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INCA EWI Case Study: Anchor Timber Bungalows, Falkirk


 

Anchor Timber Bungalows, Falkirk

External Wall Insulation Case Study


Project Type: Refurbishment

Building Type: Residential Low Rise

System Designer: Structherm

Installer: A C Whyte

System & Finish: Structherm Hybrid EWI

Phenolic Insulation, Render & Dash Finish

U-value Achieved: 0.22 W/m²K

Structherm’s unique Hybrid external wall insulation system was installed by Approved Installation Contractors, A. C Whyte & Co. Ltd. on 15 non-traditional Anchor bungalow properties in Falkirk, on behalf of Falkirk Council.

The construction of Anchor properties was introduced in 1967 and these specific bungalows were built by Falkirk Council in 1997 on the site of Weir Steel houses that had been demolished.  The foundations of these Weir Steel homes were of a good condition and were retained for the new homes.

Anchor homes were built with a timber frame, brick cladding on the gables, and timber lining to the front and rear elevations.  The Building Research Establishment (BRE) report for this type of property highlights the possibility of localised decay of timber frame panels and plywood infill panels. The external timber cladding of Anchor Bungalows can mean these houses are exposed to adverse weather conditions which make them cold and expensive to heat.

Structherm’s Hybrid EWI system is a cost-effective method of extending the life of non-traditional properties – both low and high rise. The hybrid system utilises a standard external wall insulation system, in combination with the strength of Structural EWI panels in the areas that need it. Falkirk Council appointed AC Whyte. to deliver the refurbishment scheme.

The bungalows in this particular project showed little signs of degradation or rot in either the timber frame or wood cladding. However because of the LABSS guidelines on insulating timber houses, the wooden clad areas were deemed unsuitable for standard external wall insulation.

The timber lining was removed and Structherm’s SEWI system was installed in order to strengthen the frame and maintain a 10mm cavity between the face of the frame and the insulation as per Scottish Building Standards.  The client also specified a U Value of 0.22 W/m²K or better. As a result the SPH125 panel was specified.

The gable ends of the properties were of a good condition and simply needed standard phenolic external wall insulation. While the interfaces between the brick and timber clad substrates were a challenge, the system designers worked closely with Falkirk Council and A. C. Whyte to ensure a high quality installation and dry dash finish.

Installer, AC Whyte continued their extensive experience with Structherm external wall insulation, and Steven McNellis, Construction Director at AC Whyte said, “We have worked with both Structherm and Falkirk Council for many years and have an established relationship based on trust and our exceptional track record.  We are a quality focused Contractor and this project is a perfect example of successful collaborative working. “

Due to the work in designing and installing this hybrid system, combined with re-roofing and additional external work, the aesthetic upgrade of these Anchor properties is transformational. Finished with a cream dry dash, the work has brightened the street from the previous dark, worn looking appearance.

Structherm’s Structural EWI is a cost-effective solution for thermal and aesthetic upgrading of non-traditional housing, and when paired with standard EWI the property is fully insulated with a complete system. These Anchor bungalow homes, for example, were thermally upgraded to 0.22 W/m²K. This exceeds the requirement for refurbished homes, which currently stands at 0.3 W/m²K.

Finally, there was little disruption to the lives of tenants as they could remain in their homes during the installation. This meant that in addition to saving money on the cost of works, Falkirk council would not incur any further costs due to decanting tenants, while the tenants themselves benefit from reduced fuel costs.

These Anchor bungalow homes were thermally upgraded to 0.22 W/m²K. This exceeds the requirement for refurbished homes, which currently stands at 0.3 W/m²K.

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