Celcon Thin-Joint beats speed of timber frame

Aircrete with thin-layer technology proved to be quicker than timber frame on a development of two character properties in Suffolk.

Aircrete with thin-layer technology proved to be quicker than timber frame on a development of two character properties at Bramford, near Claydon in Suffolk.

It also produced a very solid, high quality home.

This was the first time contractor Structec had used Celcon's Thin-Joint System and they are so pleased with the results that they are already using the system on other projects.

Said Jim Papa of Structec: "It was quicker, if you take into account the design and manufacturing lead times required for timber frame, and there was no requirement to invest money up-front".

"Another advantage was that no additional strengthening was needed in areas where radiators or kitchen units were hung".

Speed was another factor.

Using just two blocklayers it only took four weeks to complete a weather tight envelope for each unit - a Celcon Solar Jumbo Plus inner skin, with windows in and roof on.

The project comprised two link-detached, three bedroom, two bathroom, cottage-style executive houses overlooking the River Gipping at Bramford.

Situated in a conservation area and surrounded by listed buildings, an attractive style and high standard of construction were both of prime importance.

The design incorporates much character and detail, including bay windows, balconies, decking at first floor level giving a view over the adjacent river and Suffolk pantile clay tiles for the roofs.

The project was unusual in that the outer walls were constructed of a double skin of Celcon 100mm thick Solar Jumbo Plus blocks.

With 75mm Dritherm glass-fibre full fill insulation in the cavity and a sand, cement and lime mix render on the outside with dry-lining internally an excellent U-value of 0.24 W/m2K was achieved.

With this construction a condensation analysis, carried out by the H+H Celcon's technical services department, confirmed that there was no condensation risk within any part of the construction.

The end result is very satisfactory.

In addition to speed of construction and an excellent U-value, the architect, estate agents and potential purchasers are all impressed with the solidity and quality of the finished houses.

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