Swisslab maintains integrity at Quinton’s Court

Alumasc’s Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) system has been used as part of the major refurbishment of Quinton’s Court in Needham Market, a mixed use development comprising commercial premises and social housing managed by Suffolk Housing Society.

Converted some years ago from a Victorian warehouse, Quinton’s Court is surrounded by buildings of varying ages and due to its location within the town’s conservation area, the refurbished facade had to replicate the original as closely as possible in order to comply with planning regulations.

Alumasc’s Swisslab system is ideally suited to overcladding existing properties and was recommended for the project as the optimum method of upgrading the façade within the planning guidelines.

The project presented a number of challenges to Alumasc’s Approved Installer Aran Services Ltd, who installed 370m² of Swisslab with 60mm phenolic insulation onto the solid brick substrate. The building’s use and positioning on a main thoroughfare presented logistical difficulties and works also had to be programmed around window and roofing contractors. The application of the system involved detailing around several difficult-to-access areas above the slate roofs to the rear elevations which were also being re-roofed as part of the refurbishment.

The facade was finished with Alumasc’s M.R. S4 polymer plain render and M.R. S6 masonry paint to match the original look of the building, providing a durable finish less susceptible to cracking and crazing than traditional sand and cement renders.

The completed installation significantly improved the building’s thermal performance from 2.1 w/m2k to a U value of 0.3 w/m2k, whilst upgrading the existing facade in an authentic style in keeping with the surrounding locality.

Swisslab is a BBA Approved and fully warranted system offering a life expectancy in excess of 30 years. It is weather resistant yet vapour permeable and can be faced with Alumasc’s range of Polymer modified renders for a traditional appearance, or Silicone or Mineral renders for a more contemporary look.

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