INCA Awards
2005 Awards
Multi Faith Centre, Derby
The Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, houses seven main faiths. In designing this new centre, overt religious references were to be avoided, concentrating on fundamental forces, which were interpreted as a group of 'ancient' stones. Aesthetics were to be clean and pure with the white slabs emerging from the ground.
SPE Architecture achieved sweeping curves and minimalistic straight clean lines by using Permarock mineral fibre and lamella insulated render systems, including 80mm of insulation for a 0.35W/m2K U-value. The white acrylic render and brick effect finishes combined to create a striking single storey building. The system designer was Permarock Ltd; and the installer, George Howe Ltd -both INCA members.
Sunderland Royal Hospital
For the Sunderland Royal Hospital structural steelwork was used to convert a multi-storey car park into hospital wards, offices and theatres. The external envelope was carefully designed by Dunwoodie Architects, based on elements of the existing adjacent hospital building, built in red brick and Portland stone.
The Permarock external wall insulation system included 90mm of mineral fibre to achieve a 0.35W/m2K U-value and was finished using a combination of coloured acrylic renders applied on boarding to complement the adjacent block. The system designer was Permarock Ltd; the installer George Howe Ltd - both INCA members.
2004 Awards
Fulham Island
A former 'shanty town' semi derelict retail, office and residential buildings -some of which were Grade 2 listed - off Fulham Broadway, London has been completely revitalised following the application of external wall insulation. The site is now recognised for its remarkable architecture and is a prominent landmark in this part of London. Fulham Island is a four colour-coded development - a blue commercial building; a green reconditioned residential block; a multi-coloured five-storey apartment development clad in beige brickwith multi-coloured insets; and a brick built parade of shops with flats above.
The insulated render facades also incorporate unusual elliptical windows at upper levels. The Permarock EPS external wall insulation system, comprising various thicknesses of EPS and mineral fibre insulation -but generally 70mm- was used throughout the development to meet Part L requirements. Insulated render featured strongly in the design in order to meet the necessary thermal requirements; to achieve the architect's colour requirements; and for its ability to form curved, non-uniform surfaces.
Solar House
Winner of the Refurbishment Award 2004 was Solar House, formerly Block P & Q of the Whitecross Estate in East Central London, which has been refurbished using the Permarock mineral fibre external wall insulation system. This consisted of 90mm of mineral fibre insulation, finished with a through coloured acrylic render in two complementary colour shades, with balcony and walkway areas picked out in white. U-values for the traditionally built solid brick wall, flat roofed building were calculated to be 1.65 and 1.91 W/m2K for two different wall areas. The specifier, the Peabody Design Group, required the blocks to become considerably more energy efficient, with the target U-values exceeding Part L requirements.
The external wall insulation system provided a U-value of approximately 0.30W/m2K to the brick wall areas. The use of complementary coloured renders and timber cladding gives the refurbished blocks the appearance of a newly built residential development. Reinforced concrete in the balcony and walkway areas was repaired and protected with Permarock's concrete repair and protection system.
The combination of external wall insulation to the external wall envelope
and solar panels to the roof makes this project one of the most energy efficient
refurbished schemes on a residential block in recent years. The occupants
have commented on the much improved comfort levels, as well as the enhanced
appearance since the refurbishment works were completed. The refurbishment
of this building has provided a new focus to the Whitecross estate. The
colourful walls complement the adjacent buildings and represents a general
improvement to the local environment.
Lincoln University
In designing the University of Lincoln's new School of Architecture, Media and Communications, the architect wanted to make a strong sculptural statement, which preserves and enhances views back to the city and the cathedral. The standard of finish was to be of the highest quality and the specifier and the client required the external wall insulation system to employ non-combustible mineral fibre insulation and be covered by an insurance-backed guarantee scheme.
The Permarock external wall system with 100mm mineral fibre lamella insulation
and a through-coloured acrylic textured render finish was specified. This
provides a dazzling clean finish, ensuring that the strong cubist form and
sharp lines of the design are achieved. The system, which was surmounted
onto blockwork with dense reinforced concrete, was chosen for its high level
of thermal efficiency. U-values were constantly better than the Part L requirements
- in some areas as low as 0.28W/m2K. It has the ability to create a plumb
flat surface and offers a superior performance in relation to fire. Permarock
also provided pre-formed framing units to achieve a seamless abatement to
the Velpack windows and to give the clean straight lines required by the
architect at the window beads, sills and jambs.
2003 Awards
Woolwich Manor Way
Aiming towards the London sky is a fine new seven-storey riverside apartmenet block, at Woolwich Manor Way, North Woolwich, with a striking white render finish. Its aesthetic features, coupled with its lightweight timber framed construction, won the project the new build residential category of the INCA 2003 Awards, sponsored by the Insulated Render and Cladding Association for the best use of external wall insulation.
For this project, a lightweight construction was essential as piling was not a viable option for this riverside London site. The specifier, St James Group, also required light clean lines and a contemporary, seamless flexible finish. The timber frame provided the lightweight structure and the Permarock mineral fibre external wall insulation fulfilled the other requirements.
A 1.5mm acrylic finish was applied for flexibility, the jointless white render providing modern Seamless lines , with architectural profiles for interest. The U-Value was well below current Building Regulations requirements, was achieved due to the insulated timber frame, with the added bonus of 30mm of mineral wool provided within the external wall insulation system.
Lakeside Towers, Sunderland
Lakeside Towers Sunderland is a highly visible estate of tower blocks which won the social housing category of the Award. Seven tower blocks were transformed from a bleak, drab collection of high-rise towers into a modern looking and secure living environment, with improved energy efficiency and fire safety for the residents. The blocks were brought in line with the Building Regulations requirement of 0.45W/m2K. These improvements reflect the Sunderland Housing Group's drive to transform its high-rise housing stock for the benefit of the city. Residents have commented on immediate improvements in warmth and comfort.
To achieve the uplift in appearance and meet the other thermal and safety
specifications, the Permarock MF external wall insulation system was applied,
which included fire safe mineral wool, with a white silicone textured render
finish and colour banding to provide each tower with a separate identity.
Coloured decoline tile features and curved insulation panels provide additional
interest. The light and coloured render system by Permarock Products Ltd
has delivered a spectacular improvement to the estate and contribution to
much improved energy efficiency, as well as transforming the city skyline.
The installers were George Howe Ltd.
2002 Awards
Rayleigh Grove
Housing at Rayleigh Grove Gateshead won the INCA 2002
Award in the refurbishment social housing category. Dr Rodger Canning, of
Permarock Products Ltd, who had supplied the external wall insulation, described
the project. This housing had been suffering from dampness and condensation.
The external wall insulation system was utilised to increase the U-value
from 2.43W/m2K to meet the current U-value at the time of 0.45. This achieved
an 80% heat loss reduction through the walls. Rodger also explained that
the new Building Regulations (April 2002) of 0.35W/m2/K could equally well
have been achieved with an additional 20mm of insulation. The finished result
was a long run of colour-coordinated housing in two complementary terracotta
colours. The tenants were pleased with the refurbishment. The installer
was George Howe ltd.
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