Knowsley Heights, Huyton

Knowsley Heights, Huyton

Client: Knowsley Housing Trust
Contractor: Herbert T Forrest of Longridge
Type of works: supply of Alumasc's Swisslab EWI system.

A thermally efficient facade system from Alumasc has been used on the successful refurbishment of a landmark tower block development in Merseyside.

Knowsley Heights in Huyton forms part of a massive £300m regeneration programme being undertaken by Knowsley Housing Trust, to improve its communities and update housing in line with the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

Alumasc worked closely alongside Knowsley Housing Trust together with Designer and Scheme Project Managers, Michael Dyson Associates of Huddersfield, to provide a bespoke, high-rise specification comprising 6,000m2 of their Swisslab External Wall Insulation (EWI) system. Installation was carried out by Alumasc approved contractor, Herbert T Forrest of Longridge.

The two 15-storey Wimpey No Fines tower blocks at Knowsley Heights required an energy efficient render solution to ensure a comfortable living environment was achieved for residents, providing lower energy costs and significantly reduced maintenance. Alumasc’s Swisslab EWI system was specified due to its proven track record on urban regeneration schemes, including more demanding high rise applications.

A key consideration of the scheme was thermal performance therefore the Swisslab system incorporated a 50mm phenolic high density insulation panel to achieve the required U-value of 0.35W/m2. The insulation was then faced with a combination of finishes from Alumasc’s traditional range. On the upper floors a high performance, low maintenance aggregate dash was used with M.R. Polymer Dashing Render to provide an attractive, weather-proof finish. Alumasc’s traditional brick slips were specified on the first 2 storeys to replicate the existing substructure and provide a high quality, impact-resistant facing. The brick slips were quick and easy to apply as the system innovatively uses a preformed template mesh to assist speedy and accurate installation.

Swisslab is a BBA approved, fully warranted system, manufactured under the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Standard. It is suitable for use on both new build and refurbishment projects with a wide choice of decorative renders and coatings available.

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