To boost the thermal performance of the properties, Aran Services specified 9000m2 of Alumasc’s Swisslab and Swistherm systems with 30mm phenolic and 100mm EPS insulation respectively, finished with a silicone render.

The Green in Chelmsford, Essex is a Chelmer Homes Partnership (CHP) development comprising a mixture of approximately 150 semi-detached and terraced social housing properties.

With the majority of the properties on The Green built prior to the 1930s, their solid brick construction meant that many residents suffered problems with cold, condensation, mould and higher energy bills due to a lack of insulation.

The dual approach to the external wall insulation was crucial to the delivery of an effective refurbishment, with both products working together to overcome the logistical challenges of the tight spaces on the development.

The main challenge posed by the project was the lack of space, in particular around the passageways and cut-throughs, where space was already very tight.

To address this, Alumasc provided technical support to Aran Services, identifying areas where its thinner EWI, Swisslab, could be utilised to minimise the impact on these tight spaces whilst still maximising thermal performance.

The overall aesthetics of the development are now greatly enhanced and thermal performance has vastly improved from 2.1 w/m2k to 0.3 w/m2k. Both of these factors have been achieved whilst maintaining the period features of the homes.

Feedback from residents of the properties has been very favourable, as Elaine Gibb, CHP Energy Adviser, explains: “The Alumasc products have been really successful and have made a big difference – as soon as the insulation layer was added to the exterior, our residents started saying how much warmer their homes felt. The render finish has improved the look of the development and has had a knock-on effect in the general mood of the community and many residents have started to take more pride in their local area through measures such as improving their gardens.”