INCA Case Study: Celtic Horizons, Aberbargoed

The objectives of the Celtic Horizons refurbishment project in Aberbargoed were to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve overall living conditions for residents within a cluster of 64 terraced houses centred on Elm Street. With a commitment to sustainability and excellence, United Welsh Housing Group appointed installer SERS, who utilised SPS Envirowall’s Wall System 1  to achieve remarkable results that have positively impacted the lives of local families.

Specific design, technical challenges overcome

Celtic Horizons presented two key challenges:

Preserving Architectural Integrity: Balancing the need for modern insulation technology with the preservation of the architectural character of the Aberbargoed terraced houses demanded a delicate touch and meticulous planning. Working in collaboration with SPS Envirowall, the SERS team ensured that the EWI integrated seamlessly with the existing aesthetics of each property, maintaining their historical features and cultural charm.

Adapting to Structural Constraints : The Aberbargoed terraced houses presented inherent structural constraints due to their age and construction methods. Surveys were conducted to determine the load-bearing capacities and compatibility of existing structures with Wall System 1 and they devised tailored solutions that addressed potential weaknesses, ensuring the long-term stability and integrity of the renovated properties.

SERS selected SPS Envirowall’s Wall System 1 as the ideal EWI system tailored to meet the unique needs of the terraced houses. It is a high-performance, thin coat lightweight EWI system with excellent thermal properties and crack-resistant durability. The system comprised insulation boards, mechanical fixings, basecoat, reinforcing mesh, dash and Flexisil silicone render finish.

Installation details, including challenges on site

To ensure a seamless installation process, the SERS team conducted a detailed site survey, evaluating the existing conditions and identifying any potential challenges. They prioritised safety measures, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and created a clear communication plan to safeguard workers and residents throughout the process.

Site constraints – Working within limited space presented challenges. The team’s skilled installers expertly manoeuvred within constrained areas, coordinating efforts to maintain workflow efficiency.

Weather conditions – The weather in the Valleys can be unpredictable, with rain and wind often posing challenges during the installation. The SERS experienced team employed appropriate weatherproofing measures and adhered strictly to weather-dependent guidelines, ensuring high-quality workmanship regardless of external conditions.

Heritage considerations – It was crucial to ensure that the renovated houses reflected their original character. The final decorative dash and silicone finishes were closely matched to the existing façades, thereby harmonizing the renovated properties with their surroundings.

Minimising disruption -The refurbishment work was completed sympathetically to minimize disruption to both occupants and neighbours. The team adopted a comprehensive communication and project management strategy. Regular meetings were held with residents and neighbours to maintain open lines of communication. By implementing stringent site management practices, coordinating deliveries efficiently, and minimizing noise and dust, they minimized the impact on the daily lives of the residents and maintained harmonious relationships with the local community.

Quality Control and Assurance: Throughout the project, SERS commitment to excellence was underpinned by stringent quality control measures. They maintained a focus on ensuring that each stage of the installation adhered to the highest industry standards. Regular inspections, both internal and external, were carried out to verify compliance with the latest digital record keeping, that included live tracking.

Thermal performance enhancement

The introduction of Wall System 1 including 90mm HD grey EPS has significantly enhanced the energy efficiency of the Celtic Horizons buildings. The project has achieved substantial reductions in heat loss, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced energy bills for the residents. The improved energy efficiency aligns with United Welsh Housing Group’s sustainability goals and contributes to a greener future. The average U-value is now 0.29 W/(m²K) down from its former level of 1.81 W/(m²K)

By utilizing advanced materials and techniques, they achieved substantial reductions in heat loss, resulting in enhanced comfort and energy savings for the residents.

Contributory factors such as design, location and aesthetics which make it a ‘stand-out’ project

The provision of SPSenvirowall’s Wall System 1, combined with the installation expertise provided by SERS, served to enhanced the durability and weather resistance of the Celtic Horizons houses. The combination of insulating elements in Wall System 1 ensured that the external walls are now better protected against adverse weather conditions, including rain, wind, and frost, resulting in reduced maintenance costs and increased longevity of the buildings.

The refurbishment project has also focused on improving the aesthetics of the buildings, creating a visually appealing environment for the residents and the wider community. The EWI system allowed for the integration of a dash finish, enabling United Welsh Housing Group to maintain the appearance of the houses to harmonise with the surrounding dwellings and create a sense of community pride.

The project has contributed to a significant reduction in carbon emissions from the Celtic Horizons buildings. By improving the thermal efficiency, the project has effectively reduced the ecological footprint, making a substantial positive impact on the environment and helping to combat climate change.

Post-Installation Benefits:

Following the completion of the EWI installation, the refurbished terraced houses experienced a multitude of benefits. The thermal performance significantly improved, reducing energy consumption and lowering heating costs for residents. Additionally, the aesthetically enhanced façades breathed new life into the neighbourhoods, revitalizing the community spirit.

In conclusion, the Celtic Horizons refurbishment project has achieved exceptional results in terms of energy efficiency, comfort, building durability, aesthetics, and environmental impact. United Welsh Housing Group’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with the expertise and innovation demonstrated by SERS and SPS Envirowall, has transformed the lives of the residents and set an example for future refurbishment projects.

Simon Williams of Celtic Horizons commented,

“The refurbishment provided a multitude of benefits. The thermal performance significantly improved, reducing energy consumption and lowering heating costs for residents. Also, the new façades breathed new life into the neighbourhood, adding to a sense of wellbeing”.