Alumasc’s Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) system has provided a high performance, weather tight façade solution for a Supported Housing scheme in Swindon.

George Hall Court is an eight storey tower block comprising 30 flats managed by Swindon Borough Council. As part of a major redevelopment of the area, the Council was tasked with bringing the building’s energy efficiency levels up to the latest standards and improving the aesthetics to match that of surrounding properties.

The building had an existing EWI system which no longer met Part L of the Building Regulations and therefore required a thermal upgrade. The solution was to overclad the building with 2000m² of the Alumasc Swistherm system utilising 30mm EPS insulation. Specialist mechanical fixings were used, with a setting tool for penetration of the existing EWI, to ensure the load was transferred through the fixing and only dissipated through the load bearing substrate. The new system resulted in the scheme’s energy efficiency being improved from a U-Value of 0.46W/m²K to 0.33W/m²K. The installation was carried out by Alumasc’s approved contractor Mark Group.

The ST Silkolitt decorative silicone finish has created an attractive rolled texture for the building, which now looks refreshed and modern. Silkolitt was also used to face Alumasc’s  Render-only system on the low level external concrete skirting and as a decorative finish in the foyer. Importantly, the nature of the EWI system enabled residents at George Hall Court to remain in their homes for the duration of the refurbishment work.

John Black, a senior surveyor with Swindon Borough Council, commented: “The Alumasc insulation system and render finish have greatly improved the aesthetics of the building and helped to bring it into keeping with the redeveloped area. The system has also improved U-Values and the results have been received very favourably by residents.”

For more information on Swistherm External Wall Insulation, click here

For more information on Silkolitt silicone render, click here

The completed refurbishment

Helena Partnership’s Moss Bank housing scheme in St Helens has been shortlisted in the Domestic Retrofit category of this year’s Greenbuild Awards. 

Alumasc’s Swisspan External Wall Insulation was installed on the scheme which comprises 107 British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF) homes, well known for their poor thermal insulation and environmental performance. 

Following intensive research into the choice of systems and manufacturers available, Helena Partnership’s design team specified Alumasc’s Swisspan EWI system incorporating 100mm of Kingspan Kooltherm® K5 External Wall Board insulation, which was installed to the ground and first floor walls by Alumasc’s Approved Installer Forrest of Preston. Since the refurbishment, the U-value of the properties has reduced from 2.09W/m².K to 0.257W/m².K, significantly reducing the cost of fuel bills. 

The One Show’s Lucy Siegle will be presenting the award winners at Greenbuild Expo in Manchester on 9th and 10th May, where Alumasc will be showcasing their EWI systems ahead of the forthcoming Green Deal. 

To read the full Moss Bank case study, click here. 

For more information on Alumasc’s Swisspan External Wall Insulation system, click here

Ecobuild 2012 promises to be an exciting show for Alumasc Facades on Stand number S2010.

A combination of new and well-established products will be on display, demonstrating Alumasc’s focus on sustainable building products for energy and water management within the built environment.

Alumasc Facades will be showcasing their range of thermally efficient External Wall Insulation solutions in readiness for the forthcoming Green Deal initiative. Alumasc Roofing will display leading brands in its Waterproofing and Green Roofing ranges. These include the new Euroroof Impermax cold-applied liquid waterproofing system and Euroroof membranes along with well-trusted brands such as Derbigum, Hydrotech and ZinCo Green Roofs.

Come and see us on Stand S2010.

Alumasc will be showcasing their range of thermally efficient External Wall Insulation (EWI) solutions on Stand E26 at this year’s Greenbuild Expo, on 9^th and 10^th May at Manchester Central.

Greenbuild Expo is the UK’s newest sustainable building and refurbishment event, providing Alumasc with the perfect platform to promote the energy-saving benefits of its EWI systems in readiness for the forthcoming Green Deal initiative.

Alumasc is a specialist in the design and development of insulated render systems for both refurbishment and new build, offering engineered solutions for residential and commercial projects of any scale and making a significant contribution to thermal efficiency and improved aesthetics.  

Alumasc’s Swisslab and Swisspan External Wall Insulation systems are primarily suited to refurbishment applications, with an impressive track record in transforming poor quality housing into warm, attractive, energy efficient homes.

Swistherm and Swisrail External Wall Insulation systems are primarily suited to new build applications, with Swistherm being particularly suited for use with Cork insulation, providing the perfect solution for low carbon, sustainable developments.

Alumasc’s EWI systems are BBA accredited, offer full warranty packages and are supported by Alumasc’s unrivalled technical expertise.

For more information, see us on the stand or click here

Alumasc’s Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) has contributed to the aesthetics and energy efficiency on the new nursery building at South Cheshire College in Crewe.

South Cheshire is amongst the country’s best performing FE colleges and required an innovative and contemporary facility to reflect its excellence and to embody its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Jefferson Sheard Architects designed a new 26,500sq metre curved building based on the concept of a village street, with individual departments functioning like shop fronts.

The curved facade on the nursery section of the building demanded a first class insulation system. Alumasc worked closely with Approved Installer MIB Facades to deliver an appropriate technical solution for the project.

Rob Sharrock, director of MIB, comments: “We were appointed to install the EWI on this particular section of the building and immediately recommended the Alumasc Swistherm system using 140mm thick Lamella Board finished in 1.5mm white Silkolitt render. We had total confidence that this system would perform superbly and be straightforward to install onto the cement particle board and SFS substrate. As expected, the system has achieved the required U-value of 0.23W/m²K.”

The Main Contractor at South Cheshire College was BAM Construction.

For further details on Swistherm, click here

For further details on the full range of Alumasc External Wall Insulation, click here

Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) from Alumasc, has earned a top industry Award for Trafford College in Altrincham.

The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) Awards celebrate leading EWI projects in the UK over the past year, covering new-build, refurb, non-residential and domestic sectors.

Trafford College, which has already earned a RIBA Award and boasts a BREEAM rating of Very Good, was announced Winner of the Non-Residential category at the INCA Conference which took place at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on 12 October.

3500m2 of Swistherm was used to create a perfect example of  how Alumasc’s EWI systems can deliver performance and aesthetics for modern, energy efficient buildings.

The INCA judges commented: “This project reflects the aesthetic creativity offered by EWI for new build projects and the end result is a striking building which the local community can be rightly proud of”.

For full details of the Trafford College project, click here

For more information on Alumasc’s External Wall Insulation systems, click here

Swisrail External Wall Insulation (EWI) from Alumasc has been used to create an attractive, energy efficient facade for Angel Wharf, a new mixed use development in the historic Regent’s Canal area of Islington, London.

Angel Wharf comprises a mix of private and shared ownership apartments and modern office space, situated around a landscaped courtyard in Islington’s regeneration area. The main contractor was Mount Anvil of St Albans and the shared ownership properties are managed by Family Mosaic Housing.

A number of complex design details at Angel Wharf demanded the specification of an EWI system that could demonstrate flexibility and ease of installation. Alumasc’s Swisrail is a thin coat insulated render system specifically designed for use on framed buildings. The system met Angel Wharf’s intricate requirements, easily accommodating interfaces with windows, rendered soffits and rainscreen panels.

Alumasc’s approved installer, C&G Plastering, installed a total of 2,800m2 of Swisrail with 90mm EPS insulation panels to achieve a U-value of 0.3W/Km2. The facade was finished with ST Silkolitt 1.5mm Silicone Render in white.

Swisrail is a fully warranted system with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years, offering full NHBC compliance. It is fully weather resistant, vapour permeable and highly impact resistant.

Please use the following links for more information:

Swisslab External Wall Insulation – Click here

Silkolott Silicone Render – Click here

Alumasc’s full range of EWI systems – Click here

Alumasc Facades BBA Certificates – Click here

BBA Certification – Click here

24th – 28th October 2011 is the 15th Energy Savings Week from the Energy Savings Trust (EST).

During the course of Energy Savings Week, homeowners are invited to tap into a range of ideas and advice, designed to help reduce energy bills and promote a greener lifestyle. From how to make the most of your heating and lighting systems, to effectively insulating and weather-proofing your home, EST are on hand with a week of great ideas, to help us all save money.

Alumasc’s Swisslab and swisspan External Wall Insulation (EWI)Systems are recommended by the EST for their thermally efficient properties, and can play a large part in helping to reduce fuel bills. Both systems offer a choice of insulation thicknesses and materials which are proven to achieve very low U values.

Click here for more information on Energy Savings Week and to download a Savings Pack.

Click here for further information on Alumasc’s thermally efficient EWI systems.

A completed tower block

The thermal performance of Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) from Alumasc, has been key in its specification for the upgrade of eight Glasgow multi-storey developments.

Work to the blocks of flats at Kelhead Path and Tinwald Path was implemented by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) as part of a programme designed to modernise homes, making them warmer and drier. Alumasc have worked closely with GHA over the last 7 years, supplying external wall insulation solutions to 80% of all GHA properties under 8 storeys high. The Swisslab system has provided outstanding energy efficiency results and an attractive overall finish, modernising the original dated façades.

The Kelhead Path and Tinwald Path blocks presented the challenge of “Hard-to-Treat” construction, for which Swisslab is perfectly suited. Its robust finish, coupled with ease of installation, provided a consistent appearance across the uneven wall construction and furthermore, 100% of the residents were able to remain in-situ whilst the installation work took place.

Tower block before refurbishment

Alumasc Approved Installers Transcast Ltd and Recast Rendering Systems, installed Swisslab EWI on behalf of the Main Contractor Lovell, installing 70mm PIR insulation to the front and rear elevations. The upper floors were finished in Brightstone Cream aggregate on white backing render and Harvest aggregate on cream backing render. To create an attractive traditional finish, Alumasc’s Brick Slips were applied to the ground floors.

The use of Swisslab has resulted in an overall U-value of 0.3w/m² across the project, with major reductions being observed in the carbon emissions generated by the blocks.

Swisslab is the market leading insulated render system for overcladding existing properties. It is extensively used to upgrade social housing in order to meet the Decent Homes Standard and strongly contributes to urban regeneration. It is a BBA approved, fully warranted system with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years.

For more information on Alumasc’s Facade systems, click here

The thermal and sustainable benefits of cork insulation were key in its specification for a unique social housing refurbishment scheme in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire – the first significant use of Cork EWI on social housing in the UK.

Managed by Aspire Housing Association, the 54 Cussins properties on the Staffordshire scheme were constructed after the Second World War to a non-traditional design with steel frames. The engineers and project managers, Michael Dyson Associates Ltd, carried out initial surveys to determine the condition of the properties and specified Alumasc’s Swisspan External Wall Insulation system with 50mm Cork panels, which is perfectly suited to non-traditional or problematic refurbishment applications.

Cork is designated an A+ rating in the Green Guide to Specification for maximum benefit in BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes assessments and when used with Alumasc’s External Wall Insulation systems, the result is a high performance façade that offers all the benefits of an insulated render system, but with enhanced environmental credentials.

Jeff Collett, Associate Director of Michael Dyson Associates Ltd, comments: “We have been taking a keen interest in the development of sustainable insulation for quite some time and were aware of cork’s potential. We considered a number of insulation materials for the Aspire homes and decided that Cork met the performance requirements as well as being the obvious sustainable choice.”

Cork insulation can be used in conjunction with all Alumasc EWI systems and the Cork/Swisspan system at Aspire has increased the homes’ energy efficiency levels to the required u-value of 0.35W/m²K, creating a warmer, more attractive place for residents to live.

David Cartwright, Environmental Champion with the project’s main contractors, Frank Haslam Milan (FHM), comments: “On the Aspire contract, the pre-construction team worked hard for solutions which would both improve the building fabric whilst considering their inherent environmental impacts. We favoured natural cork for its low carbon footprint properties together with its excellent insulation value and sound transmission qualities.”

No chemicals or additives are used in the manufacture of Cork and it boasts the lowest embodied energy of all commonly used insulation materials. A huge variety of indigenous wildlife is dependent upon the maintenance of the cork oak forests and its production helps stabilise rural economies, populations and local culture in the poorer agricultural areas of Southern Europe.

Chris Lister, Development Manager at Alumasc comments: “Alumasc is currently the only supplier of Cork EWI in the UK. We believe that cork is the future of building with natural insulation. When combined with Alumasc high performance renders, all the benefits of insulated render systems are achieved with the environmental benefits of using a natural product.”

For more information, click here

To download the Cork brochure, click here

To view Alumasc’s Sustainability Statement, click here

Alumasc’s Swistherm and NHBC approved Swisrail External Wall Insulation systems have received industry recognition at this year’s INCA (Insulated Cladding and Render Association) Awards.

The Award ceremony was held at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Wednesday 13 October, where the distinctive façade of West London’s NHBC award-winning Highpoint Village, was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Residential High Rise Newbuild Category.

The project involved a number of complex design features requiring Alumasc to work closely with their approved installer Lawtech Ltd and contractors Oskomera, to achieve the architectural requirements of the scheme.

The thermal performance of Swistherm and Swisrail helped the project to achieve an impressive U-Value of 0.18W/m²K with a BREEAM Class 1 rating.

For more information on Alumasc’s External Wall Insulation Systems, click here.

A ‘Hard-To-Treat’ social housing scheme in Newcastle has been given a new lease of life thanks to Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) from Alumasc.

The Slatyford Estate is managed by the city’s ALMO, Your Homes Newcastle, and forms part of a £500m programme to bring Newcastle’s 30,000 housing stock up to Decent Homes Standard by 2011.

Slatyford is one of many estates built in the 1950’s using Wimpey No Fines Construction, which notoriously presents a number of challenges during refurbishment. The ‘honeycomb’ nature of No Fines concrete makes the external walls vulnerable to damp and results in poor insulation properties. These issues needed to be addressed by the new façade system, whilst providing a consistent, vibrant finish to regenerate the look of the area.

Alumasc Approved Contractor Sykes Specialist Contracting Ltd of Gateshead installed the Swisslab EWI to 18 3-storey structures, using 50mm phenolic high density insulation panels to hugely improve the thermal performance of the scheme. A significant reduction in U-Value was achieved, taking the previous reading from 2.11W/m2K down to 0.35W/m2K. Used extensively to upgrade social housing in order to meet the Decent Homes Standard, Swisslab is a BBA approved, fully warranted system with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years. Swisslab strongly contributes to urban regeneration, providing outstanding energy efficiency and reducing heating costs. The system also allowed work to take place with no displacement of residents.

The Swisslab system was faced with 1.5mm ST Silkolitt silicone render in shades of cream with a rolled finish. Silkolitt is vapour permeable and highly water resistant, allowing the building to breathe and assisting further with the issues of internal condensation brought about by Wimpey No Fines.

Alumasc Acrylic Brickslips were then used to construct string and soldier feature bands in Buff and Terracotta. Acrylic Brick Slips have been developed directly to complement Alumasc’s wide range of lightweight render systems and are extensively used to match existing detail after renovation work. They offer a hard-wearing, UV-Stable solution on areas of façade where the use of real bricks would not be viable due to their weight.

The mix of aggregates in No Fines construction also presents difficulties when applying fixings. Alumasc’s Technical Team performed Pull-Out tests to ascertain the correct fixings for use with the difficult substructure, ensuring that the system could resist the design wind load.

Alumasc’s Swisslab system is recommended by the Energy Saving Trust for its contribution to the improved overall thermal performance of existing inefficient, hard-to-treat homes. It is manufactured under ISO 9001: 2000 and ISO 14001: 2004 Quality and Environmental Management Systems.

Main Contractors on the Slatyford Project were Straightline Construction of Newcastle upon Tyne. www.stline.co.uk.

For more information on Swisslab, please click here

Swistherm and NHBC approved Swisrail External Wall Insulation systems from Alumasc, have created the distinctive façade of West London’s NHBC award-winning Highpoint Village, helping the project to achieve a BREEAM class 1 rating.

The multi-use development comprises 438 attractive residential units, retail outlets, and a hotel nestled between the Grand Union Canal and the Heathrow Express Line. The project involved a number of complex design features proposed by Project Architects Rolfe Judd in conjunction with Ballymore Properties, requiring Alumasc to work closely with their approved installer Lawtech Ltd and contractors Oskomera, to achieve the architectural requirements of the scheme.

A unique Picture Frame detail was constructed from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation and interfaced with timber cladding on one of the blocks. The feature was designed using movement profiles which allow it to move independently of the substructure and enable it to withstand the significant wind loadings placed upon the nine storey structure.

This area of the facade was then completed using Alumasc’s Swistherm EWI – a lightweight, thin coat insulated render system, ideally suited to contemporary and new build applications where the structure provides continuous support for insulation slabs. The Picture Frame gives the building a distinctive, modern look which stands out dramatically from surrounding blocks.

Alumasc’s Swisrail system, which is designed for use on framed buildings, was specially adapted to accommodate the project design at Highpoint Village. A bespoke 40mm cavity was incorporated behind the façade system to accommodate ventilation services, however the system’s primary function of providing a drained cavity in accordance with NHBC requirements was maintained.

The 170mm EPS and Mineral Wool insulation panels used on the scheme achieved a U-value of 0.18W/Km2. The render finish used was ST Silkolitt 1.5mm Silicone Render in white and grey.

Alumasc External Wall Insulation Systems are BBA approved and fully warranted, with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years. They are manufactured under ISO 9001: 2000 and ISO 14001: 2004 Quality and Environmental Management Standards.

The main contractor at Highpoint Village was Ballymore Properties.

For more information on Alumasc’s External Wall Insulation Systems, click here

Cork Panels being applied to the Aspire social housing refurbishment project in Staffordshire

As environmental issues continue to dictate modern building practice, Façade specialist Alumasc has reinforced its commitment to sustainable methods, with the release of its new Cork Literature.

Cork is the future of building with natural insulation and when combined with Alumasc high performance renders, all the benefits of insulated render systems are achieved with the added environmental impact of using a natural product. Cork is a sustainable, long life, renewable product with good sound proofing and is free from artificial inputs. As an insulant, it is ideal for saving energy and protecting the environment, whilst complementing modern building techniques.

The cork forest during harvest

The new Cork brochure presents the technical characteristics of Cork and fully explains Alumasc’s cultivation methods and the ecological processes involved in farming this valuable resource. Clear illustrations of system build-up, colour and texture swatches have also been included to assist with the specification process.

For more information, click here

To download the brochure, click here

Burbo Point is a stunning residential complex located on the Crosby coast at Blundellsands. Designed by RAL Architects of Southport, the prestigious building, which features Merseyside’s most expensive apartment priced at £1.7m, has been awarded the Local Authority Building Control Award for Best Large Housing Development 2010 and will be put forward for a National LABC Award later in the year.

The 5-storey apartment building required a robust facade which could withstand its coastal weather conditions whilst also offering the versatility to cope with the modern curved walls.

RAL specified 1500 square metres of Alumasc’s Swisrail External Wall Insulation system with Silkolitt silicone render, which exceeded regulatory insulation values whilst creating an eye-catching exterior, with unsurpassed weather resistance.

NHBC approved Swisrail is ideally suited to new-build applications. It incorporates a rail system that isolates the cladding from the majority of the frame, creating an additional barrier against external water ingress and allowing internal moisture control in the event of breach. Swisrail provides a seamless insulated façade that is specifically tailored to the needs of lightweight frame construction.

Click here for more information on our Facade systems or for literature call 0808 100 2008.

Alumasc's Swistherm External Wall Insulation in use at Bletchley Leisure Centre - Winner of the BREEAM Bespoke Award.

Sustainable building products from Alumasc have excelled at the prestigious 2010 BREEAM Awards which recognise the UK’s top examples of ecological design.

Alumasc products were specified on no less than 10 of the 16 short-listed projects – with four of the overall winners featuring Alumasc high performance Roofing and Facades systems.

The hotly contested awards, which were presented at this year’s Ecobuild, recognise and reward the highest scoring buildings certified under BREEAM each year. Following independent assessment and certification, the successful projects all achieved ‘Excellent’ BREEAM ratings, earning the most performance credits available in areas such as energy, materials, waste and ecology.

Alumasc’s Swistherm External Wall insulation featured heavily in the winning list, having been specified on the new Bletchley Leisure Centre in Milton Keynes, recipient of the BREEAM Bespoke Award; White River Place in St Austell, winner of the BREEAM Retail Award; and Salisbury Law Court, winner in the BREEAM Courts Category.

Swistherm is a BBA approved, thin coat insulated render system, which can be finished in a choice of silicone or mineral-based topcoats. Offering outstanding thermal efficiency, Swistherm is weatherproof, eliminates interstitial condensation and reduces energy consumption. Insulation slabs are available in a variety of materials including polystyrene, mineral wool or highly sustainable natural cork for environmentally sensitive applications.

Winner of the BREEAM Industrial Award – Defra’s Veterinary Laboratory Agency Store in Weybridge – featured Alumasc’s Derbigum single layer waterproofing system. BBA Approved and warranted for 25 years, Derbigum was chosen for its exceptional long-term performance and durability. It is manufactured under the ISO 14001:2204 and EMAS Environmental Management Standards and is fire rated F.AA to BS476 Pt3 (EN1187 Pf4), the highest available rating, which allows for unrestricted use under Building Regulations.

Chris Lister, Development Manager at Alumasc, commented: “We are delighted that Alumasc products have made significant contributions to so many of these short listed and award-winning BREEAM projects. As a company, we can offer a wide variety of A+ rated solutions, allowing designers and specifiers to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ building designs”.

For more information on how Alumasc can help you achieve BREEAM ratings, please click here or call 01744 648400.

Cork bark being stripped during the harvest

Cork is the future of building with natural insulation. It is a sustainable, long life, renewable product with good sound proofing and is free from artificial inputs. As an insulant, it is ideal for saving energy and protecting the environment, whilst complementing modern building techniques.

When combined with Alumasc high performance renders, all the benefits of insulated render systems are achieved with the added environmental impact of using a natural insulation product.

The benefits of cork insulation include:

• 100% natural: no chemicals or additives are used in the manufacture of cork.

• Energy efficient manufacture: very low energy consumption is used by the manufacturing process. Zero Ozone depletion and zero global warming are also achieved.

• Lowest embodied energy of all commonly used insulation materials.

• Sustains a huge variety of indigenous wildlife which is dependent upon the maintenance of the cork oak forests.

• Stabilises rural economies, populations and local culture in the poorer agricultural areas of Southern Europe.

For more information on the use of Cork as a natural insulation material, click here.

Harvested cork waiting to be processed

We are pleased to announce that our thermally efficient facade systems have been endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust and added to their list of Energy Saving Recommended Products.

The Energy Saving Trust is an independent UK-based organisation focussed on reducing carbon emissions, providing free, impartial advice to businesses and consumers who are looking to conserve energy.

We sought to obtain this independent endorsement of our External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems some time ago, in anticipation of the rollout of government-backed Pay As You Save (PAYS) schemes and similar methods of funding the thermal upgrade of UK housing stock.

Swisslab and Swisspan EWI systems are Energy Saving Recommended for their contribution to the improved overall thermal performance of existing inefficient, hard-to-treat homes. These systems have been used extensively in refurbishment applications nationwide to bring solid wall structures or properties with problematic substrates up to The Decent Homes Standard.

EWI-treated buildings allow the fabric of the building to act as a heat store, increasing thermal efficiency and thus reducing heating costs and carbon emissions. An added benefit is the vast improvement to the external appearance of these buildings via the application of attractive, yet durable render finishes. The range comprises lightweight silicone or mineral options for a stylish, contemporary look with a range of polymer-modified renders available to achieve a more traditional appearance.

Swisslab is the market leading insulated render solution for over cladding existing properties where the structure can provide continuous support for the insulation slabs and is equally suited for low or high rise projects. Swisspan is used where the mechanical fixing of the insulation is problematic or where the substrate is uneven. Insulation is fixed to galvanised steel support rails that span between the loadbearing elements of the structure.

Both systems are fully warranted and BBA approved, with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years. A choice of insulation thicknesses and materials including natural cork is available to achieve very low U values.

For more information on our Energy Saving Recommended façade systems click here

Alumasc have supplied their Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) to a cutting edge residential project in Wales which has been built to PassivHaus standards, representing the very latest in sustainable building design.

The project, named Ty Haul, fulfilled an initial design brief to meet AECB requirements at Gold level – a standard not achieved by any other residential building in the UK.

The outstanding thermal performance of Alumasc’s Swistherm EWI system was key in its specification as part of an environmentally sound construction package. Owner Simon Phillips, whose vision for a self-sustaining, low carbon home led to the formation of his sustainable building company Passiv Solar Homes, designed Ty Haul in partnership with his father’s architects practice Michael Phillips Architects of Ludlow in Shropshire.

The use of Swistherm with 240mm extruded platinum polystyrene insulation had the ability to achieve the target U-value of 0.10w/m2K, exceeding the PassivHaus requirement.

For comprehensive details of Alumasc’s façade systems or to request literature, please contact Alumasc on 0808 100 2008 or visit www.alumascfacades.co.uk

Simon Phillips can be contacted at Passiv Solar Homes on 01407 810326.

Michael Phillips Architects, Ludlow can be contacted on 01584 877396.

A ZinCo green roof from Alumasc assisted with the BREEAM rating of Hetton Lyons School in Sunderland.

Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Vernon Coaker MP, has been talking at the recent BSEC conference about his impression of the nations schools.

He described the governments BSF programme as a “real record of achievement” and spoke of the significant change brought about in our primary and secondary schools, touching specifically on the award winning architectural designs that make our modern school buildings “inspirational and exciting” places to be.

Mr Coaker continued “The important thing now is to bring every school building up to the standard that we want. To make them modern, light and airy and environmentally friendly.”

Alumasc’s Aqualine gutter system and Flushjoint downpipes were used on Windygoul Primary School near Edinburgh. The project earned East Lothian Council a Carbon Trust Award for Low Carbon Building.

Alumasc has long been involved in school building initiatives and we are working closely alongside a number of architectural and contract partners on some of the country’s most innovative school buildings. Alumasc’s green roofs, waterproofing systems, thermally efficient external wall insulation and recyclable rainwater systems have all been specified on educational projects to help minimise their impact on the environment.

Let’s hope that by building greener schools, the young generations learning inside them can be confident of a more positive outlook for the earth’s resources.

16 of the country’s ‘most sustainable’ buildings were recognised at the 2010 BREEAM Awards at this year’s Ecobuild exhibition in London. ‘These buildings have comprehensively demonstrated their remarkable environmental credentials’ comments BRE Global Chief Executive Carol Atkinson.

The award-winning schemes achieved Excellent BREEAM ratings earning the most performance credits available in the areas of energy, materials, waste, water, ecology, pollution, transport, management and health and well-being. Each development has been independently assessed and certified.

Alumasc are proud to announce that 4 of the award winning schemes had Alumasc high performance Roofing and/or Facades systems installed on them. These were:

Bespoke Project – Bletchley Leisure Centre, Milton Keynes – using Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI).

Law Courts Project – Salisbury Law Courts – using Swistherm EWI and Armaseam standing seam metal roofing.

Industrial Project – VLA Stores, Surrey – using Derbigum Flat Roofing System.

Retail Project – White River Place, St Austell – using Swistherm & Swisrail EWI.

For more details on how Alumasc’s sustainable building products can assist with your BREEAM ratings, please call 01744 648400.

Ty Haul, private residence in Anglesey, which was built to Passivhaus Standards using Swistherm from Alumasc.

As Mr. B. Dylan once sang….”the times they are a-changing”.

External Wall Insulation in the UK housing market has long been the well kept secret of social landlords and those not afraid of building a new wall without a cavity. Now, thanks to the good people at the Department of Energy and Climate Change and ably assisted by the Insulated Cladding and National Insulation Associations, INCA & NIA, solid wall insulation is set to become the thermal upgrade for the masses.

The country’s existing housing stock is ready for Solid Wall Insulation. Just as double glazing and draft excluders started the work on the UK’s pre-cavity properties, so the next stage in these energy conscious times is to do something about solid 9-inch brick walls. Why should we have to revert to wearing a jumper in the comfort of our own homes when we can improve our houses? For there to be any chance of meeting UK targets for thermally efficient dwellings and reduction in energy use, the solution of wrapping your home in its own externally insulating ‘jumper’ may be the most credible answer.

For more details on Alumasc’s Energy Savings Trust accredited External Wall Insulation systems, visit www.alumascfacades.co.uk.

Alumasc are an Energy Savings Trust accredited system provider. Simple, cost effective External Wall Insulation EWI solutions are available to thermally upgrade and visually enhance all types of solid wall properties with up to 100% funding available.

Alumasc have experience of working on CESP (Community Energy Saving Programme) funded projects in the UK.  For more information click here

Does your scheme qualify for CESP funding?
Complete our online enquiry form with details of your proposed scheme to see if you qualify for Community Energy Savings Programme funding.

Ecobuild is over for another year, with exhibitors now returning to their offices to evaluate the success of the new venue at London’s Excel Centre. 

Alumasc’s stand was a hive of activity for the duration of the show, with main attractions on the brand new stand being 3 Zones focussing on Energy Management, Green Roofing and Water Management.

Alumasc were also involved in live daily seminars discussing ‘Top Tips For The Successful Installation And Maintenance Of Green Roofs In New-Build Properties’ and ‘Practical Applications for Natural Materials’, all of which proved highly popular with visitors to the show.

Alumasc achieved ISO14001 environmental certification in 2007 and is a UK market leader in the provision of sustainable building products.  For more details, click here.

The National Insulation Association (NIA) has joined an initiative to support the mass roll-out of Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) in the residential market to meet UK government climate change targets.

The initiative involves three leading industry bodies, the NIA, Solid Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (SWIGA) and the British Board of Agrement (BBA). The three bodies will be developing an independent installer assessment and surveillance scheme for SWI covering external wall insulation, internal wall insulation and hybrid systems. This initiative forms part of an SWI industry framework developed by the NIA and SWIGA to bring about a 10-fold increase in the capacity of the SWI industry in a controlled manner and will also support UK government targets under the Green Deal.

The NIA and SWIGA are also developing a skills and training platform which includes; onsite assessment and training in the workplace to qualify existing workers; retraining skilled workers from other trades such as cavity wall installers and apprenticeship schemes for new entrants.

Alumasc is a member of insulation trade associations NIA and INCA and we have obtained independent endorsement for our Swisspan and Swisslab External Wall Insulation Systems, which are Energy Saving Recommended for their contribution to the improved overall thermal performance of existing inefficient, hard-to-treat homes. 

For more information on our External Wall Insulation Systems, click here

Alumasc Swisslab installed with Phenolic insulation panels and Silkolitt Silicone Render at St Leger Homes in Doncaster

Alumasc’s BBA Approved Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) system is now approved for use with Silkolitt Silicone Render (BBA Certificate Number 93/2914 – Product Sheet No.s 1-3).  The new certification supports Alumasc’s extensive portfolio of BBA Approved façade systems and ultimately allows greater freedom to specifiers who insist on quality and peace of mind when selecting products.

Swisslab is the market leading insulated render system for overcladding existing properties. It is extensively used to upgrade social housing in order to meet the Decent Homes Standard and strongly contributes to urban regeneration. In addition to its BBA approval, Swisslab is a fully warranted system with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years and is endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust, appearing on their list of Energy Saving Recommended Products. 

When Silkolitt Silicone render is used with Swisslab, a striking, contemporary finish is created that is also suitable for new-build applications.  High performance Silkolitt is water-repellent, vapour permeable and weather resistant, available with a rolled texture offering 1.5, 2.5 & 3.5mm grain sizes in a wide range of colours.    In addition to the Swisslab EWI system, Silkolitt is also compatible with Alumasc’s other insulated render systems: Swisspan, Swistherm and Swisrail.

Use the following links for more information: 

Swisslab External Wall Insulation, click here

Silkolitt Silicone Render, click here

Alumasc’s full range of EWI Systems, click here

Alumasc Facades BBA Certificates, click here 

BBA Certification, click here

Thermally efficient Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) from Alumasc has been used on the pioneering, energy-saving refurbishment of a Bristol apartment block. 

The £1.5million upgrade of 16-storey Rawnsley House is thought to be the first in the UK to benefit from the Community Energy Savings Programme, a Government fund delivered to homes in low income areas through partnerships between Local Authorities, Community Groups and Energy Companies.  Landlord Bristol City Council worked closely with EDF Energy and carbon reduction company Sustain to deliver the scheme.

3750m²  of Alumasc’s Swistherm EWI system, incorporating 70 and 80mm EPS insulation panels was installed by approved installer Rateavon Ltd.  U-values of the building improved from 1.28W/m² K to the target 0.35W/m² K and the superior thermal efficiency is also set to benefit residents with savings in their energy bills, expected to be in the region of £158 per year.

The original 1960’s brick appearance of Rawnsley House was maintained through the use of Alumasc’s Traditional and Acrylic brick slip which were also installed by Rateavon Ltd. Traditional brick slips were used around the ground floor of the building providing a durable, impact resistant finish whilst Acrylic brick slips provided a lightweight solution on the remainder of the building, with no visible join between the two systems.

Alumasc’s Technical Support Team worked closely with Rateavon, Bristol Council and the project team throughout the duration of the project, providing U-Values, 3D images, Condensation Analyses and full scale samples, to help ensure the success of the scheme.

For more information on Alumasc’s Swistherm EWI Systems, click here

For more information on Alumasc’s specialist Brick Slip systems, click here 

As a market leading supplier of External Wall Insulation and Render Systems, Alumasc is an active member of INCA – The Insulated Render and Cladding Association. 

INCA will be holding their annual Conference & Exhibition on Wednesday 12 October at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, and this year will be focussing on how the industry can help to meet the UK’s carbon reduction targets. 

The Government’s Chief Construction Adviser Paul Morrell OBE, will deliver the keynote speech, reinforcing the policies published by the Government in their Low Carbon Construction Action Plan. 

The conference is well-timed with regard to the Green Deal which is also due to take effect in October and is expected to create a huge increase in the demand for EWI as homes and businesses look to upgrade their properties at no upfront cost. 

Representatives from Alumasc will attend the one-day event alongside over 200 delegates from Local Authorities, Housing Associations, architects, consultants and contractors. Leading Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly will present the INCA 2011 Awards recognising the leading EWI projects from the last year. 

For more information on Alumasc’s Facade Systems, click here   

For more information on INCA, click here      

For more details on the Government’s Green Deal, click here 

A stunning new college building featuring the Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) system from Alumasc is the proud winner of a 2011 RIBA Award for the North West Region. 

Trafford College is a £25million scheme, designed by Stephenson Bell Architects to a BREEAM standard of ‘Very Good’.  Alumasc worked closely with the architects throughout the project to achieve a suitable solution for the innovative angular facade. The incorporation of modern building materials and systems into the design of Trafford College required Alumasc to develop new and unique interface details.

The project schedule required the Swistherm EWI system to be installed prior to the windows, so Alumasc detailed weatherproof window reveals to prevent the system being damaged prior to the installation of the glazing. In addition, there was a requirement for Alumasc to create interface details with the GRP Precast Feature Fins and the Sun Louvers that are installed to all south facing 1st floor windows.

A total of 3500m² of the Swistherm system was installed comprising 80mm EPS insulation boards and Alumasc’s 1.5mm Silkolitt silicone render, the latter contributing to the building’s striking contemporary exterior.

For more information on Alumasc External Wall Insulation systems, click here

The RIBA Awards were set up in 1966 to recognise great architecture all across the country. For details, click here

In addition to a trusted portfolio of high performance render and thermal insulation systems, Alumasc are also renowned for the quality of their installations. This is thanks to a nationwide network of Approved Installers who are essential in maximising the features, benefits and life expectancy of Alumasc systems on projects across the UK.

To ensure the quality of their Installers, Alumasc hold intensive training courses, carried out by their own technical experts at their UK render manufacturing site in St Helens.

Practical involvement is a key element of the 2-day Alumasc Approved Contractor course, which covers all aspects of application for the Swisslab and Swistherm External Wall Insulation systems. Delegates have the opportunity to learn skills in: boarding; fixing; beading, application of base renders and top coats, scrim application and the installation of Alumasc’s acrylic and traditional brickslip systems.

On completion of the course, installers receive a Certificate of Attendance and will receive Alumasc Approved Contractor status after having their first project installation assessed and approved by an Alumasc Site Technician.

For course information or application details on how to become an Alumasc Approved Installer, please call 01744 648400.

Swisspan External Wall Insulation (EWI) from Alumasc has been used in a major social housing refurbishment project that is already changing the lives of tenants.

Managed by Merseyside-based housing association Helena Partnerships, the scheme, in the Moss Bank area of St Helens, comprises 107 British Iron and Steel Federation (BISF) homes, well known for their poor thermal insulation and environmental performance.

EWI makes a significant contribution to thermal efficiency and aesthetics, and as such, was a key element in Helena’s proposed programme of works, which also included new windows, doors and solar panels.

Helena’s design team specified Alumasc’s Swisspan EWI system incorporating 100mm of Kingspan Kooltherm® K5 External Wall Board insulation, which was installed by Alumasc’s Approved Installer Forrest of Preston.

The Swisspan system is used regularly for upgrading social housing to meet the Decent Homes Standard and non-traditional, “hard to treat” properties such as BISF, Cornish, Crudens, Unity and Airey. When used with Kingspan Kooltherm® K5, the result is a high performance, fully weather resistant and energy efficient façade.

The existing cladding systems at Moss Bank were non-structural; therefore the load of the new EWI system had to be directed to the structural stanchions of the properties. By design, Alumasc’s BBA Approved Swisspan EWI system is ideally suited to this type of application due to a horizontal galvanized steel rail system that can be mechanically fixed to the structural elements of the building, providing support for the insulation panels.

For more information about Swisspan and Alumasc’s EWI systems click here

Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) from Alumasc has been used for the major refurbishment of Tarmac’s 60 year old Headquarters building in Wolverhampton.

Frost damage over the last 50 years had resulted in corrosion of the outer reinforcement steel, causing the existing roughcast render to crack.

2500m² of Swisslab was installed on the Tarmac scheme, incorporating a high performance 1.5mm Silkolitt silicone render finish in cream along with Phenolic insulation boards.

Despite the dated architectural style of the building making it difficult to bring it up to current thermal standards, the use of Swisslab has resulted in a 77% reduction in the U-Values of the external walls from 1.35w/m2K to 0.31W/m2K.

Peter Waring, Project Manager at Tarmac, explains: “The design of the building involved the floor slabs finishing flush with the external layer of brickwork. This ruled out the possibility of using cavity wall insulation as it would have left the floor edges as cold bridging points, so we were looking for an EWI system that could be installed over the existing substrate. It was important that our chosen system provided a durable, weatherproof finish that would ultimately give the building a smooth, modern look, whilst also improving its thermal efficiency.”

For more details on Swisslab and other Alumasc EWI Systems, click here