INCA Case Study: MOD Houses, Rock Park Dartmouth

Transforming Military Family Homes in Dartmouth with Proven Energy Efficient Solutions

This transformative project in Dartmouth, Devon, where Wetherby Building Systems Ltd partnered with VIVO Defence Services to refurbish a fantastic 42 military family homes. As part of a comprehensive £400 million initiative by the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), these homes have undergone extensive renovations to enhance comfort, aesthetics, and energy efficiency for military families.

Rock Park in Dartmouth encompassed a holistic refurbishment approach, including the installation of new roofs, windows, doors, and internal improvements alongside the main focus on external wall insulation (EWI).

Wetherby recognised applicators, Total Render Solutions Ltd, were awarded the contract as Main Contractors/Installers for the project, working alongside another Wetherby recognised applicator, PD&CL Building Services. Wetherby’s renowned Masonry External Wall Insulation system was specified as the perfect solution for the masonry substrate. A system that has been used for over 20 years transforming masonry properties. The existing ‘no fines’ substrate was covered in the previous render that was dilapidated, run down and the homes were difficult to heat.

The client (MOD) requested that all properties achieve a U value of 0.30w/m²K across all of the refurbishment projects in the scheme. With this in mind, the Wetherby Masonry EWI system was specified with 90mm Enhanced EPS Insulation. Enhanced EPS Insulation comprises expanded beads of polystyrene that incorporate a graphite component, fused together in a pressurised steam-heated mould. The addition of graphite provides a significantly improved thermal insulation material. This is an ideal cost-effective solution to achieving thermal efficiency in a property.

To complete the system, the insulation was coated in Wetherby Four Seasons Render (also known as 4S) a premium silicone render that offers significantly improved rain resistance. This allows rain damage to be limited after application and during the curing process reducing the risk of wash-offs and minimising associated damage repair costs. The ideal solution for Total Render Solutions & PD& CL working on installation in the autumn and winter months.

The Four Seasons render system was finished with Silicone Paint in a lovely cream colour, which provides a modern and attractive finish in comparison to the previously worn façade.

Collaboration between Wetherby Building Systems Ltd., VIVO Defence Services, and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation was pivotal in achieving project success.

The refurbished homes now boast outstanding thermal performance with a drastically decreased U value from 2.15 w/m²K to an impressive 0.30w/m²K, significantly reducing energy consumption and utility bills for military families. Beyond functionality, the aesthetic enhancements and modernised infrastructure contribute to a more sustainable living environment.

Phil Riley, DIO Director of Accommodation said:

“Improving the standard of Service Family Accommodation is our top priority so I’m delighted to see the completion of this project. Dartmouth has a rich Naval history and local Service families deserve to be living in high-quality homes such as these. Thanks to the local teams for their great work.”

Jerry Moloney, VIVO Defence Services Managing Director, added:

“We are really pleased to work in conjunction with DIO to deliver these significant improvements for military families.

 

“This work will ensure these homes are modernised to deliver energy efficient homes reducing carbon and utility bills.”