Isokorb thermal insulation solutions from Schöck have been specified for the refurbished Hoxton Cinema in London.

The design consists of two distinct elements: a solid concrete ground level to accommodate the three-screen cinema, and an acoustically insulated cross laminated timber (CLT) upper residential element. This has a stepped western elevation providing gardens and balconies and a lightweight zinc-clad pavilion. The balconies on the western elevation are of steel construction and typically these would be connected to a concrete or steel building frame.

However, the less conventional requirement here is to connect the steel balconies to the CLT, fabricated for the project by KLH UK.

While cross-laminated timber performs well thermally, the steel cantilever with its high thermal conductivity penetrates the insulation layer, which is the reason why it is still important to minimise the risk of any potential thermal bridging problems.

One of the leading solutions on the market for the prevention of thermal bridging, involving practically any cantilever connectivity requirement, is the Schöck Isokorb range.

This is a comprehensive range of load-bearing thermal break elements and specifically it is the Isokorb type KST – usually for steel-to-steel connections – which has been cleverly integrated here. The modular design of the Schöck Isokorb type KST ensures that it can be adapted to all profile sizes and load-bearing capacity requirements.

With the Hoxton Cinema project, a right angle steel retaining plate has first been fixed to the CLT outer wall and floor using heavy duty screws. The inner face of the Isokorb KST is then bolted to the retaining plate and the steel balcony in turn is then connected to the outer face of the module.

The result is a more rigid structure and the prevention of any increased heat loss or, just as importantly, condensation, particularly where it might occur under the steel retaining plates at the connectivity points with the CLT.

The diverse range of Schöck Isokorb thermal insulation solutions guarantees totally verifiable performance standards, meets full compliance with all relevant UK building regulations, offers LABC Registration and meets the highest standards of BBA Certification.