INCA Case Study: ACHA Rothesay, Isle of Bute
ACHA Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Project Type: Refurbishment
Building Type: Low Rise, Residential
Architect: MAST Architects, Glasgow
System Designer: Structherm
Installer: Procast Group Ltd
System & Finish: Structherm EWI & Silicone Finish
U-Value Before: 0.61 W/m²K
U-Value After: 0.21 W/m²K
Background to the Project:
Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) were struggling to rent the flats in this block due to the poor configuration and size of the flats – many of them were studio flats with sleeping alcoves off the main living room. The flats were cold, damp, hard to heat and suffered from poor natural lighting. Demolition was touted as a viable solution. MAST Architects proposed a Deep Retrofit solution. The retrofit solution was supported by a match funded grant from the Scottish Government Net Zero Heat Fund.
The Solution & Specification:
A complete, deep retrofit was required. Some of the windows were increased in size and Juliette balconies were created to allow more light into the apartments. All of the windows were replaced with new triple glazed units which were brought forward, in line with the brickwork to reduce cold bridging at the window reveals. Triple Glazing was specified to protect the flats from the high winds and driving rain often experienced on the Isle of Bute. The roof was completely stripped and replaced, and Solar PV panels added to the roof with a battery storage system to maximise their efficacy. An ASHP Communal Heating System was designed and installed to provide low cost, high efficiency heating to the apartments. Re-configuration of the layout of the apartments, new modern kitchens and bathrooms with a new mechanical ventilation system made the apartments more desirable and easier to rent. Superbead Cavity Wall insulation was introduced along with Structherm’s A2 Fire Rated NSC-R-SIL-LR EWI System incorporating 110mm Mineral Fibre Insulation, brought the U Value down from 0.61 to 0.21, with a very weather resistant Silicone 1.5mm Render finish in Platinum Metal dark grey and Chalk White colour scheme.
The Installation & Challenges on site:
The projects geographical location, management of labour and material deliveries on and off an island.
The End Result:
The façade of the building was transformed from a dull, dreary, dated visage to bright, vibrant and modern looking apartment block. The apartments are warm, welcoming and, for the first time in many years, a desirable place to live.
The façade of the building was transformed from a dull, dreary, dated visage to bright, vibrant and modern looking apartment block. The apartments are warm, welcoming and, for the first time in many years, a desirable place to live.