INCA Case Study: L & Q SHDF Altrincham, Trafford

Background to the Project:

This exemplary project is the culmination of work between Structherm, L&Q, Wates Property Services, Osmosis ACD and Approved Installation Contractor (AIC) Thomas Niamh Contracting Ltd.

Situated in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, the properties along Moss Lane, Urban Avenue, Urban Drive and Urban Road consisted of 9-inch, solid brickwork walls with decorative period features.

The thermal efficiency of the existing homes was extremely poor, and it was clear from their condition that significant work was required.

The Solution & Specification:

The client and local planners agreed that due to the attractive appearances of the properties, and their proximity to a conservation area, those earmarked for retrofit works would need to be approached in a manner that respected the local vernacular.

As decanting tenants in order to carry out Internal Wall Insulation works was not a viable option, L&Q asked Structherm to propose an External Wall Insulation solution which would thermally upgrade the properties whilst maintaining their existing appearance.

The Installation & Challenges on site:

Structherm’s unique ArtBrick™ EWI System was specified to ensure the newly insulated homes remain in keeping with their local surroundings. Such an EWI approach also meant there was no need to decant the occupants and rip out interiors.

ArtBrick represents a cutting-edge resin system capable of tinting and replicating the traditional brickwork hue onto proprietary material systems.

Unlike pre-formed brick slips, ArtBrick is created on-site, offering faster application and increased robustness, while importantly maintaining an authentic appearance.

Problems overcome:

An added benefit of utilising the unique Structherm ArtBrick EWI system was that, rather than requiring full planning permission, properties could proceed under permitted development rules.

As EWI was the primary insulation measure across the scheme, Structherm’s design team worked closely with Retrofit Designer, Osmosis ACD, to help address the numerous junctions that needed accounting for.

Window details were particularly challenging, with bespoke pre-finished insulated architectural profiles drawn-out for each property to replicate the existing cill arrangement, ensuring a robust and thermally efficient transition with the main ArtBrick™ EWI.

The End Result:

Non-combustible mineral fibre insulation, 110mm thick was selected to thermally upgrade the walls U-value to circa. 0.28 W/m²K thus providing significant energy savings by lowering the heat demand of the dwellings.

Structherm’s unique ArtBrick™ finish is the ideal solution for projects based in or around conservation areas and involving properties with elevations that require the existing appearance to be matched ‘like for like’ to meet planning requirements.

Wates Property Services, along with support from their supply chain, ensured the range of EEM’s and associated works were carried out in line with the latest PAS 2035 standards. These much-needed improvements have had a positive impact on living conditions of the residents by reducing energy bills and increasing thermal comfort.

The high-quality installation by AIC Thomas Niamh Contracting Ltd has delivered a long-lasting refurbishment solution, designed to benefit the lives of residents for decades to come.

Quotes:

“At Wates, we are very proud to be the main contractor for L&Q Housing for such a fantastic project where we worked very closely with Structherm and Thomas Niamh installing the ArtBrick EWI system. Our purpose is to leave a positive legacy for the next generation by reimagining places for people to thrive.”

Lee Wibraham, Project Manager, Wates Property Services.