Product category:
Roofing and Roofllights
News Release from: Alumasc Exterior Building Products | Subject: M R external wall insulation
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 01 July 2005
Total performance for Kirkgate
refurbishment
M R external wall insulation (EWI) from Alumasc has dramatically upgraded the thermal efficiency and appearance of Kirkgate flats in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
M R external wall insulation (EWI) from Alumasc has dramatically upgraded the thermal efficiency and appearance of Kirkgate flats in Wakefield, West Yorkshire This award-winning project has also helped to transform the Wakefield skyline in the process
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 10 Oct 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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M R Rendabrick simulated brick finish was used to create feature panels to contrast with the Silkolitt textured areas.
50mm phenolic insulation was used to achieve the target U value of 0.35w/m2k which had the added advantage of minimising the insulation and system thickness.
Where recesses occurred within the building, these were fully insulated and rendered, extending the walls to a uniform level surface.
Silkolitt 1.5mm is a silicone based render which provides a number of specific advantages including excellent colour consistency and fastness.
The render is self cleansing and water repellent yet offers good vapour permeability.
It creates a weatherproof exterior which is fire-safe, highly resistant to impact damage and has only minimal maintenance demands.
The GBP7.7 million refurbishment of the Kirkgate flats proves just how well a partnership can work together.
Alongside Wakefield Council, the partnership comprises Bramall Construction (main contractor), NPS North East (Designers and Project Supervisors), Alumasc (M.R.
EWI/render supplier) and sub-contractors SLK Contractors and Technical Access .
Since the project began in October 2003, the partnership has been committed to working closely together, problem solving and sharing ideas and best practice.
Gary Holmes, Project Manager for Bramall Construction, part of the Keepmoat Group, comments "It is exciting to work on such a key project, both for Wakefield Council and Bramall".
"We are pleased to have brought extensive partnering experience and supply chain relationships to the project, as well as a dedicated team".
Kirkgate flats are situated above the Wakefield's central shopping centre, therefore careful consideration had to be given health and safety issues, such as the scaffolding to be used during the contract.
A complex, innovative solution to this particular problem was developed, whereby the scaffolding arrangement was suspended from the roof, working down on a floor by floor basis.
The scaffolding was fully enclosed to safeguard the public against falling debris.
The usual process would have been to pebble-dash the flats, however considering the location this was not a feasible option.
Alumasc came up with an alternative solution by using the Swisslab EWI system with an M.R.
ST Silkolitt render finish.
As part of the tender process, Alumasc provided a detailed specification for the installation of the Swisslab system, working closely with the structural engineering consultants Pell Frischmann, to determine the optimum insulation fixing type and pattern required to satisfy the wind suction loadings in the area.
Vital 'Pull out Tests' were carried out to enable an appropriate fixing and fixing pattern to be specified.
Alumasc produced CAD imagery of the flats to illustrate to both the client and tenants how the building would look when work was completed.
Together with material samples, these visuals gave residents a good understanding of the scheme before work began and enabled colours and finishes to be selected more easily.
With over 400 colours to choose from in the silicone render range - plus a comprehensive choice of finishes - the CAD imagery proved invaluable in the selection process. Request a free brochure from Alumasc Exterior Building Products ...
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