A combination of Cavitytherm and XtroLiner insulation solutions, as well as a dedicated level of service throughout the build, contributed to a high-end result for this award-winning mixed housing development in the heart of Drogheda, Co. Louth. The dwelling, which consists of 15 dwellings for families and elderly people, won the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland’s 2020 Public Choice Award, beating off still competition from 32 other shortlisted projects.
As well as providing a range of premium insulation products, Unilin Insulation excelled on their service levels throughout this project. From an early stage they engaged with architects on U-Value calculations to ensure the project achieved the thermal efficiency desired. Condensation risk reports were provided on specific details throughout the project as well as close working with the local technical specification manager.
Specification of value-added products entitled the client to Unilin Insulation’s Platinum Service which, as well as aforementioned calculations and analyses, involved an enhanced level of consultation and site visits, toolbox talks and installation training and an escalated response rate – just some of the many added benefits of this premium service.
Technical Solutions
For wall insulation, Cavitytherm, CT/PIR rigid PIR insulation was used, delivering the ultimate solution in thermal performance . This continuous wall insulation system has a unique engineered profiled facing which directs any moisture that might penetrate the external wall down the protective facing and back onto the external leaf, giving protection from wind driven rain.
At ground floor level Unilin Insulation XT/PR_UF PIR insulation on radon membrane and a precast concrete slab achieved a U-Value of 0.12 W/m2K. Thin-R Underfloor is lightweight, easy to install insulation which combines high compressive strength with low thermal conductivity, providing a high performance solution for floor insulation.
The pitched roof included 75mm/100mm Unilin Xtroliner over its rafters with 100mm XO/PR between the rafters, achieving a U-Value of 0.13/0.11 W/m2K. Xtroliner is a superior performance insulation with an Agrément declared lamda value of 0.020 W/mK and an enhanced Euroclass C fire rating. Xtroliner’s pitched roof on sloped roofs provides the most efficient U-Values with minimal intrusion into valuable living space. The roof construction is a critical element in the building fabric and is an area at high risk of heat loss. Using Xtroliner Pitched Roof insulation will reduce heat loss while also delivering excellent Thermal Bridging details.
Warm Roof construction is a particularly effective way of insulating complex roofs. Insulating above – or above and between – the roof timbers ensures that the structure is kept at or near the internal environmental conditions, reducing thermal stress and condensation risk.
The resulting U-Values achieve thermally efficient homes for the residents on Drogheda’s Scarlet Street; a benefit which particularly effects the elderly residents. All of this contributes to the sense of community sought by the client which attracted the praise of RIAI president, Ciaran O’Connor who described Tooting Meadow as:
“The perfect example” of high-quality housing that “addresses the country’s changing demographics while also creating sustainable neighbourhoods in our towns and villages.“
To find out more about Unilin Insulation’s premium product range and service levels, why not Contact Us today.
