INCA Case Study: Woodbridge MOD

Introduction

This project was a mix of Semi-detached and detached houses built in 1980 with a timber frame. This was carried out on behalf of Anglian Building Products, utilising the systems provided by Wetherby Building Systems. This project was a total meterage of 6053sqm.

Properties & Specification

The homes on this Woodbridge MOD project were timber framed with a brick facade. Two of the four archetypes received a wetherby 90mm Enhanced EPS insulation on the ground floor and 250mm Enhanced EPS Insulation on the first floor. The remaining two archetypes received 90mm insulation on both first and ground floor.

The 250mm first floor insulation was in place of the existing timber cladding that needed to be removed and 250mm insulation provided a flush face between both floors with a slip joint horizontal movement joint between the two systems.

The specification called for the installation of Wetherby EPS system with 1.5 mm Silicone Finish. This would improve the thermal performance of the properties while simultaneously enhancing their appearance.

Design & Installation Challenges

The collaboration on this project between Principle Contractors, PJMear and DESIGNER, meant that each issue was rectified with the expertise necessary.

One of the more significant design complications was the interface between varying insulation thicknesses. This was installed to create a flush façade on a varying substrate. In order to provide durability over the years to come, a movement joint in the form of a RSJ Slip Joint provided by Wetherby Building Systems was installed.

Another smaller issue was the presence of Bats on site for which a batbox needed to be supplied. The Bats were nesting in the loft and an exit needed to be provided for the bats to naturally migrate away.

Sequencing was a challenge on this site due to unforeseen roofing issues including a material supply breakdown. This resulted in PJMear needing to install the ground floors then await roof installation and PJmear continue with the first floors. This sequence resulted in protection being necessary to maintain the quality of materials before closing the thermal envelope.

Measured Results

As noted, the client required that the treated buildings should display excellent thermal performance. The thermal performance of the walls was achieved using the 90mm and 25mm Eps for a u-value of 0.032 Wm²/K.

The client also specified that the system should achieve an A2-s1,d0 ‘reaction to fire’ classification, which the installed system did.

The residents on this MOD scheme are now enjoying the benefits of increased energy efficiency while living within an aesthetically upgraded home

Project Completion

The scheme was completed on schedule, to the satisfaction of the client and residents.

As a result of the works, residents are now enjoying warmer homes, better living conditions and savings on their routine energy bills. The work has helped to improve the general appearance of the neighbourhood, making it look cleaner and brighter and, as an additional benefit, it has also helped to provide a degree of acoustic insulation.

Feedback;

“Massive compliments, the work ethic from PJMear was outstanding, there has been an excellent aesthetic upgrade on site, All the families said it’s a great improvement with thermal insulation being effective and cost saving. The visual impact and change on this site are amazing!

 With Maternity roots and bats on site we had a full team of ecologists, with these protected species this led to an altered programme. PJMear hand stripped slowly under supervision of ecologists to ensure the welfare of the animals was retained. Compliments form the ecologist team were passed on, making note of the care and diligence the work was carried out with.”

Jennifer Monaghan – Amey