Winner of the Large Projects category of the UK Passivhaus Awards 2021, the first phase of Agar Grove, in Camden – anticipated to be the UK’s largest residential Passivhaus development when completed – tackles occupant wellbeing, climate action pledges and fuel poverty. In meeting such high levels of sustainability, a key element is the avoidance of thermal bridging; and one of the most effective countermeasures has been incorporated – Isokorb technology from Schöck.
Balconies always pose a risk
Throughout the 493 home redevelopment, brick and reconstituted stone façade materials predominate, with stone banding providing depth and a quality finish to the balconies that run the full width of the facade. Balconies are always likely to pose a risk when it comes to thermal bridging and it is here that the design detailing involves the first of the Schöck load-bearing structural therrmal break types used at Agar Grove – the XT type K. Thermal bridging is a frequent cause of increased heat and energy loss and also condensation, which is likely to result in mould formation, building damage and even consequent health implications. The Isokorb XT type K for concrete-to-concrete applications is one of the most technically advanced countermeasures for incorporation into Passivhaus projects and features a compression module HTE-Compact and 120 mm insulation thickness. Designed for free cantilevered balconies, it transfers negative moments and positive shear forces.
More thermally efficient than wrapped parapets
The second Schöck product at Agar Grove protects against any thermal bridging risk at the parapets – without any wrapping being required. With most parapets, the conventional method is to wrap the perimeter of the wall with an insulation barrier. However, the Schöck Isokorb XT type A is a product that requires no wrapping and which offers a more cost-effective and more thermally efficient solution. Its installation results in low psi-values, significantly reduced heat loss, greater freedom of design – and there is no risk of any additional thermal bridging through balustrade fixings. Other key benefits are durability and water impermeability, so there is no maintenance required due to waterproofing problems.
Unquestionable environmental performance
Not only does the Isokorb range provide a number of solutions to meet Passivhaus standards, it also exceeds the requirements of the Future Homes Standard, helping the industry move towards the Governments 2050 net zero carbon targets. In addition to concrete-to concrete and maintenance free parapets, there are solutions too for concrete-to-steel, steel-to-steel – and innovative technology from Schöck even enables the retrofitting or renovation of balconies. Products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations and there is also the security of independent BBA Certification, which provides NHBC approval. The requirement that the temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSI) must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for residential buildings, is easily met by incorporating the Isokorb.
Contact Schöck on 01865 290 890; or visit the website at www.schoeck.com for a full introduction to the extensive range of product solutions.