Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) from Alumasc, has been used to transform the appearance and thermal efficiency of a Salford tower block.
Black Friar Court is a 14-storey high rise building managed by award-winning social housing provider Salix Homes. The major refurbishment project formed part of a 3m Decent Homes improvement scheme to update the 1960s high rise block, improving the surroundings and living conditions for residents.
Alumasc’s technical team worked closely with Salix Homes, Architect NPS Group and Main Contractor Emanuel Whitaker, to ensure the most efficient EWI solution possible, with minimum disruption to residents being a key priority.
Alumasc’s approved installers BLD Construction installed 2,500m2 of Alumasc’s Swisslab EWI to the previously bare-brick exterior. 60mm Phenolic insulation was used, along with Alumasc’s high performance silicone render in grey, white and terracotta. The system has resulted in a U-Value of 0.3Wm2/K.
Director of BLD Construction, Bruce Day, commented: “BLD Construction has worked with Alumasc for many years. We are confident in the quality of their products and are always very satisfied with the technical support we receive.
“The nature of high rise projects involves working with an element of risk, but the ease of installation that we get with Swisslab, provides both our clients and installers with added peace of mind.”
Colin Goodall, Investment and Delivery Manager at Salix Homes, added: “Black Friar Court has been transformed into a desirable place to live with modern and comfortable homes that are economic to run. It's been a pleasure to work alongside Alumasc to ensure our customers now have the homes they deserve.”
Alumasc’s Swisslab EWI is the market-leading direct-fix insulated render system for overcladding existing properties, transforming both thermal performance and aesthetic appeal. The product is regularly used for regeneration projects as it eliminates cold bridging, condensation and mould growth and protects the structural fabric of the building with an effective life in excess of 30 years.
Alumasc EWI systems are BBA approved, fully warranted and are available with a range of design and specification options, across many building types.