, and extensions.  With all these changes coming to play, the drive towards more sustainable building cannot be ignored. One way to improve energy efficiency, is to ensure buildings are airtight.

 

Demands for airtightness in buildings

Airtightness is particularly important in the design of energy-efficient homes for reasons such as reducing heat loss, protecting the building the fabric from moisture in the air and reducing air leakages (uncontrolled ventilation).   To help meet demands, MEDITE SMARTPLY offers two environmentally conscious airtight products that are suited for traditional and modern methods of construction (MMC). Firstly, SMARTPLY PROPASSIV, a structural OSB/3 panel with integrated air barrier and vapour control properties. The other, SMARTPLY SURE STEP, an airtight, tongue and groove OSB/3 panel with a high-performance and durable coating.

SMARTPLY PROPASSIV can be used for the walls and ceilings. The panel is airtight and is designed for use as internal structural sheathing on the warm side of the insulation in timber frame construction systems.SMARTPLY PROPASSIV is certified as an airtight component by the Passive House Institute and therefore contributes to comply with the air permeability requirements set out by the Passive House Institute.

For flooring and roofing, there is SMARTPLY SURE STEP. Using SURE STEP as an airtight layer for flooring or decking can contribute to sustainable building practices as well as reduce the energy consumption for heating. Its unique coating also brings improved durability during the construction phase and slip resistance to the panel in all site conditions. SMARTPLY SURE STEP is certified airtight by the Passive House Institute.  Both products can be used together to form an airtight, opaque envelope in buildings, which forms a fundamental part of the design of airtight structures.

The importance of ventilation in airtight buildings

It is estimated that people spend around 80-90% of their time indoors,4 and so without proper ventilation, airtight structures can have poor indoor air quality.  Controlled ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) is installed to stop this and is a requirement in Passive House buildings. This involves extracting hot air from wet rooms and supplying fresh air to living and bedrooms. The fresh air is filtered and is heated by the extracted air through a heat exchanger. In very cold climate, the fresh air can be heated through ground or air heat pumps.

SMARTPLY PROPASSIV has a distinctive green coating which offers consistent vapour resistance over the entire surface eliminating the need for additional Air and Vapour Control Layout (AVCL) membranes. The vapour control layer helps to prevent the transfer of vapour through materials by humidity or temperature differences through a process known as ‘vapour diffusion.’ Essentially, stopping air and moisture from escaping outside. This is especially important when it comes to timber frame constructions, as vapour transferring trough the fabric could condensate and cause long term damages to the timber frame structure.  As an example of how engineered wood panels can dramatically reduce embodied carbon outcomes, ‘live’ assessments were carried out using SMARTPLY PROPASSIV. The panels’ airtight performance was found to reduce heat loss by up to 90% in a typical building and up to 60% in a property constructed to current building standards.5

A sustainable material

When timber is managed responsibly, it can emerge as an exceptionally sustainable construction material. SMARTPLY OSB exemplifies this sustainability ethos, as it is manufactured from FSC® certified timber sourced from fast growing pine and spruce trees. Moreover, SMARTPLY OSB utilises logs from forest thinnings or top of the trees ensuring that all wood harvested is used.   Airtightness plays a pivotal role in energy-efficient homes. MEDITE SMARTPLY offers innovative airtight products like SMARTPLY PROPASSIV and SMARTPLY SURE STEP, which not only enhance airtightness but also contribute to sustainable building practices. In an era where sustainability, energy efficiency, and compliance with stringent standards are paramount, airtightness in MMC is not just a consideration but a fundamental requirement. MEDITE SMARTPLY’s innovative solutions not only meet these demands but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious construction industry.

 

1. www.cbre.co.uk/insights/articles/what-is-the-2025-future-homes-standard-and-how-will-it-impact-residential-real-estate#:~:text=In%202025%2C%20compliance%20with%20the,under%20the%20current%20Building%20Regulations.
2. www.gov.uk/government/publications/ventilation-approved-document-f
3. www.gov.uk/government/publications/conservation-of-fuel-and-power-approved-document-l
4. uk-air.defra.gov.uk/assets/documents/reports/
5. mdfosb.com/en/sustainability/our-sustainable-solutions

 

CLICK HERE to learn more about SMARTPLY products and its benefits to MMC

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Offsite fabrication overcomes unforeseen challenges in older buildings

 

Replacing drainage stacks in larger multiple occupancy buildings can be a challenging task. Not only could pipe fittings and connection sizes be outdated, but older buildings can also have any number of hidden surprises in store once work starts. Plus, dealing with all this must be balanced with the need to minimise disruption caused to residents. Dean Pearse, Project Manager at Polypipe Building Services explains how they use offsite manufacturing methods to help overcome these issues.

Traditional methods

In multiple occupancy buildings the traditional approach of assembling loose drainage stack components on site can mean a significant level of disruption, as this typically means a period where residents are unable to use their sinks, toilets and other facilities.   Added to this is that the older a building is, the more likely that what’s found on site differs to the original plans – if these plans are even still around. Bathrooms may have been moved or reconfigured, additional appliances may have needed extra drainage. This adds up to a range of challenges unique to each project, and the potential for time-consuming surprises if a traditional approach is taken and they are dealt with as they are encountered.

This was the case at two 11-storey tower blocks owned by Fortem and Birmingham City Council where our Advantage service carried out a complete stack replacement. Moreover, there were elderly and vulnerable residents in situ which meant installation safety, speed and efficiency was essential. It was therefore important that we tried to avoid the cutting and welding associated with on-site assembly so that disruption was kept to a minimum.

A better solution

It was recognised that prefabricating the drainage system would offer the most effective way to both minimise disruption and to work around the known changes to the layout of the tower blocks since they were built. This was completed by our Advantage team, who provided a full design and comprehensive prefabricated system that meant much less work on site cutting and welding pipework.

Initially this urgent drainage replacement had seemed straightforward to the installer given both blocks appeared very similar in layout on the original plans. However, as their team moved in to begin work on one of the blocks it became apparent that in this block there was an additional stack serving the ground floor apartments which was not on the original plans. Digging through the floors of apartments on this level to discover where this stack ran wasn’t an option, so a bespoke solution was needed which could connect the existing iron stack to the new one.

In this instance, having the system designed by us offered a further benefit in that our team was able to step in and produce bespoke pipes and fittings to accommodate the unexpected layout found on site. These were then fabricated within a very short time frame to ensure the programme of works on site wasn’t delayed.

Ease of installation

HDPE is durable and flexible enough to accommodate different diameters in pipework and height which is essential when older pipework may no longer match standard loose parts which would then need more work to address using more time on site.

HDPE is also lightweight making it easier to install and offers advantages in how it can be prefabricated as 3D printed jigs and mirror-welding offsite means connection angles can be bespoke engineered to tight tolerances to accommodate a range of fittings. In this case it ensured a safer and better-quality installation while still meeting the tight timeframe for the project.

With temporary mechanical connections at the top and bottom Terrain FUZE drainage stacks can also be made live quickly allowing residents to use their facilities, then all the branches can be capped and connected later. With this project the inlet position needed bespoke connections into the stack which can elbow differently, and the customer relied on the Advantage team to put them in the right place. The solution in this case was for them to be fabricated into two sections so they could be twisted into exactly the right position. Working with HDPE also means the pipework can be futureproofed with extra fittings for future installations as spigots with welded-on end caps can be left ready for additional appliances in the future.  Working with a manufacturer who can offer a bespoke design and prefabrication service means that live stack replacement in RMI projects like this can be completed quicker and any unexpected surprises within the drainage system are addressed within the design stage rather than in real-time at greater cost in time, materials, and disruption to residents. Offsite methods of construction also reduce the amount of skilled labour needed by contractors on site, and by reducing this burden we can help reduce supply chain issues, including labour timescales, that can impact on their project delivery.

For more information about the prefabrication options and Advantage

Service from Polypipe Building Services

call 01622 795200

OR CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Moralt FERRO is fast-becoming an MMC favourite

 

FERRO, a premium range of door blanks from leading German manufacturer Moralt, is fast becoming a product of choice for the UK’s offsite developer community. 

Available from leading architectural materials distributor, James Latham, FERRO comprises some of the most robust blanks available on the market, with developers increasingly attracted by their ability to be worked into strong, stylish and long-lasting doors.  The blanks are made from top-quality natural and engineered timbers, with either paintable plywood, exterior MDF or decorative veneered plywood faces.  What sets FERRO apart is that each blank contains two thermally isolated solid steel stabilising bars in its core, helping to prevent bowing and warping (Moralt offers a 10 year anti-bowing and warping warranty), and making them ultra-secure; providing enhanced security benefits (RC 2 and RC 3 (Resistance class) to EN1627, and also UK PAS 24 / EN BS 6375).   Additionally, Moralt is committed to replace any FERRO door, free-of-charge, which warps more than 4mm during the warranty period, including fitting costs.

Ready For Any Application

The FERRO range is CE-certified and has been developed to meet contemporary specification requirements.  Starting with the standard Klassikplus, specifiers can choose from a wider range of enhanced blanks with increased thermal performance, soundproofing and fire resistant properties; or a combination of all these augmentations.

This includes:  • Akustik: possessing superior noise-absorbing qualities, to meet the most rigorous acoustic requirements and provide noise insulation of up to 43 dB
• FireSafe: external door blanks set a new level of standards for fire protection, incorporating the latest fire retardant technology
• Passiv: blanks consist of light, pressure-resistant, and thermally-insulating solid timber, adding to their energy-efficient performance
• FireSafe Passiv/FireSafe Akustik: goes even further, combining high levels of fire protection with the optimum levels of thermal efficiency or acoustic protection  An All-Round Performer

Perfect for any application, commercial or residential, the FERRO range delivers on every level.  Unlike many competing products it can be used to manufacture doors which are strong and robust and deliver maximum interior comfort through optimum airtightness, with a customisable finish for unrivalled visual appeal. This guarantees long-term value on every level.  It has also been designed with the growing offsite sector in mind, with a range of prefabricated door sets available from the manufacturer, produced to European and British official standards.  Simple to incorporate into modular wall cassettes, these framed sets can be easily worked and installed within a controlled setting, ready to plug and play, increasing consistency and efficiency.

Even better, all blanks in the range meet the UK’s newly introduced sustainability requirements for residential properties, ensuring developers and asset owners remain compliant with regulation.  Commenting on the introduction of FERRO in the UK, James Latham’s Group Door Manager, Steve Williams, says,

 

“FERRO is one of the most exciting architectural products currently available in the UK and Irish market, the perfect balance of style and substance. Its steel stabiliser ensures unparalleled structural durability, and security. This will reassure both residents and asset owners that their external doors will provide extra protection against the elements and intruders. Furthermore, developers will feel reassured that the thermal performance of the FERRO range will help them meet the revised Part L requirements, which become compulsory at the end of June 2023. Once again, Moralt has responded to its audience’s requirements with a product that goes above and beyond to meet almost any specification.”

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE LATHAM TIMBER WEBSITE

 

/0 Comments/by

Delivering MMC frameworks informed by real-time factory assessments

 

By Dean Fazackerley, Head of Technical Procurement, LHC Procurement Group

With the UK under pressure to deliver hundreds of thousands of new homes a year to address a chronic housing crisis, modern methods of construction (MMC) are increasingly recognised as a means to deliver quality housing at pace. Some reports indicate that MMC homes can be constructed at least 30% faster than traditional methods, and with up to a 25% reduction in costs.  MMC can also support the delivery of greener homes of a higher quality; components are less likely to be faulty because they are manufactured in controlled factory conditions, which can also lead to significant reductions in waste.

Despite this, the take-up of MMC has been modest owing to some trepidation within the sector. We believe this could be down to a misunderstanding of the barriers to entry into MMC, and complications with public sector procurement constraints. It can be seen as an expensive luxury, with many manufacturers working to their own designs, and complex to manage with new supply chains and stakeholders to work with. We have also heard the perception that public procurement constraints limit a local authority’s ability to develop the right relationships required for MMC.

However, through framework agreements, the contracting authorities can manage this process much more easily, with a single point of contact and access to technical expertise that aligns with all RIBA Plan of Work 2020 stages, from the initial stages through to design, construction, handover, and use.

Dedicated MMC frameworks

Earlier this year, our Modern Methods of Construction of New Homes (NH3) framework went live. It is the successor to NH2, which enabled £93.5m-worth of offsite homes projects with a total forecast value of £277m.
NH3 has been shaped by extensive engagement with housing contractors and manufacturers. It allows for a range of housing types, from low rise and medium/high rise, through to specialist accommodation such as care homes. The framework also provides for delivery of ‘room in the roof’ projects and adaptive pods.

Framework agreements like this allow relationships to flourish over a longer-term period and help set out an integrated supply chain. We see it as a vital tool to drive programmes for low-carbon, modern homes for housing associations and local authorities across the country

 

Quality assessments

Our commitment to becoming a Gold Standard framework provider means that as part of the development of NH3, we conducted an in-depth assessment of all potential suppliers.
This began with a questionnaire tailored depending on the workstream: 3D modular systems; 2D panelised systems; main contractors delivering MMC solutions; and groundworks and site preparation for MMC housing projects.

To evidence their capability to deliver MMC projects for the workstreams they had applied for, applicants to the framework were quizzed on everything from what training they provide staff with to how they demonstrate KPIs, and how they monitor customer feedback during projects. For consistency, two colleagues from our dedicated centre of technical excellence assessed each workstream.  Following this, we spent a day on site with each manufacturer to conduct in-depth factory assessments to assess their factory process.  Again, applicants were scored for the following:

Quality of products

 

Including structure, cladding, finish, and M&E installation, throughout the construction process from goods in down the production line to storage and dispatch.

Pre-manufactured value – what level of automation was used throughout.  Environmental and waste management – what measures were taken to minimise environmental impact and waste management. For example, how do they reduce energy usage on premises in terms of heating and lighting? How do they manage water usage during manufacturing and in the offices? Which materials are they using in manufacturing? And are there any EV charging points available to use?

Process management

 

We observed the quality control process for elements down the production lines, how products are marked up on the production line, the worksheets for products, and inspection and sign-off at each stage.   Quality of temporary weather protection during storage at the factory/on site and transportation.  Scores from the questionnaires and factory assessments were added together to calculate a final score, and those who scored the highest were awarded the highest allotted award.

 

Appetite for offsite

One thing that was evident during the assessment process was the sheer passion among industry professionals who want to champion and promote MMC. Fortunately, we are seeing local authorities beginning to look past the barriers to entry to see the value MMC can bring; our NH2 framework – the successor to NH3 – led to a pipeline of nearly 5,000 MMC homes across 133 projects. The government’s push towards MMC in its policies – especially the Affordable Homes Programme – should see this figure increase further.

 

CLICK HERE to find out more about LHC and its NH3 framework

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Ideal Heating expands & upgrades commercial training options

 

Following a substantial investment via its Expert Academy team, Ideal Heating – Commercial Products has considerably expanded its commercial training courses for installers, and upgraded its Training Centres of Excellence that are the prime delivery method.

Ideal Heating training now covers the complete range of Ideal Heating commercial products. Popular existing training courses on commercial boilers, like the Evomax 2 or Imax Xtra 2, remain whilst new courses have been added addressing commercial heat pumps and Heat Interface Units.

The courses are delivered by dedicated Expert Academy training managers, whose extensive experience and qualifications across the heating and gas industries provide course attendees with invaluable insight and technical knowledge. A simple step-by-step approach is taken with each course, incorporating ample opportunity for hands-on learning to ensure all aspects of installing, commissioning, servicing, and fault finding can be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Each course can be customised to ensure it meets the needs of individual installation and servicing companies.

The full range of courses are available in Ideal Heating’s BPEC approved and City & Guilds assessment Centres of Excellence at Bridgehead in Hull and Leeds, plus Ideal Heating’s Dalgety Bay facilities in Fife. These premises have been completely refurbished to convert them into state of the art training facilities, with Ideal Heating’s commercial products installed so attendees can get interactive, hands-on training. In addition to dedicated training centres, Ideal Heating has built a special mobile Evomax 2 boiler rig, to take training on the UK’s number one commercial boiler direct to customers’ sites.

A new 36 page Commercial Products Training Courses brochure has also been launched by Ideal Heating which provides a useful overview of all the different courses available. It details the content of each course, who should attend, duration, location and price; with the exception of BPEC and City & Guilds qualifications courses, Ideal Heating commercial training courses are provided free of cost.

Feedback on the training provided by Ideal Heating – Commercial products has been very positive, with consistent five out of five ratings achieved. Commenting on the Evomax 2 course he recently attendant, Nick Donohoe of York University said:

“Excellent course presentation, very informative, have learned how to program these boilers. Well done!”

CLICK HERE to view and book Ideal Heating commercial training courses

or CLICK HERE to email Ideal Heating’s training team direct

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Meeting the challenge of water scarcity

 

If our water usage patterns don’t change, the UK will have an ongoing water deficit of 4,000 Megalitres per day by 2050.  Reductions in leakage and domestic consumption are the two primary strands of water conservation targeted by Defra and the water companies. 

 

 

Some areas of England are already restricting future development unless ‘water neutrality’ can be demonstrated. This requires both existing and new properties to reduce per capita consumption (PCC) to the extent that overall water usage levels do not increase.  Reduce leaks, design out joints on pipes and prepare for smarter meters.

Recent research by Thames Water showed that 8% of households show continuous flow on a smart meter, indicating and undetected leak.  This means that up to 25% of water supplied to domestic properties is wasted as leakage.  This leakage can be due to old and corroded lead supply pipes, but the majority of leaks originate from joints in the supply pipe.  The House Building Federation (HBF) and Water UK have since 2014 issued best practice guidelines.  Of the 5 prinicples, 4 relate to minimising use and leakage.
Meter Location Best Practice Guidelines1.

1.  Preferably water companies should use the Water UK/HBF Amended Contaminated Land Assessment Guidance Document for new sites and connections.

2.  The use of a continuous and uninterrupted length of service pipe from the water main to the dwelling.  The service pipe should be designed and constructed in such a way as to minimize the risk of leakage.

3. The Stop tap should be located above ground.

4. Water meters should be located above ground.

5. Water Companies should consider the use of technology such as ‘smart’ metering to enhance the accessibility of water consumption data for both homeowners and themselves.

Surface mounted meter housings are a perfect solution for modern methods of construction.  Meeting all the HBFs Best Practice Guidelines, the meter housing can be pre-installed along with all the internal plumbing systems, and then connected to the mains supply via a continuous, uninterrupted length of pipe.    An early adopter of the surface mounted meter housing is Portsmouth Water.  Bob Taylor, CEO Portsmouth Water explained their philosophy,

 

‘Portsmouth Water’s policy of having a single joint free service pipe from mains connection right the way through to the wall mounted boundary box has certainly improved confidence around the longer-term quality of these new assets from a leakage perspective.  This policy is also helpful in the context of reducing customer side leakage and emerging knowledge in this area is showing that this is a bigger challenge than our previous understanding indicated.’

 

Steve Leigh, Managing Director Groundbreaker, and developer of the wall mounted boundary box has over 40 years’ experience in the Water Industry.

‘We’ve been putting pipes in holes in the ground to protect them from frost for decades’, he explained.  ‘Although it works, today’s new materials allow for a much better solution.  Keeping pipes on the surface reduces the risk of leaks developing and allows for easy repair and maintenance.  It’s just a much better method of working.’

Steve continued, ‘The advent of new smart metering options has also highlighted the problems of burying meters in a hole in the ground.  Groundbreaker allows for a stronger communications signal strength relative to underground meter installation.  Such systems have been proven to be able to be read from over 2 miles away from a single pick-up point and worldwide if linked to the internet.’

 

Reduce usage, a fit and forget solution  ‘Over supply’ of water, i.e. water flow rates that are higher than required to provide an adequate supply, results in waste of water.  Running taps when brushing teeth, showering, or rinsing cups uses more water than necessary.  Approximately 40% of domestic water usage is from bathroom and kitchen taps and showers. ‘Eco’ or water saving shower heads are designed to restrict the water flow to a single outlet are highly effective but fittings these come at a price, especially larger properties with multiple bathrooms.  The alternative is whole site flow reduction.  Fitting a device such as Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo®, at the meter regulates the level of flow entering customer premises – regardless of network pressure.  As the flow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used in ‘time controlled’ activities is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service.  More importantly not requiring any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, so leading to ‘natural’ reduction in consumption.

1. www.water.org.uk/guidance/meter-location-best-practice-guidelines

 

CLICK HERE for further information on the full range of Groundbreaker products

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by

ROCKWOOL® offers non-combustible solution for student accommodation

Unilife offers high-quality accommodation for students in Guilford, Southampton, and Winchester, providing premium student accommodation with a focus delivering a high-quality student experience.

With the availability of accommodation one of the factors students consider when choosing which university to study at, Unilife was looking to expand the accommodation on offer at the main campus of the University of Surrey in Guildford.

Unilife turned to Stelling Properties, one of the UK’s leading modular development and construction companies, when the need for more student accommodation arose.

Student accommodation has to be affordable, comfortable, have a location close to the campus, and, ideally, be quick to construct to minimise disruptions on campus during the academic year.

Stelling designed a six-storey accommodation block with 99 studio bedrooms and communal areas that could be mainly manufactured off-site as modular units. Each of the studio bedrooms has space for a bathroom, a study corner, a bed, and a kitchenette.

By manufacturing the modules offsite, Stelling was able to produce high quality units very quickly, completely independent of the weather conditions onsite. It also meant that, as soon as the groundworks had finished and the slab was ready, the accommodation block could be assembled because the units were being built at the same time as the groundworks.

“The planning process for off-site projects of this size is slightly different from traditional construction projects,” explains Jordan Griffiths, project engineer at Stelling Properties. “The design has to be absolutely perfect before we go onsite. It’s slightly more complicated and there is more work upfront. Once we are installing the units onsite, it is too late to make major design changes.

The solution was found with ROCKWOOL RWA45 non-combustible stone wool insulation, which was used for the floors, walls and ceiling of each accommodation unit.  “It is really important that all teams involved, client, architect, factory, and onsite, communicate regularly and clearly to make projects like this successful. There is very little room for error. For example, the interfaces between the units and the groundworks can be challenging. We work on +/- 2 mm tolerance in the factory, while onsite the tolerance can be +/- 10 mm. Each team needs to be absolutely clear about what is expected.”
A module takes about 10 days to make in the factory. Once on site, the module can be moved from the lorry to its final position in four minutes. On average, Stelling installed eight to 12 modules per day.

The whole block is built with steel frames and thin wall metal partitions. While steel frame buildings are known for their durability, they also present a challenge by causing thermal bridging, resulting in higher thermal loss than buildings made from wood and bricks.  In addition, thin metal walls conduct noise easily – presenting an acoustic challenge for lively student accommodation.

As a result, special attention was given to the overall insulation of the new accommodation block. The solution was found with ROCKWOOL RWA45 non-combustible stone wool insulation, which was used for the floors, walls and ceiling of each accommodation unit. ROCKWOOL RWA45 is known for its thermal and natural acoustic properties, but also for its fire resilience capabilities. What’s more, RWA45, like all stone wool insulation, will maintain its performance over the lifetime of the building1.

“We have been working with ROCKWOOL on many of our projects and know the products well,” adds Jordan Griffiths. “Working with the ROCKWOOL technical support team, we very quickly established that RWA45 was the right insulation for this project.”

In time for the new academic year, Unilife will open new high quality, safe and comfortable accommodation close to the university and Guildford town centre.  Interruption to the town itself and the university campus was kept to an absolute minimum due to the quick installation of the prefabricated accommodation modules.

 

1. In tests on materials from real-life construction sites, stone wool has been shown to retain its insulating properties for more than 65 years without a drop in performance. Testing done at Danish Technical Institute (DTI) in 2023

CLICK HER for more information of ROCKWOOL RWA45

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Hebridean housebuilder specifying SterlingOSB Zero on sustainability grounds

 

Situated seven degrees west of the Greenwich Meridian, and exposed to some of the harshest weather conditions anywhere in the British Isles, the Hebrides present a challenging location for building projects, prompting a recently-established building company to adopt offsite construction technologies which make full use of the technical and environmental benefits of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero.

 

70-22’ Systems was established in 2022 by three business partners whose experience encapsulates architecture, education and manufacturing amongst other skills, and who decided to develop their own highly-insulated, modular timber building system.  Growing organically by providing bespoke packages to clients of parent business, Fraser Architecture, 70-22’ has already delivered properties on the Outer Hebrides; and has more than half a dozen schemes of different sizes in the pipeline for the coming year.

The trademarked system has been designed specifically to avoid the need for craneage, due to the inaccessibility of many sites, while the cellular component modules take the form of wall blocks, lintels and beams to span larger openings.  The SterlingOSB Zero is CNC machined and assembled in the workshop before being filled with Warmcel recycled paper insulation.

Significantly, the 70-22’ Systems design personnel were determined from the outset to utilise the West Fraser board because of its formaldehyde free formulation and the fact the material is manufactured in the North of Scotland, using mainly locally sourced softwood from well managed forests.

70-22’ Systems’ co-founder and Commercial Director, Alex Durie, commented:

“We use West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero to construct our ecological building components, that are prefabricated in our workshop utilising CNC technology to achieve 0.1mm tolerances for each beam and block.  It is the ideal material to use as the shell for our components, which are then filled with recycled insulation to achieve a building system that can achieve market leading thermal performance, with a U-value of 0.1 W/m²k, and excellent air-tightness, while maintaining a breathable floor, wall and roof construction. The added bonus of being formaldehyde-free, OSB enables us to build ecologically, utilising timber grown and processed in Scotland as we aim to limit the travel miles in each of our builds. The OSB produced by West Fraser has performed very well in our structural testing, with our system proving to be 1.6 times stronger than a traditional timber frame – and as our system arrives on site as a component that is pre-fabricated, pre-insulated and designed for manual handling, it is much quicker to assemble.”

Not only do all of the 70-22’ Systems structures exceed the thermal requirements of Section 6 to the Building Standards, Scotland, but can also be delivered as a Passivhaus compliant solution where the client or planning consent demand it.  In the medium to long term, the business is building a pattern book of standard house types and has plans to establish a pilot plant on the mainland.  The company will also be showcasing its system at the Self-Build and Renovation exhibition in Aviemore this autumn.

SterlingOSB Zero is available in a range of sizes and thicknesses up to 22mm as well as a T&G version ideal for flooring and decking applications.  The high performance panel product, free of added formaldehyde, has also earned BBA approval and meets the requirements of NHBC Technical.

As is always the case, West Fraser’s experienced technical team is available

to aid with product specification

CLICK HERE for downloadable data sheets

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Modular Timber Frame System provides landmark building for Gosport School

 

TG Escapes provide timber frame, net-zero buildings offering a highly flexible, bespoke, turnkey, architectural design and build solution to a wide range of customers. Biophilic design principles are combined with sustainable materials and the latest technology to create buildings that are beautiful, ergonomic and inspiring for their occupants whilst offering exceptional environmental integrity. One of their more recent projects was commissioned by Brune Park Community School which is part of the Gosport and Fareham MAT.

The school needed to replace an old SCOLA building, which had poor insulation values and provided an uncomfortable learning environment. They selected TG Escapes to design a building providing flexible classroom space, including conferencing facilities to also act as a local community business hub. The building includes nine classrooms which can be opened up, breakout and office spaces and a large atrium.

GFM were keen on an operational net-zero solution and were impressed by TG Escapes understanding of their requirements. They also considered a volumetric and traditional build but the timescales didn’t suit. The 1001m2 building, completed in 26 weeks onsite, achieved an A+ EPC at minus 3 at a cost of £2.8m including demolition, temporary construction and external landscaping.

Kevin Rochester, Head of Estates at GFM says;

“The green aspect is a big plus for us now that we are trying to move into the world of sustainability. We also just felt in the commissioning process TGE were really enthusiastic about the project as a flagship building whereas the others seemed to see it as just another project. The other buildings were also fantastic but TGE had the eco thing and the chemistry was right.”

Andrew Cowlard, Associate Director at MEB Design acted on behalf of GFM as contract administrators;

“I found that it was very positive because in our role, a traditional job is a lot more involved. And because TGE offers a one-stop-shop solution with their own project management, they almost manage it all themselves so there was less involvement required from my side. Overall it was quite seamless.”

Kevin Rochester;

“I am delighted with our experience of TG Escapes, from the initial tender exercise right through to the successful completion of the build. They have maintained an exceptional standard of communication throughout the project which has facilitated a smooth collaboration. Their prompt and professional response to queries has significantly contributed to the efficacy of the entire process and we commend TG Escapes for their unwavering dedication to adhering to the project timeline.  Operating within a bustling school environment, the absence of conflicts between the contractors and the broader GFM School community is a testament to their ability to seamlessly integrate their operations. The meticulous attention to detail is evident and speaks to their commitment to excellence. Their team’s courteous and respectful demeanour has made collaboration a true pleasure.”

At the recent opening of the building, senior staff and board members commented;

“We have both single classrooms and open classrooms enabling us to teach in creative ways. The large amounts of glass and open plan spaces allow us to see the outside and bring that outside into the classroom which is always really positive for mental health and well-being.”
“It is also an eco-friendly building that sustains its temperature, provides a sustainable environment for learning and creates a space that people actually want to learn in.”
“This building is very special, it is a landmark in Gosport already and it will certainly be a focal point for Brune Park School.”

TG Escapes are PAGABO approved, STA and Construction Line gold members and have been recognised by several prestigious bodies, winning “Project of the Year” and “Public Sector Innovator of the Year” at the 2023 Modern Methods of Construction Awards, alongside “Contractor of the Year” at the 2021 Education Estates Awards. Customers score them 4.9 out of 5 from over 187 customer reviews.

For more information and case studies visit the website

 

Call 0800 917 7726

 

or CLICK HERE to email TG Escapes

 

www.tgescapes.co.uk

 

/0 Comments/by

3 Steps To Controlling Thermal Transfer Effectively In Facades

Farrat’s Commercial Manager for STRUKTRA® Chris Lister discusses the role of structural thermal breaks in facades

 

“It is already understood in the industry that facades serve multiple functions in the building envelope, making the integration of thermal breaks crucial for several reasons including- enhanced energy performance maintaining the integrity of the thermal envelope, controlling condensation and fulfilling fire performance criteria. All whilst offering architectural flexibility, contributing to sustainability targets and meeting the required building codes and standards.”

 

“Building facades are a complex part of any building construction. The assured thermal, structural and fire performance of components within this highly visible and exposed element is critical to the safety and longevity of any project.”

 

Farrat, a UK engineering company, were established in 1959 and have a pedigree in R&D developing new solutions designed to control both vibration and thermal energy for designers, specifiers and contractors. Their work on improving the performance of structural thermal breaks has recently been studied by both the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP and the University of Salford resulting in reports available online in the Farrat Knowledge-Hub.

 

Chris Lister continues

 

“We commissioned research at the Fraunhofer IBP (Test report P7-081e-1/2023 Calculation of the Point Thermal Transmittance and the Temperature Factor of Steel Structure Connections.) which can be downloaded in full via our website. Plus, a 4-year PhD project was conducted both on-site and at the “Energy House” located at the University of Salford in Manchester, United Kingdom. Using a specialist temperature and climate-controlled building to conduct full-scale testing of a typical steel-to-steel connection passing through the building envelope.”

 

“As a result of over 15 years of research including commissioned independent studies at scale, 3D thermal modelling and a PhD project we can confidently conclude that our STRUKTRA® connections perform equally or better thermally than alternative solutions making it the best performing thermal break both structurally and thermally in the market. We provide architects, designers and contractors with 3 easy steps to take when controlling thermal transfer effectively in facades.”

 

Step 1.

Narrower connections reduce both material and costs: many solutions on the market require you to design connections larger than necessary (both the length, width and thickness of the steel end plates). This creates an unnecessary increase in the size of the connection and more material required. Instead, check to see if you can map the same or better static performance (i.e. compressive strength, rotational stiffness) with a more compact thermal break. In many cases, the thickness of the connection can be reduced from 80mm or 120mm down to 25mm using STRUKTRA®.

Step 2.

Easy and efficient design: Often cumbersome design processes or external planning tools are necessary to design thermal separations in load-bearing connections. This costs important time. STRUKTRA® can be integrated into all common Euro Code 3 connections without the need for special design tools. This simplifies the process and saves you valuable time.

Step 3.

Superior and certified materials: the thermal breaks in load-bearing connections must withstand the highest loads and reliably deliver their thermal insulation performance. Therefore, look for certifications and quality seals, such as the ETA CE mark or Passivhaus. In addition, research any available studies that have been conducted by independent organisations.

Mr. Lister closes with a clear message.

 “Remember if it’s not certified, it’s not the right product.”

 

Please click here to visit the Farrat Website

/0 Comments/by