Schöck Isokorb structural thermal break was specified for the new development at the north bank of the Thames, opposite the 02. Horizons offers 190 private apartments with one, two and three-bedrooms; plus six penthouses with stunning views from their substantial private terraces.

One of the architectural challenges was to maximise the spectacular panorama and at the same time conserve the local heritage around nearby Poplar Dock. The considerable number of balconies involved throughout the development also demanded the minimisation of any possible structural or thermal bridging problems. The Schöck Isokorb structural thermal break comfortably met the specification.

There was a requirement for 345 individual pre-cast balconies throughout the two blocks. The Schöck Isokorb type K is a load-bearing thermal insulation element for concrete-to-concrete cantilever balconies and transfers bending moment, stress and shear forces. With its HTE pressure-bearing module, the element provides the best thermal performance achievable with thermal breaks today.

It also transfers load and maintains full structural integrity, while at the same time enabling inner surface area temperatures to remain well in excess of those likely to cause mould formation and condensation. The Schöck Isokorb type Q serves as a shear force transfer element for loggia's or column supported balconies with relatively low load expectations.