Client: Beechwood Park
Type of works: supply of the Isokorb^® thermal break technology from Schöck, in concrete-to-steel and steel-to-steel options.

A new commercial development, Beechwood Park, near Dover, is heavily influenced by the German 'Passivhaus’ concept and uses advanced building techniques throughout. An important element in the energy efficiency of the building is the avoidance of thermal bridging at key connectivity points. This is where materials that are poor insulators allow substantial heat and energy loss to flow out of the building.

Another potential problem is that where internal surface temperatures are particularly low at the bridging points, condensation can form when the temperature reaches the critical dew point during the cold season. The condensed water is absorbed in the concrete and will probably lead to moisture problems and construction damage due to mould development.

Schöck Isokorb^® thermal break technology has outstanding thermal insulation properties and dramatically reduces thermal energy loss in connective areas by guaranteeing the homogeneity of the thermal envelope between cantilever structures and the internal floor. It also transfers load and maintains full structural integrity, while at the same time enabling inner surface area temperatures to remain well in excess of those likely to cause mould formation and condensation.

Types KS (concrete-to-steel) and type KST (steel-to-steel) are both installed at Beechwood Park, but it is the type KS units which are widely used throughout, being particularly evident in the radial office slab reinforcement at the front of the building. The KST units being used to reduce thermal conductivity below structural floor level where there are steel support columns encased in concrete.

Isokorb^® modules meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations. These require that the temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI), as described in BRE IP1/06 – a document cited in Building Regulations Approved Documents Part L1 and L2 and Section 6 in Scotland – must be greater than, or equal, to 0.5 for commercial buildings.

For further information about services from Schöck, or to request a free copy of the Specifiers Guide and/or Technical Guide; contact Schöck Ltd on: tel: (0845) 241 3390; fax: (0845) 241 3391 or visit www.schoeck.co.uk.