Client: Bristol City Council
Type of works: Supply of Swistherm External Wall Insulation
Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) from Alumasc has been used on the pioneering, energy-saving refurbishment of the Rawnsley House apartment block in Bristol .
3750m2 of Alumasc’s Swistherm EWI system, incorporating 70 and 80mm EPS insulation panels was installed by approved installer Rateavon Ltd, who were closely involved with the project from the outset. U-values of the building improved from 1.28W/m2 K to the target 0.35W/m2 K and the superior thermal efficiency is also set to benefit residents with savings in their energy bills, expected to be in the region of £158 per year.
Swistherm is a BBA approved, fully warranted, thin-coat insulated render system ideal for applications where the structure provides continuous support for insulation panels. It is manufactured under ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001: 2004 Quality and Environmental Management Systems, is fully weather resistant, and can be faced with Alumasc’s range of Silicone or Mineral renders which are available in a choice of textures and colours.
The original 1960’s brick appearance of Rawnsley House was maintained through the use of Alumasc’s Traditional and Acrylic brick slip which were also installed by Rateavon Ltd. Traditional brick slips were used around the ground floor of the building providing a durable, impact resistant finish whilst Acrylic brick slips provided a lightweight solution on the remainder of the building, with no visible join between the two systems.
Alumasc’s Technical Support Team worked closely with Rateavon, Bristol Council and the project team throughout the duration of the project, providing U-Values, 3D images, Condensation Analyses and full scale samples, to help ensure the success of the scheme.
The £1.5million upgrade of 16-storey Rawnsley House is thought to be the first in the UK to benefit from the Community Energy Savings Programme, a Government fund delivered to homes in low income areas through partnerships between Local Authorities, Community Groups and Energy Companies. Landlord Bristol City Council worked closely with EDF Energy and carbon reduction company Sustain to deliver the scheme.