The Triptych Bankside development at 185 Park Street, in Southwark, is well under way. When complete, this three tower, mixed-use development adjacent to the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre, will provide creative workspace in a ten-storey building sitting alongside two residential blocks. These are fifteen and nineteen storeys respectively, offering 170 new luxury homes. The striking design by architects Squire & Partners features unusual semicircular balconies throughout to maximise amenity space and sweeping panoramic views. The balcony specification is demanding though and the adaptable Schöck Isokorb T type SK is incorporated to meet the various challenges.

A complete system thermal break

The special demands of the Triptych Bankside semicircular balcony profiling required bespoke Isokorb T type SK units designed with specific postional load capacities, using built-in steel reinforcement. The T type SK is a complete system structural thermal break for concrete-to-steel connectivity. At present, no other UK product for concrete-to-steel applications satisfies the necessary load-bearing requirements, or meets the current and future thermal performance required by building standards (Part L).

The entire project is built very much with sustainability in mind and minimising any risk of thermal bridging at the balcony detailing is critical for a number of reasons. Any local heat loss will result in more energy being required to maintain the internal temperature of the building. Also, low internal surface temperatures in the area of any thermal bridge can cause condensation and this in turn is likely to result in structural integrity problems. Mould growth too is a possible risk, which in a residential situation can cause asthma and allergies.

A dependable and fully compliant product range

The Schöck Isokorb range of structural thermal break solutions is the largest in Europe and in the UK helps projects meet full compliance with the necessary Building Regulations (and the impending Future Homes Standard criteria where relevant). In addition to the Isokorb type used on this project, there are also solutions for concrete-to-concrete, steel-to-steel, renovation projects – and even a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets. All products have the security of independent BBA Certification, which provides NHBC approval. The temperature factor requirement (fRSI) used to indicate condensation risk, which must be equal to, or greater than 0.75 for residential buildings, is also easily met by incorporating the Isokorb.

Contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or visit the website at www.schoeck.com for full details of the Isokorb range