Baumit Ltd

Baumit's UniRend System was specified as the high-performance flexible solution for a major new development in St Leonard's, Hastings.

Complete renovation of the facade including a bespoke creative pattern.

The main structure of this new dwelling was created using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). The approach uses FSC accredited softwood, grown especially for this type of use, and which is sustainably sourced and managed. The timber is then laminated in layers at 90 degrees to one another. The benefit of this system is that it forms a structural wall, floor or roof panel using an entirely renewable construction material. The timber also acts as a carbon store, soaking up CO2 during its growth, and locking in carbon within the structure of the building. The CLT panels form the load bearing structure of the house and are covered with wood fibre insulation board. This wood insulation (Steico) carries the same CO2 storage benefits as the main CLT frame but is created in a lightweight and vapour permeable way. It means that house can be kept warm using products that are far more environmentally friendly than the normal rigid insulation boards.Three layers of 80mm Steico board were used to give a 240mm star nature system. The Baumit StarSystem Nature utilises wood fibre board, in this instance Steico, to create a thermally efficient façade. Consisting of a number of layers, Baumit StarContact White, StarTex mesh, UniPrimer and 2 coats of StarTop 1.5mm to finish providing benefits from dirt and algae prevention for properties in their most vapour permeable solution. Bespoke profiles were manufactured by Austrotherm to replicate a stone finish of buildings in this area. This fell in line with the specific design and planning requirements for the property, the Austrotherm cornice details and strings were finished with white star colour. Plinth and column details were created from 20mm EPS boards and finished with baumit render. Finally, to ensure the quality of finish on the interior walls matched those of the exterior, Baumit SX Airless was used to plaster the whole property.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has been at the forefront of sustainable construction for years. Just last year, the local authority passed a motion that all new buildings be built to passive standards or equivalent. Mariana Moreira of MosArt came on board as passive house consultant.Read more:https://passivehouseplus.ie/magazine/upgrade/world-class-passive-social-housing

An external refurbishment on the tallest tower block on the Eastbourne coast. South Cliff Tower offers enviable views of the treasures along Britain’s south coast, such as the likes of Beachy Head. Over the years, water ingress has proved to be a predominant issue in specific areas of the tower, particularly as a result of the building’s exposed position on Eastbourne’s promenade. To remedy this issue, rain-screen cladding was installed on the west façade 15 years ago. Although this proved successful for a time, damp patches emerged on the other elevations compromising the overall comfort and warmth of the apartments. For this reason, the board of residents which represent the tower, decided to take a different course, selecting a system which would excel in terms of energy efficiency, aesthetic and insulation. The versatile StarSystem Mineral thermal insulation system was used, a classical thermal insulation system which is suitable for all types of new and existing buildings, StarSystem Mineral comprises highly-permeable, non-flammable mineral wool boards to bring warmth to any premises and lower energy bills. The boards are topped with a mineral basecoat consisting of a levelling layer, basecoat and fibreglass mesh, followed by a final weather-resistant topcoat to further maximise the building’s internal comfort and quality. As one of Eastbourne’s most sought-after addresses the upgrade South Cliff Tower will ensure the supreme comfort and wellbeing of its longstanding occupants for years to come.