INCA Case Study: Cwrt Andrew Bychan, Wales

High-Performance Retrofit with a Personal Touch

Cwrt Andrew Bychan (also referred to as Buchan), located in Rhymney, South Wales, is a three-storey rest and retirement housing development owned by Wales & West Housing. As part of the Welsh Government’s Arbed energy efficiency scheme, the project focused on upgrading the building’s fire safety, thermal performance and external appearance. All delivered with minimal disruption to residents.

Wetherby Wall Systems’ advanced KIWA-certified Masonry Stone Wool System was specified for its excellent thermal performance and design versatility.

The primary decorative finish used was Silicone 4S Render, a premium, fast-curing render that is highly resistant to rain and humidity, with exceptional water-repellent properties. The second finish was Wetherby’s new acrylic brick slip system in the brown shade Monopoli, used as a contrast to the crisp white render. Acrylic Brick Slips expertly replicate traditional brickwork in a lightweight and durable format. Manufactured from high-quality quartz sand and acrylic resin, these slips also offer outstanding flexibility and can be bent around curves and corners.

The Wetherby Masonry Stone Wool System included 120mm A1-rated non-combustible ROCKWOOL Stone Wool insulation boards. When combined with the Silicone 4S Render and Acrylic Brick Slips, the full system achieves an A2-s1, d0 fire rating in accordance with BS EN 13501-1, making it suitable for use on buildings of any height.

Wetherby-recognised installer SMK Building and Maintenance Ltd carried out the works with great care, neatly installing the system and ensuring insulation boards were interlocked correctly at all junctions and around projected columns. L-shaped boards were formed at all opening corners, demonstrating precision and compliance with Wetherby’s detailing standards.

Installation began with an insulated plinth detail, starting with the application of Wetherby Coat contact primer to the substrate at damp proof course level, beneath the façade system’s starter track. SMK also followed Wetherby’s approved detailing for pitched and flat roof junctions to prevent water ingress.

Wetherby’s Technical Site Supervisor provided ongoing technical support and product-specific training throughout the installation process, ensuring high quality results and alignment with the client’s expectations.

A key design challenge was the client’s request for a more textured and visually distinctive finish in key areas such as porches and window surrounds. Wetherby worked closely with Kate Soloman, Project Manager at Wales & West Housing, to develop a customised Quartz/ Mosaic Render finish enhanced with Mika flakes, providing added depth with sparkle and visual interest (see image 4).

“Working with Wetherby Wall Systems has been a positive experience. Wetherby’s tech people worked with us to come up with a solution that met our requirements and gave us the finish we were looking for. Their expertise and commitment to safety and energy efficiency were evident throughout the project, particularly with their advice on the use of non-combustible Stone Wool insulation.” Kate Soloman, Wales & West Housing

Project Highlights

• Fire Safety: Full use of a rated EWI in line with the latest safety standards — crucial for vulnerable residents in multi-storey housing.
• Bespoke Design: Customisation of render elements to satisfy both planning expectations and client taste.
• Performance: Achieved a projected U-value of 0.24 W/m²K, representing a dramatic improvement in insulation performance.
• Aesthetic Impact: Combination of silicone, acrylic slips, and enhanced quartz render gave the building a crisp, contemporary look without losing its character.
• Collaboration: Strong three-way communication between the system designer, installer, and housing association ensured minimal disruption to residents and an on-target delivery.

 The building’s thermal performance was significantly improved, with the U-value reduced from 1.27 W/m²K to an impressive 0.24 W/m²K following the installation of the Wetherby EWI system, and most importantly, a secure and comfortable home for residents.

Cwrt Andrew Bychan stands as a shining example of how thoughtful retrofit can blend compliance, creativity, and community value. Through smart material choices and detailed collaboration, this older person’s housing upgrade not only looks great, but it performs, protects, and preserves for the long term.