Alumascs Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) system played a key part in the transformation of a private residence into a retrofit Eco-Home and helping to achieve a virtual carbon neutral status.
The property in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire was in need of complete refurbishment. In addition to external wall insulation, the owners took the opportunity to install heat recovery, a biomass boiler and photovoltaic panels to make the house as energy efficient and eco-friendly as possible.
Project architects, YMD Boon, had not used EWI on a private residential refurbishment before and following detailed research into a number of options, they specified Swisslab due to its levels of energy efficiency and the quality of finish offered.
Alumascs approved applicator BLD Construction Ltd installed Swisslab with 160mm phenolic insulation over the solid brickwork walls, completing the system with and attractive, cream silicone decorative finish. Following refurbishment, the propertys U values have improved from 0.47 to 0.12w/m2k.
David Henderson of YMD Boon commented: The Swisslab system offered a thermal capacity that exceeded traditional build standards without compromising the internal layout of the existing building.
We have been involved in new build Eco-Homes in the past; including Leicesters original Eco-House, but a retrofit Eco-Home was a new concept for us. In practice, the external wall insulation has given the existing external walls a thermal performance in excess of the current Building Regulations requirements with the propertys overall performance heading towards carbon neutral.
The home owners have commented that they are very pleased with the very attractive finish and thermal performance created by the system.
Swisslab is an insulated render system that provides outstanding energy efficiency. Insulation materials are mechanically fixed direct to a continuous substrate and faced with a choice of traditional and lightweight renders. Brick-effect finishes are also available.