Swistherm Improves Energy Efficiency at George Hall Court

Alumasc’s Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) system has provided a high performance, weather tight façade solution for a Supported Housing scheme in Swindon.

George Hall Court is an eight-storey tower block comprising 30 flats managed by Swindon Borough Council. As part of a major redevelopment of the area, the Council was tasked with bringing the building’s energy efficiency levels up to the latest standards and improving the aesthetics to match that of surrounding properties.

The building had an existing EWI system which no longer met Part L of the Building Regulations and therefore required a thermal upgrade. The solution was to overclad the building with 2000m2 of the Alumasc Swistherm system utilising 30mm EPS insulation. Specialist mechanical fixings were used, with a setting tool for penetration of the existing EWI, to ensure the load was transferred through the fixing and only dissipated through the load bearing substrate. The new system resulted in the scheme’s energy efficiency being improved from a U-Value of 0.46W/m2K to 0.33W/m2K. The installation was carried out by Alumasc’s approved contractor Mark Group.

The ST Silkolitt decorative silicone finish has created an attractive rolled texture for the building, which now looks refreshed and modern. Silkolitt was also used to face Alumasc’s Render-only system on the low level external concrete skirting and as a decorative finish in the foyer. Importantly, the nature of the EWI system enabled residents at George Hall Court to remain in their homes for the duration of the refurbishment work.

John Black, a senior surveyor with Swindon Borough Council, commented: “The Alumasc insulation system and render finish have greatly improved the aesthetics of the building and helped to bring it into keeping with the redeveloped area. The system has also improved U-Values and the results have been received very favourably by residents.”

For more information on Swistherm External Wall Insulation, click here

For more information on Silkolitt silicone render, click here

Comments are closed.