UK manufacturer PermaRock Products Ltd has supplied one of its thermal external wall insulation (EWI) systems for a new retirement village in Nottingham. The £11m development is part of Nottingham City Homes (NCH) and Nottingham City Council’s Building a Better Nottingham programme. Known collectively as Winwood Heights, the site features two existing 15-storey blocks, which have been extensively refurbished, and a new extra care facility built between them.
The properties are managed by social housing provider Nottingham City Homes (NCH) and the scheme was delivered by Willmott Dixon. The contractor chosen for the installation of the external wall insulation system was Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd.
NCH required that the EWI system should incorporate non-combustible insulation and that it must be suitable for use on the new build low-rise Fusion SIPS construction and existing non-traditionally built ‘No-Fines’ high-rise buildings.
Designed for projects on which the highest levels of fire safety are required, the specified PermaRock Mineral Fibre EWI system incorporates Rockwool Ltd’s non-combustible (EuroClass A1) stone wool insulation and a high-performance nano-quartz self-cleansing decorative render, PermaRock SiliconeULTRA K-Finish. The system is suitable for installation above DPC level on all building types and heights and is tested and assessed to EN 13501-1:2007 + A1:2009 (A2-s1-d0 fire classification) confirming compliance to the latest revisions to the Building Regulations.
The Rockwool stone wool insulation, available in thicknesses from 50 mm to 250 mm, is adhesively bonded and mechanically anchored to the substrate, avoiding the formation of a cavity and reducing the risk of thermal bypass. The reinforced render system is applied directly over the insulation and is additionally anchored through to the substrate to ensure resistance to wind action and stability in the event of fire.
A notable aspect of the scheme was the colourful panellised treatment chosen for certain elevations of the two no-fines concrete towers. The coloured panels, achieved using PermaRock through-coloured SiliconeULTRA renders, give the high-rise blocks a striking appearance and provide design continuity, with similar colours reflected in the smaller, new-build extra-care facility. This development showcases the design possibilities achievable with PermaRock renders and finishes.
PermaRock’s Mineral Fibre EWI systems are manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001 / 14001 and are approved by the Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA) for installation onto low and high-rise buildings. They are accredited through BRE Global Certification and are suitable for all heights of buildings, either retro-fitted or used as part of a new build scheme.
Comprehensive design, technical advice and support throughout the project ensured that the installation work progressed smoothly. PermaRock technical services staff provided compliance checking at all stages, assisting the installer, Sustainable Building Services, in ensuring that the highest quality standards were maintained throughout.
The completed works have meant residents have benefitted from enhancements to the local environment and improved aesthetics, increased comfort levels, a reduced carbon footprint and confidence in the fire performance of the cladding.
More information about specifying cladding for high rise buildings is available from the PermaRock website. It features product information, materials selection guidance and case studies.
Additional fire safety and system design advice can be obtained by calling PermaRock’s technical support team on 01509 262924 or by emailing [email protected].
