Armatherm, a Brand of Armadillo Noise & Vibration Limited

How Armatherm 500 Was Used in Aldi’s Distribution CentreArmadillo was appointed by engineering firm, Craddy Pitchers Davidson to insulate the distribution centre’s 1000 sqm cold store room, used to stock thousands of frozen and chilled products before distribution to UK Aldi stores.Why Thermal Breaks Were Needed Under Steel Column BasesThe manufacturer’s product, Armatherm™ 500, was installed directly under steel column bases which bridge the floor slab insulation. Support columns pass through the non-load bearing slab insulation to warm ground beneath, short circuiting the insulation barrier. Armatherm™ 500 is an inert, ultra-high density closed-cell polymer which offers high load capacity coupled with outstanding thermal performance.Aldi Expands Use of Armatherm 500 Across More ProjectsSince the installation, Aldi has appointed Armadillo to provide thermal breaks for three more distribution centres across the UK as a result.Why Armatherm 500 Outperforms Timber in Thermal BreaksCommenting on the project, Armadillo’s managing director, Jonathan Shaw said: “As this job called for a material with high-compressive strength and fantastic insulation properties, Armatherm™ 500 was the perfect solution for Aldi.“Hardwoods such as Iroko timber are often specified for thermal breaks, but they absorb moisture and are prone to rot, making them ineffective. Due to its closed cell nature, our product will not absorb moisture and carries all the properties needed to bear column loads and isolate temperatures, which is exactly what the client needed. A material with all of these qualities is highly sought after in today’s market and many competitor products are over specified for these kind of applications so can not fulfil this demand economically.”Where Else Armatherm 500 Is Being UsedArmatherm™ 500 has been used in a variety of construction projects, from structural steel framing connections and façades to residential builds and freezer rooms.

Who Is Sustainable Living Innovations (SLI)?SLI is a mission-driven company committed to helping close the affordable housing gap for people of all income levels while setting a new standard of sustainable living. SLI manufactures high-performance, panelized buildings for the multifamily market. How Armatherm Contributed to the 303 Battery ProjectArmatherm is proud to be part of the award-winning 303 Battery Project, a Net Positive Energy building located in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle. Armatherm FRR and 500 Series products were used on the steel frame of this project. SLI understands that taking care of all efficiency details, including thermal breaks, is the path to net zero and sustainable building. 

Chasing LEED at 139 Fifth AvenueA newly constructed apartment block in New York showcases cutting-edge, energy-efficient solutions as part of a broader push toward high-performance, sustainable design. In the pursuit of Net Zero and beyond, architects are consistently exploring innovative construction methods that reduce environmental impact while enhancing occupant comfort.The apartments at 139 Fifth Avenue feature high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows, and advanced climate control systems designed for optimal temperature regulation. Thermal breaks have also been incorporated throughout the building envelope to minimize thermal bridging and limit unwanted heat transfer between the interior and exterior environments.As part of this sustainability-driven approach, the project is currently in the works for LEED certification, reflecting a commitment to responsible material selection, energy efficiency, and long-term environmental performance. Chasing LEED is not just a benchmark for this development, but a guiding principle shaping its design and construction strategy.Why Armatherm Products Were Chosen for the ProjectJMJ Contracting led the project, selecting the most advanced materials to reduce energy loss, including Armatherm’s FRR for brick shelf attachments and Z-girts for cladding attachments on the building’s facade. These materials significantly enhance the efficiency of the building envelope, bringing it closer to the Net Zero target.How Armatherm FRR and Z-Girts Improve Building PerformanceBrick shelf attachments can create a direct thermal bridge from the external environment to the building’s interior, potentially causing condensation and higher energy bills. Using a thermal bridge mitigates this issue by ensuring continuous temperature isolation. The same principle applies to cladding attachments, where metal brackets typically conduct heat. Armatherm’s non-metallic Z-girts are ideal for insulating exterior walls on new or existing masonry or steel stud backings. These Z-girts were developed to minimise heat loss in the building envelope and increase the overall R-value of the wall assembly. Solar Power and All-Electric Living at 139 Fifth AvenueIn addition to these thermal isolation materials, this is the first apartment building in Pelham to feature solar panels. With each new project, further steps are taken to create highly efficient structures. The building is entirely powered by electricity, eliminating the need for oil or gas, thus enabling the use of responsibly sourced, renewable energy for tenant power needs.

LEED-Targeted Apartment Building Features Armatherm Thermal BreaksThe Cove is a seven-story, 210,000 sq ft apartment building designed with strong sustainability objectives. The project targeted LEED points through the use of continuous insulation and improved thermal performance across the building envelope.Delivered in collaboration with V10 Developments and The Architectural Team, the development comprises 173 market-rate apartments. These include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units with views over Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox.How Armatherm™ Helped Support Net Zero and LEED Targets at The CoveArmatherm thermal break solutions were specified to support the project team’s Net Zero ambitions and to help pursue LEED points tied to energy efficiency and envelope performance.ArmaGirt™ was selected by The Architectural Team due to its ease of installation, material quality, and non-conductive properties. Unlike traditional steel girts, ArmaGirt™ reduces thermal bridging while maintaining the required structural performance, supporting the overall energy strategy for the building.Armatherm™ ArmaGirt™ Enhances Thermal Performance in Multi-Unit DevelopmentsArmatherm™ ArmaGirt™ formed a key part of the continuous insulation strategy. Installed across the building envelope, it provided secure attachment points for exterior cladding while helping to maintain thermal continuity.By reducing heat transfer at structural connections, the system supported improved energy performance and helped the project align with modern energy codes and sustainability standards. These measures contributed to the building’s strategy to pursue LEED points and deliver a more energy-efficient multi-unit residential development.

What Is a Thermal Break in Brick Shelf Angle Walls?A thermal break in a brick shelf angle wall is a material, typically an insulating one, strategically placed to interrupt the flow of heat through the wall assembly, specifically at the point where the brick veneer connects to the structural steel or concrete. This is crucial because the steel or concrete has a much higher thermal conductivity than the insulation, creating a thermal bridge and leading to significant heat loss.In the pursuit of energy-efficient buildings, the design of the brickwork support system is a critical factor in preventing heat loss. An efficient structural system not only enhances the thermal performance of a building but can also improve the visual design of the façade using advanced technologies. Jonathan Shaw, Managing Director of Armatherm™, a leader in thermal break solutions, discusses the importance of incorporating thermal breaks in brickwork support systems and why architects should make them a priority in construction projects.Structural Integrity and Design in Brickwork SystemsWhile architects often focus on the aesthetics of a building, structural integrity is just as important. A successful brickwork system needs to offer both thermal efficiency and design appeal. Unfortunately, many buildings suffer from thermal weaknesses due to overlooked details. In particular, the mechanical fixings used in brickwork support systems and curtain wall cladding often penetrate the insulation, leading to unnecessary energy loss. However, these issues can be easily addressed by implementing a thermal break solution that ensures thermal isolation, helping to reduce energy costs.How Armatherm™ Thermal Breaks Improve Brickwork SystemsA brickwork system can have numerous insulation penetrations across a single wall, resulting in significant heat loss. Armatherm™ thermal break material resolves this issue by providing both strength and insulation properties in one material. Armatherm™ is made from an ultra-high density, closed-cell polymer, offering excellent load capacity while maintaining low thermal conductivity. This unique composition allows it to effectively isolate temperature transfer while providing the structural strength needed to support the building. Moreover, Armatherm™ is waterproof, which helps preserve its thermal insulation capabilities for the life of the building.Fast Installation and Long-Term Insulation BenefitsWhen installed in brickwork support systems or curtain walls, Armatherm™ is shaped into a pad that matches the clamp area of the bracket. This allows for quick installation without needing to remove the clamp bolt. With a thermal conductivity of just 0.196 W/mK, Armatherm™ prevents heat from escaping the building while ensuring that cold air does not infiltrate the indoor environment.Additionally, Armatherm™ eliminates the risk of bimetallic corrosion, a common problem in building construction, by acting as a barrier between different metals, preventing corrosion from forming.Why Architects Should Prioritise Thermal BreaksThe inclusion of thermal breaks in construction projects offers significant advantages, not only in terms of energy efficiency but also in the aesthetic impact of a building. As architects work with developers to create sustainable, energy-efficient, and visually striking buildings, understanding the latest innovations in thermal technology is essential. A well-designed thermal break solution can dramatically reduce energy costs and provide architects with the tools to create remarkable designs. Armatherm™ is an example of how thermal solutions can be an invaluable investment in modern construction projects.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters in US ConstructionBuildings in the US account for a significant portion of energy consumption and carbon emissions, which makes it increasingly important for architects and builders to consider energy-efficient solutions in their designs. A critical, yet often overlooked, factor in building energy efficiency is managing temperature control in cladded façades. Jonathan Shaw, Managing Director of Armatherm™, a leader in thermal break technologies, explains the importance of thermal breaks in cladding and modern construction. He also highlights how investing in thermal bridging solutions can lead to significant energy savings and reduced operational costs.The Role of Cladding and How It Affects Heat LossCladding is an essential component in protecting commercial buildings from external weather conditions and providing structural support. However, when the steel cladding framework bridges the insulation barrier, it can conduct heat out of the building, leading to increased energy loss. Installing a non-metallic thermal break in the cladding structure helps eliminate this heat transfer, while also preventing condensation and stabilizing temperature fluctuations within the building envelope.How Condensation Impacts Building HealthIn buildings that lack an effective thermal break, cold outdoor temperatures can transfer inside, causing cooler spots on interior walls. These areas are more likely to experience condensation, which can lead to moisture build-up, damp, and mold—issues that can contribute to health problems such as respiratory conditions, including asthma. A notable example of this can be seen in the 1980s, when many US buildings faced similar insulation challenges, leading to costly repairs or even demolitions. Installing a thermal break could have prevented these problems altogether.Thermal Break Solutions for Modern BuildingsToday, there is no need for expensive repairs or demolitions to address thermal bridging issues. Armatherm™ offers solutions that can reduce energy transfer by more than 50%, effectively eliminating condensation problems and reducing overall energy loss.Expanding Thermal Break Applications Beyond CladdingThermal breaks are not only effective in cladding projects but are also used in structural applications that extend into the building envelope. Armatherm™’s product, Armatherm™ Grade, offers excellent thermal isolation properties, while also providing impressive load-bearing capacity. In a recent project with Aldi, Armatherm™ Grade 500 was installed under steel column bases at their distribution center to insulate a 1000 sqft cold storage room. The solution successfully bridged the floor slab insulation and prevented energy loss. The material’s closed-cell polymer structure ensures both superior thermal performance and load strength. Following the success of this project, Aldi has since chosen Armatherm™ to supply thermal break solutions for additional cold storage facilities across the US. Combining Load Strength with Thermal PerformancePreviously, when both high thermal insulation and load-bearing capacity were required, builders had to choose between the two. Armatherm™ has developed thermal break solutions that meet both requirements without compromise. In the past, Iroko timber was used in base column isolation due to its load-bearing capacity and insulation properties. However, over time, timber absorbs moisture, reducing its insulating properties and increasing the risk of rot. In contrast, Armatherm™’s closed-cell structure ensures that water is not absorbed, maintaining consistent performance throughout the life of the building.Energy Savings Through Improved InsulationBuildings that lack effective thermal breaks experience significant energy inefficiencies. Heat loss through poorly insulated structures increases the energy demand of the entire building, resulting in higher operational costs. Installing a thermal break can reduce energy loss by as much as 80%, leading to substantial savings on heating and cooling bills for commercial buildings.Why Thermal Break Technologies Are Key to Sustainable DesignAs US architects and developers strive to create energy-efficient, sustainable buildings, understanding the latest technologies is essential. A simple, yet powerful, solution like a thermal break can provide significant long-term savings on energy costs. By incorporating thermal break solutions into their designs, architects can ensure better energy efficiency and lower operational costs, helping their clients save money while contributing to a greener future.

Choosing the Right Thermal Break for High-Rise BuildingsWhen designing high-rise, energy efficient buildings, the choice of materials can make a major difference. These types of structures typically require cladding to support with thermal insulation however as this often compromises the continuous insulation of the building, thermal breaks ideally need to be installed in conjunction. But, in order to ensure optimal efficiency, lower condensation risk, longer durability and code compliance, choosing the right thermal break material is essential.Why Thermal Breaks Matter for High-Rise CladdingFor this particular application, girts are the perfect choice, yet, due to the different types of thermal breaks on the market, it can make it difficult for architects, engineers and façade contractors to specify the right one for the project. This is why it is vital that specifiers understand the various types of materials of girts and why those made from a reinforced thermoset resin are more beneficial than conventional fiberglass and other metal alternatives.Advantages of Reinforced Thermoset ResinThermoset resin girts are plastic matrices that, once cured, form a rigid, cross-linked structure that cannot be melted or re-formed. Because of this, it has many advantages for being installed as a thermal break in cladding and façade projects. For example, its solid form provides a combination of low thermal conductivity and high compressive strength which for high rise buildings is essential. Furthermore, it is also fire resistant, meaning it meets regulations whilst ensuring the structure is efficient and thermally insulated.Limitations of Fiberglass and Metal AlternativesThis is unlike other alternatives, like fiberglass which relies on strands of the fiber to provide strength to the structure, which when under too much load can risk the longevity of the building, meaning costly repairs later down the line. They also struggle with limited heat tolerance which can degrade the material and its composition. Despite this, they do have a much lower thermal conductivity than metal thermal breaks and therefore still support energy-efficient construction.Why Choose ArmaGirt Thermoset ResinWhen it comes to choosing thermal break materials, it all depends on the project at hand. Each development is completely unique with its own needs and therefore the thermal break needs to be selected based upon the requirements of the project. For cladding and façades, it is ideal to use our ArmaGirt thermoset resin product. A better choice than metal and non-metal cladding attachment systems, ArmaGirt can achieve up to 98% efficiency, whilst demonstrating low creep under load. In addition, they are also much easier to install than alternatives due to their solid structure.Thermal Breaks Are Essential For Efficiency, Durability And Condensation ControlEven though each type of material has its own positives and negatives, it is vital that thermal breaks as a whole are installed into a construction in order to support with optimal efficiency, lower condensation risk and longer durability. That’s why we’re here to help you choose the right thermal break for your project.To discuss more about your requirements, contact the team today call +1 (844) 360-1036 or email sales@armatherm.com.