NBS Source
I'm a manufacturer
Knauf Insulation Ltd

Knauf Insulation Ltd

Build on Us

+44 (0)1744 766 666 Website

Sort by:

Showing 37-52 of 52

Sponsored
Thames Quarter, Reading

Thames Quarter, Reading

Knauf Insulation Ltd

At 73m, Thames Quarter is Reading’s second tallest building. It will include 315 built-to-rent apartments, a hub for tech start-ups, a cinema, dining rooms, roof terraces and a residents’ lounge overlooking the Thames.Specialist contractor Precision Façades chose high-performance insulation solutions that would not only contribute to homeowner comfort but would also be kinder to installers. The company specified more than 20,000m2 of Knauf Insulation’s Glass and Rock Mineral Wool insulation for the project.Steve McGowen, Managing Director of Precision Façades explained that Knauf Insulation is the company’s preferred supplier thanks to the high level of support it provides. He said: “Knauf Insulation’s Sales Team are always on hand to help us with our orders, they also have a Technical Team who can provide 3D U-value calculations, and crucially, they are always able to deliver our orders quickly.”The design called for a variety of façade panels manufactured from different materials and finishes, which affected the thermal performance required across the build. To accommodate this, Precision Façades used Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab in four different thicknesses (50mm, 100mm, 140mm and 190mm) for the rainscreen façade. It also used 100mm and 150mm OmniFit® Roll 40 within the steel framing system.Both Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40 offer the required levels of thermal performance. They are non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. This means both products meet the requirements of building regulations in England and Wales banning the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has also been certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) for use in high rise residential applications.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40 also have excellent sound absorption characteristics ensuring quiet spaces for residents, even while moviegoers enjoy surround sound.In addition to delivering the required thermal performance, both Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40 improve installer’s experience of using Mineral Wool. This is because they are manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.As well as being kind to installers, ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40, residents at Thames Quarter will enjoy warm, safe, and comfortable homes, built with insulation that is kinder to installers and the environment.
Sponsored
The Benjamin Foundation

The Benjamin Foundation

Knauf Insulation Ltd

ChallengeThe project, at Winston Court in North Walsham, is organised by Benjamin’s Building Company, part of The Benjamin Foundation. Benjamin’s Building Company is a social enterprise that works to create homes, training and employment opportunities for vulnerable people. The ambitious venture will see the development of four, self-contained accommodation units. Seeking help in this task, The Benjamin Foundation turned to CRASH for assistance in locating suppliers and materials.SolutionKnauf Insulation donated 24 rolls of 150mm Loft Roll insulation, 48 rolls of 140mm Rafter Roll 40 and 72 rolls of 110mm FrameTherm® 32 for the project. These glass mineral wool insulation products are extremely easy to handle and install, being lightweight and easily cut to size, benefiting the large project.BenefitsBy its nature, Loft Roll is non- combustible and classified as Euroclass A1 to BS EN ISO 13501-1, a crucial requirement to any public building. Additionally, Loft Roll insulation has been manufactured with ECOSE® Technology which delivers superior environmental performance, as the binder technology is up to 70 per cent less energy intensive than traditional binders. The technology has been developed for Knauf Insulation’s glass and rock mineral wool products, enhancing their environmental credentials without affecting the thermal, acoustic or fire performance. Insulation products made with ECOSE® Technology contain no dye or artificial colours – the colour is completely natural.
Sponsored
The Building Centre

The Building Centre

Knauf Insulation Ltd

ChallengeThe Building Centre, a central information point for all sectors of the construction industry, recently refurbished its London based headquarters. The second stage has seen Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll supplied to the Construction Products Association, the UK Green Building Council and Design for Homes offices located on the first floor.In order to maximise all potential space available to the offices, it was essential to select a product that would take up as little space as possible, while satisfying the environmental and acoustic criteria required to achieve the BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.SolutionTo accomplish this, 50mm Acoustic Roll was specified as it is lightweight, flexible, non-combustible and provides a high level of sound absorption, furthermore, it has been specifically designed for friction fitting between members at 400mm and 600mm centres. Acoustic Roll significantly improves the sound insulation performance of partitions whilst at the same time delivering improved thermal and fire performance. Plus, thanks to ECOSE® Technology, offers outstanding environmental credentials.Knauf Insulation products with ECOSE® Technology are made with a formaldehyde free binder technology derived from rapidly renewable, bio-based materials, which reduces embodied energy and delivers superior environmental sustainability. The insulation doesn’t look or feel like any other insulation. It is naturally brown in colour as there are no artificial colours or dyes added and it produces a ‘super softer’, odourless and easier to handle insulation.Colin Henderson, CEO of the Building Centre comments on how specifying Knauf Insulation was an easy decision to make: "After looking at the requirements and from our existing knowledge of Knauf Insulation, we knew the company would be able to meet all our needs quickly and efficiently."Maria Morgan, Market Manager – Building, Non Residential at Knauf Insulation explains: “Our unique position in having a broad product range, coupled with our expertise within the industry, enabled us to fully advise and install the appropriate insulation solution for the Building Centre.”
Sponsored
The Future Home, University of Salford

The Future Home, University of Salford

Knauf Insulation Ltd

Knauf Insulation has been appointed as Bellway Homes’ insulation partner for an innovative project to measure the impact of low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies on energy consumption. Bellway’s experimental house ‘The Future Home’ has been constructed within Energy House 2.0, a controlled environmental chamber located at The University of Salford. Energy House 2.0 is the largest research facility of its type, with two chambers able to accommodate two detached houses each. The controlled environment can recreate a wide variety of weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from -20˚C to +40˚C, as well as simulated wind, rain, snow, and solar radiation. This allows housebuilders to monitor the performance of different builds and LZC technologies through year-round conditions, in just a matter of weeks, aiding the transition to net zero design. We spoke to Jamie Bursnell, Technical and Innovation Manager for Bellway Homes, about the aims of their forward-thinking project: “We want to identify the sweet spot where fabric is optimised alongside space heating and energy-efficient services, like solar photovoltaics and battery storage. Finding the best combination of these elements will allow us to design homes that are energy efficient and economically sustainable, both for developers and homeowners.” The Future Home Bellway’s ‘Future Home’ is a three-bedroom timber frame house, built to the current Part L 2021 (England) standard. A specification upgrade is scheduled to take place mid-way through the trial, increasing the build’s energy efficiency to an indicative 2025 Future Homes Standard. “Ultimately, our aim is to optimise the U-values of the home” Jamie explained, “but that needs to be based on real, in-use data, not just notional designs. With the home up and running, we’re now measuring its in-use energy performance against our design. After the mid-trial upgrade, we’ll measure again to see the impact on the build’s overall energy efficiency.”  Bellway is using sensors within the home to monitor its performance under a range of environmental conditions. To do this effectively, Bellway needed a reliable, high-performing fabric, capable of meeting both current and future building standards. Optimal results They turned to Knauf Insulation, who provided product advice, design input and U-value calculations to determine the best insulation for the job. For the initial build, Loft Roll 44 glass mineral wool insulation has been installed in the loft. FrameTherm® Roll 35 has also been installed to meet U-values of 0.18 W/m2K in the external walls. During the mid-way trial, upgrades will be made to the insulation, to reduce the external wall U-value and help reduce air movement within the cavity, which can negatively affect thermal performance.  Jamie noted, “Knauf Insulation has provided technical assistance to a very high standard and their U-value and Psi-value calculations are always reliable. We chose products from their Loft Roll and FrameTherm® ranges because they combine quality performance with cost-efficiency, both of which are essential to the success of our project.” Energy House 2.0 and The Future Home allow us to see how LZC technologies could be most effectively implemented in future years. But the insulation requirement will remain unchanged; reliable thermal performance will continue to be an essential component of any energy-saving home and it’s already available today, with the right specification. Learn more about Part L and the housebuilding sector, at our Housebuilders Hub
Sponsored
The Gables, Musker Street

The Gables, Musker Street

Knauf Insulation Ltd

When Formby Point Construction needed to specify the insulation for The Gables, an exclusive housing development in Crosby, the project had multiple objectives. Firstly, the company wanted to go beyond the thermal and acoustic requirements outlined in the building regulations. Secondly, with such a large number of applications across multiple construction types, Formby Point Construction wanted to use one manufacturer and supplier to specify the correct product for each application. This would ensure ease of installation and ensure the project was delivered on budget.With this in mind, Formby Point Construction, consulted Formby-based builders’ merchant, Huws Gray, who referred it to Knauf Insulation.For the separating floor applications, Knauf Insulation recommended Knauf Insulation OmniFit® Roll 40, a versatile, non-combustible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification Glass Mineral Wool insulation that provides both excellent thermal and acoustic performance. Knauf Insulation also recommended Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 for the masonry cavity external walls, Knauf Insulation Masonry Party Wall Slab for separating walls to comply with Document E and Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 40 for the insulation of the loft.As well as considering the comfort of the homeowner, Formby Point Construction considers the welfare of its employees as part of its decision making. In addition to excellent thermal and acoustic performance, Knauf Insulation scored highly on this aspect thanks to the ECOSE® Technology, its patented sustainable bio-based binder. Products manufactured with ECOSE® Technology contain no added phenol or formaldehyde, and they are 70% less energy-intensive than products manufactured with traditional formaldehyde-based binder. They have no odour, are softer to touch, making them much more pleasant to handle and install. They have also achieved the best possible Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort, contributing to a high level of indoor air quality for installers and homeowners alike.Once the specification had been agreed, Knauf Insulation then worked with Huws Gray to price the project and take advantage of volume discounts. This meant that Formby Point Construction had some additional budget for insulation. The company therefore decided to install Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll within the stud walls between all rooms, going above the minimum standard required between bathrooms and bedrooms outlined in Document E.Thanks to Formby Point Construction’s commitment to going above and beyond the regulations, and Knauf Insulation’s high performance Glass Mineral Wool insulation, homeowners at The Gables will enjoy quieter, warmer homes. To see how Knauf Insulation can help with your insulation needs, check out our Housebuilders Hub.https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/Housebuilders-hub
Sponsored
The Landmark Offices, Manchester

The Landmark Offices, Manchester

Knauf Insulation Ltd

Landmark is a 180,000 sq ft prime office development located in Manchester’s premier business district. Partially built off-site, it has been designed to achieve the highest sustainability standards – a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’ and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A so the thermal performance of its insulation was hugely important.Building regulations in England and Wales ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m. With 14 floors and a roof height of 27m, the architect, Squire and Partners, specified non-combustible insulation with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification.With this in mind, external wall sub-contractor FK Group consulted the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team for advice about which insulation to use. The team conducted 3D U-value calculations and determined that Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab in thicknesses of 50mm, 100mm and 150mm would achieve the desired U-value.Rocksilk® RainScreen SlabRocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and has a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK. It is BBA certified for use over 18m and has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, meaning it met the required specification for fire safety.FK Group also sought advice about what to do if the Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was exposed to rainwater during installation. There is a common misconception that the thermal performance of Mineral Wool will be permanently compromised if it gets wet, but this simply isn’t the case. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been developed for external applications – its fibre matrix promotes water run-off, and it contains moisture-repellent additives in the binder. This ensures it can withstand higher levels of exposure to moisture during installation. Knauf Insulation also provided advice on the storage of insulation on site to protect the insulation from prolonged exposure to rainwater prior to use.Offsite constructionLandmark was built using an offsite construction method. Decorative concrete rainscreen panels were manufactured by Techrete in Hull. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was fitted offsite before the entire panel was transported to Manchester and craned into position on the concrete frame.The Knauf Insulation Specification Team provided further support by carrying out visits to both the Techrete manufacturing facility and the construction site to check the insulation was being installed correctly.SustainabilityAs well as its thermal and fire performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers considerable sustainability credentials. It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. This is beneficial when insulation is being installed offsite in an enclosed industrial environment.Enhancing the St Peter’s Square heritageMurray Levinson partner at Squire and Partners said “Landmark is an important project for Squire & Partners, representing our first completed new build project in Manchester. When we were approached to design Landmark, we recognised an opportunity to extend the cluster of prime office buildings of the adjacent St Peter’s Square southwards. Our design concept aligned itself with the new developments, whilst creating a building which enhanced its specific site heritage and context.“A priority for both ourselves and the client was to create a building with exceptional sustainability and wellbeing credentials, and we are proud to have achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings,” added Levinson.Thanks to its thermal performance, fire safety and environmental credentials, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab will contribute to Landmark achieving the world's foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. All of which means this will truly be a landmark building both visually and in terms of sustainability.For further information about how our insulation can contribute to BREEAM, see below.https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/all-downloads?search=BREEAM
Sponsored
The London Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Park

The London Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Park

Knauf Insulation Ltd

ChallengeThe London Stadium (formerly Olympic Stadium) and home of Premier League football club West Ham United, required an insulation solution that would not only upgrade the thermal and acoustic performance of the HVAC and service pipe areas, but also one that could meet the overall environmental demands of the project.SolutionAfter a series of consultations with the main contractor, Knauf Insulation developed a bespoke, one product solution, which met all requirements and helped to reduce engineering costs and installation time.23,000m2 of Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard was installed in the different elevations of the stadium, from level two to the lower ground level of the West Stand.Manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard is a laminate of a compression resistant, non-combustible Rock Mineral Wool slab with a variety of aesthetic finishes designed to provide a robust faced solution suitable for installation in semi-exposed environments such as stadiums like this.The project was completed before West Ham’s first competitive game at the London Stadium in August 2016."The insulation product knits together to prevent open joints, which helped us to maximise the thermal efficiency of the insulation."Kunal Vekaria, Project Manager at HLS Installations
Sponsored
The Malthouse, Bristol

The Malthouse, Bristol

Knauf Insulation Ltd

Today’s students demand a high standard of living, and with 348 beds, separate study and social spaces, a dining room and gym, The Malthouse, new luxury apartments in Wilder Street, Bristol have been designed to provide it.Spread over five stories, the external envelope features a combination of different coloured brickwork and rainscreen cladding. AWW Architects had specified non-combustible insulation to meet the requirements of building regulations in England and Wales, which ban the use of combustible materials on the external walls of certain types of buildings over 18m.With this in mind, main contractors Watkin Jones contacted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team to determine which insulation solution would be most suitable to achieve the required U-value of 0.19 W/m²K. They also wanted to determine whether the wall build-up would prevent cold bridging and act as a vapour barrier.The Technical Support Team undertook complex 3D U-value calculations and condensation analysis. 3D U-value calculations completed in line with BS EN 10211 are used for rainscreen projects because they are the most accurate way to ensure a building’s thermal performance matches the initial design. The Technical Support Team provided a fast turnaround on the enquiry and recommended 100mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab as the best solution for the project.Manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. As well as having a British Board of Agrément (BBA) certificate for high rise residential applications, it also has a BBA certificate for use behind masonry façades – making it suitable for the different applications on The Malthouse.In addition to fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers excellent sound reduction characteristics.More than 8,000m2 of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab insulation was supplied to the development by builders’ merchants M Markovitz Ltd.Like all Knauf Insulation products, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been designed for ease of installation. Improved robustness means it is easy to manoeuvre into place and it can be installed either way round without compromising performance.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. ECOSE® Technology is also made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.Thanks to the technical support from Knauf Insulation, The Malthouse will deliver the students a comfortable, warm, quiet and safe environment where they can enjoy their university years.
Sponsored
The Marshall Building, London School of Economics

The Marshall Building, London School of Economics

Knauf Insulation Ltd

When the London School of Economics (LSE) sought an architect for The Marshall Building, it held an international competition to select a contemporary design that matches its global academic reputation.The winning design by Grafton Architects features striking pale stone rainscreen cladding that contrasts with the red bricks of surrounding buildings on Lincoln’s Inn Fields.At 10 storeys high, the building needed to conform with the changes to building regulations which ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m in England and Wales. As a result, Grafton Architects specified Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the three external wall build-ups.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use at any height and the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups on the market. It has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK.With U-values of 0.14 Wm2K, 0.20 Wm2K, and 0.21 Wm2K required for the different rainscreen wall build-ups, sub-contractor I&S Construction consulted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team about the right depth of insulation. After conducting U-value calculations, 150mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was recommended for all three build-ups.As well as fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has excellent sound absorption properties.It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are also soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, the Marshall Building will provide students and academics at LSE with a comfortable and quiet environment to facilitate their world-class academic work.
Sponsored
The Queen's Terminal - Heathrow Airport T2

The Queen's Terminal - Heathrow Airport T2

Knauf Insulation Ltd

ChallengeKalzip were tasked, alongside contractors Lakesmere, to develop a roofing structure that would be vital to the overall appearance of the building and one that would fulfil the stringent acoustic criteria – whilst working to tight deadlines.SolutionFollowing extensive testing, Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RS45 product in 50mm and 75mm were specified within the 40,000m2 Kalzip System in the AluPlusPatina finish.Heathrow’s new Terminal 2, also known as The Queen’s Terminal, boasts exceptional architectural design and is 40% more carbon efficient than the previous building. Kalzip’s large waveform roof bestows one of the iconic features of the terminal.A multi-layer approach was taken when it came to installing Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RS45. By layering the insulation products in different densities across the Kalzip standing seam roof, rigorous sound absorption and sound transmission measures were met, whilst retaining the form and functionality required by the designers.As a robust, resilient and dense Rock Mineral Wool insulation slab, Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RS45 has excellent acoustic properties that help to reduce the impact of airborne and rain impact noise. It also has an excellent thermal conductivity of 0.035W/mK, helping to provide passengers with a comfortable environment.
Sponsored
Trafford & Eccles Housing Project, Manchester

Trafford & Eccles Housing Project, Manchester

Knauf Insulation Ltd

Building performance is crucial if the UK is to meet its ambitious net zero targets. But there’s a big challenge ahead. There are 29 million homes in the UK and buildings generate one third of the UK’s CO2 emissions, 50% of which relate to heating.To address this, the government has announced a clear regulatory roadmap introducing ever-stricter thermal performance requirements.But there’s a bigger issue that tougher thermal performance measures alone will not address. Industry research suggests 27 million homes are not delivering the performance stated on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). That’s because EPCs require no physical measurement on site, assumptions are made based on answers to questions such as whether a property has insulation or a condensing boiler. It does not account for any of the variables that influence actual performance, such as build and install quality or location. This means homes are less energy-efficient, use more carbon and are more expensive to run than their EPC suggests. As a result, the Government’s EPC Action Plan will see EPCs shift from being a notional tick-box exercise to a genuine, evidence-based record of a building’s actual performance.That leaves the construction industry with a problem. How will it ensure buildings actually perform as designed?A genuine, evidence-based recordThe only way to address the issue is to measure real energy performance, but this has been difficult and costly – until now. Knauf Insulation and Knauf Energy Solutions have undertaken two pilot projects which have combined accurate measurement and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology with a quality-controlled retrofit of Mineral Wool insulation to deliver impressive results.The solutionThe two companies have invested in six years of research and development. The result is ground-breaking sensor technology that accurately measures the real energy performance of a home, which is used alongside quality-assured installation of retrofit measures to create buildings that perform as intended.Until now real performance could only be measured via expensive, lengthy, and invasive co-heating tests. By contrast, Knauf Energy Solutions sensors can be fitted unobtrusively to occupied buildings, making the technology discreet, scalable, and cost-efficient.Over 12 weeks, the sensors capture an accurate picture of the building’s performance using machine learning to combine energy meter readings with humidity, temperature, CO2 levels, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and weather data. It then calculates the heat lost through the building roof, walls, and floors to create an accurate picture of each home’s thermal performance. It essentially gives an ‘mpg’ for a home or building.The sensors can be used to ensure new buildings are performing as designed and specified. Or they can inform ‘smart retrofits’ that improve existing buildings’ energy performance and track the subsequent energy bill savings.Retrofits that deliver resultsKnauf Insulation and Knauf Energy Solutions have undertaken the UK’s largest ever real performance retrofit project, to upgrade the thermal performance of 28 homes on a 1970s social housing estate run by Great Places Housing Group in Trafford, Manchester. Early investigation showed the existing insulation had been incorrectly installed and had degraded. Adding to the complexity, the homes also contained unusual build features, such as a stagger between terraces meaning one wall acted as both a party and external wall, each with different thermal characteristics. The companies built a full-scale mock-up of the junction to develop clear protocols for the removal of existing insulation and installation of Knauf Insulation Mineral Wool products. This innovation has enabled the successful installation of Supafil® Party Wall in a staggered party wall – a world first which can be replicated in tens of thousands of other ‘hard to treat’ properties with similar staggers across the country.The second project took place in Eccles, Salford, where the 12 houses had been built to Part L1A in 2014.Sensors were used to benchmark the thermal performance of the properties before commencing quality-controlled refurbishment programmes on both estates, using Knauf Insulation products including Supafil® 34, Supafil® Party Wall, Loft Roll 40 and Rocksilk® RS100.The retrofits were ‘cost-optimal’ delivering results usually targeted by whole-house retrofits with only fabric improvements. To achieve this, the standard of installation was key. Contractors were chosen and managed for quality, and included approved Supafil® contractors, who are certified and actively monitored by Knauf Insulation. Supafil® 34 was injected directly into the cavity using a calibrated blowing machine, ensuring each cavity was fully filled so the specified thermal performance could be achieved. Loft installations were carefully designed and installed so the Loft Roll 40 met up with the Supafil® to provide continuity of insulation and minimise thermal bridging.The two pilot projects delivered impressive results.Trafford31% average fabric efficiency improvement per homeOne home experienced a 51% improvement£411 average annual bill reduction for residentsAverage space heat demand: 65.57 kWh/m2yearAverage CO2g/m2/year: 14.23Eccles17% average fabric efficiency improvement per home28% improvement in one semi-detached homeMoist air leakage risks corrected, preventing sustained structural deteriorationAverage space heat demand: 32.79 kWh/m2yearAverage CO2g/m2/year: 6.78The need for a fabric first approachAccurate measurement alone will not create net zero homes – despite the improvements, all 28 homes in Trafford retained EPC ratings of grade D or E. Similarly in Eccles, the EPC ratings remained mostly static. The refurbishments simply brought their real-world performance in line with the theoretical EPC performance.But the project does show that Knauf Insulation and Knauf Energy Solutions have developed a viable solution for measuring real performance that can be used to underpin net-zero housebuilding and retrofitting by taking a fabric first approach.Bringing benefits to the whole supply chainBefore the refurbishment, residents on the Trafford estate regularly complained their homes were cold and expensive to heat, despite being insulated. In fact, a survey by energy supplier E.ON found this is common, with 49% of landlords saying they didn’t know how to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. This new technology not only gives landlords that information, but by making real-world measurement viable at scale for the first time, it brings benefits to the whole supply chain:Housebuilders can ensure quality control and compliance with the ‘fuel and energy performance’ aspects of the New Homes Ombudsman scheme.Builders and developers can measure thermal performance with certainty and demonstrate they’re delivering for their clients.Tenants and purchasers will enjoy better thermal performance, lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment, and they can also assess the operating costs of prospective homes.The government, councils, housing associations and landlords can verify the return on investment on refurbishments.Ultimately if we are to achieve net-zero, we must first accurately measure building performance. By combining the use of sensor technology with a quality-controlled insulation installation or retrofit, we can close the performance gap of every building – new and existing. The building fabric component of an EPC will be based on real evidence and homeowners and tenants can save money with lower energy bills.Low carbon insulation for low carbon homesKnauf Insulation undertakes Life Cycle Assessments to evaluate the embodied carbon of its products. Its products can be considered low in embodied carbon, with transparent evidence available in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) across its ranges.Knauf Insulation has proactively reduced the embodied carbon in its products over the years, as part of a broader set of activities to reduce its environmental impact. Specific actions to minimise its carbon footprint include the introduction of ECOSE® Technology, its unique bio-based binder, which is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, as well as initiatives to reduce road miles in both sourcing and distribution. Its Glass Mineral Wool products are manufactured using up to 80% recycled glass collected from the local communities around its factories, and the finished products are compressed by up to 10:1 to fit more product into each lorry reducing transport emissions.“From day one, Knauf Insulation brought a level of quality control we haven’t previouslyexperienced in other projects. The measurement service is the first time wehave been offered any certainty that our homes have actually been improved.”Sarah McClelland, Environmental Manager, Great Places
Sponsored
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Sevenoaks

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Sevenoaks

Knauf Insulation Ltd

“How good is Knauf Insulation’s specification and technical support? Let’s put it this way, I’ve used Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for every façade project since.”- Nikesh Patel, Façade Design Manager at A2O Cladding The Weald of Kent Grammar Annexe extension is a new three-storey satellite facility for Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys in Sevenoaks. It comprises state-of-the-art classrooms for a cohort of 90 boys. A2O Cladding were appointed by Willmott Dixon to deliver the technical design and installation of the façade, which is finished with a white and grey silicon render set against a red Corium brickslip façade. One of their first tasks was to finalise the insulation specification based on three key requirements: thermal performance, non-combustibility and sustainability. Meeting the thermal performance challenge The first factor, the thermal performance of the rainscreen façade system, initially proved more difficult than expected. Nikesh Patel, Façade Design Manager at A2O Cladding explained: “U-values provided by the architect for a rainscreen façade system are a bit belt and braces because they’re based on assumptions. So, once we’ve confirmed the sub-structure, we redo them to ensure they’re an accurate representation of the building’s thermal performance.”   “The problem is the manufacturer we were working with couldn’t deliver the U-value of 0.18 W/m2K because they didn’t have the right software.” For most applications, the simplified methodology used for calculating U-values is sufficient. But it is not recommended for rainscreen façade systems, because it does not take into account the complex interaction between the Steel Frame System (SFS) and the insulation. Instead, a blanket correction factor is applied, which can lead to the over-specification of insulation – as it had in this case. To prevent this, 3D U-value calculations should be used. They thermally model the build-up based on the complex interaction between the insulation and the rails and brackets. This ensures greater accuracy giving the specifier a true picture of how the build-up will perform after construction, so it matches its design. But most manufacturers don’t have the capability to undertake these complex calculations in-house, so outsource the service to a third party at a cost to the contractor. Before they went down this route, A2O Cladding asked project architect Bond Bryan for advice, who suggested they contact Knauf Insulation.  “We’d not used Knauf Insulation before so didn’t know the standard of their technical support. The biggest tick in the box was they do free 3D U-value calculations – it really helped to keep the project on track.”  Using these calculations, the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the façade insulation. The product has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK and crucially, a depth of just 150mm would meet the required U-value.  They also recommended 150mm of Rocksilk® EWI Slab with a thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/mK to insulate the rendered external walls. A2O Cladding also decided to use Knauf Insulation’s OmniFit® Slab 35 to insulate the junctions at roof level to ensure continuity of insulation. Fire safety at every height All three products have the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire, should it occur. This meant they met the second specification factor, non-combustibility.  “The Annexe extension is under 18m tall but that would never influence our choice of insulation material. The A2O ethos is that we don’t touch combustible stuff when there are suitable non-combustible solutions available. I mean why would you introduce that risk? Using Mineral Wool insulation gives us, and the school peace of mind.”  Patel goes on to explain that Willmott Dixon has a reputation for quality and will only authorise the use of tested and certified systems. “As the façade contractor, it’s our job to ensure the quality of the supply chain. The fact that Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use in high rise buildings and for so many different build-ups meant it met the rigorous standards demanded for the project.” A focus on sustainability But choosing suppliers isn’t just about performance and fire safety. The third factor in the specification process was sustainability.  “As we finalise the technical design, we need to provide Willmott Dixon with a Technical Submittal for every product, and this includes details of its green credentials. It was another example of how Knauf Insulation makes things simple for contractors. They have EPDs for every product and all the relevant ISO standards, so our insulation specification sailed through.” As well as producing products that improve the thermal efficiency of buildings, Knauf Insulation has been taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint of its products. One example of this is its unique bio-based binder, ECOSE® Technology, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly. From technical support to performance and sustainability, Knauf Insulation scored top marks in all categories – which meant that A2O Cladding didn’t need to compromise on any of their specification requirements or criteria. 
Sponsored
Unity Square, Liverpool

Unity Square, Liverpool

Knauf Insulation Ltd

When MCR Property Group purchased Unity Square in Liverpool, a £17m partially built student living scheme, it wanted to complete the project as quickly as possible.The specification required a non-combustible insulation solution that complied with building regulations for the acoustic insulation of internal walls and separating floors. The company needed a large quantity of insulation delivered within a very short lead time to coincide with the period when hired vehicles would be on site. With this in mind, Knauf Insulation suggested Rocksilk® Flexible Slab, its multi-purpose Rock Mineral Wool insulation.Designed for use in a wide variety of applications including internal walls, floors and partitions, and separating floors, and with excellent thermal performance, Rocksilk® Flexible Slab exceeded the specification requirements. Furthermore, Rocksilk® Flexible Slab has a non-combustible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, making it suitable for internal use on residential dwelling buildings over 18m tall as outlined in the recent changes to Approved Document B.As well as thermal and fire performance, Rocksilk® Flexible Slab has excellent sound absorption properties, providing high levels of sound insulation. As a result, the installation of the product in the 204 bedrooms and 36 studio flats will make life much more comfortable for the students living on the campus.Rocksilk® Flexible Slab is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. Products made with ECOSE® Technology generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort (Gold) certification.Builders’ merchant, Selco Ardwick in Manchester, supplied Rocksilk® Flexible Slab direct to site. In total, 32 pallets were used, equating to nearly 3,500m2 of insulation.For ease of installation, Rocksilk® Flexible Slab features a flexible edge which is designed to optimise friction fitting between studs, joists and rafters. MCR Property Group team found that its flexible edge combined with its lightweight design made the product much easier to install than alternative Rock Mineral Wool insulation they had used previously.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s speed of delivery, MCR Property Group was able to keep to a tight schedule that saw Unity Square open its doors in September in time for the start of the academic year. And while most of the students probably won’t give a second thought to the insulation, they will enjoy their safer, warmer and quieter new homes!
Sponsored
University of Salford, Manchester

University of Salford, Manchester

Knauf Insulation Ltd

The University of Salford’s new Science, Engineering and Environmental (SEE) building features a white RainScreen façade, punctuated by contrasting red window reveals with a sloping sill to form recessed windows. While this creates an impactful design statement, it proved challenging when it came to evaluating the RainScreen insulation performance.The thermal performance challengeFrom the outset the designers, in conjunction with the University, outlined a desire for non-combustible insulation. But the feature red reveal details meant there were restricted cavity widths near the windows, which would affect the depth of insulation that could be installed. Several Mineral Wool insulation manufacturers had been unwilling to undertake U-value calculations. This was because it was challenging to understand the weighted U-value across the different façade build-ups and determine the U-value uplift required to compensate for the shallower window reveal areas.Architects Sheppard Robson had previously worked with Knauf Insulation and engaged its Project Specification Team to discuss the challenge and develop calculations.After receiving the plans, Knauf Insulation undertook 3D U-value calculations and confirmed that they could meet the required thermal performance – and crucially it would mean no changes to the design or impact on the cavity widths.Accurate 3D U-value calculationsSo how could Knauf Insulation meet the brief when other manufacturers could not?The crucial factor was the type of U-value calculation used. Most manufacturers use the standard method, which calculates the U-value for the build-up without the metal substructure. Because this method doesn’t consider the effect of the metal penetration through the insulation, a blanket correction factor is added, which can lead to the under- or over-specification of insulation. Either way, it means that the insulation used in the finished project may not deliver the thermal performance that has been specified. And in the case of the SEE building, calculating the weighted U-value to prevent this was critical.Knauf Insulation uses numerical modelling (also known as 3D U-value calculations) as standard for all RainScreen façade projects. This methodology thermally models the build-up taking into account the complex interaction between the insulation and the bars and brackets of the steel framing system (SFS). As a result, it creates the most accurate available picture of how the build-up will perform thermally after construction.For the SEE building, the team undertook several different calculations changing elements of the build-up, including the substructure material and insulation widths, until they determined the optimal combination.High performance insulationBy using this rigorous calculation method, Knauf Insulation was able to meet the brief with a combination of 50mm and 160mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, along with 200mm OmniFit® Slab 35.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is a Rock Mineral Wool slab that is BBA certified for use at any height and for the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups on the market. It has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK.OmniFit® Slab 35, a Glass Mineral Wool slab with a thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK, is ideal for use in the SFS.Both Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Slab 35 are non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification so they will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. Thanks to their sound absorption characteristics, critical for low mass rainscreen structures, they will help create a quieter environment for the computer and science labs.A sustainable solutionThere was one other specification factor to consider – sustainability. The SEE building had been designed to minimise its environmental impact in line with the University of Salford’s campus master plan.Matthew Taylor, the project architect from Sheppard Robson, noted: “From early on, sustainability has been high on the SEE building agenda, including becoming one of the first all-electric University educational building.” The building will also be supported by photovoltaic panels on the roof.But while the use of renewable energy sources and high performance insulation will help lower the building’s operational carbon, it was important to keep embodied carbon to a minimum.Here Glass Mineral Wool scores highly too because it has the lowest embodied carbon of any mainstream insulation material.Knauf Insulation has proactively reduced the embodied carbon in its products over the years, as part of a broader set of activities to reduce its environmental impact. Specific actions to minimise its carbon footprint include initiatives to reduce road miles in both sourcing and distribution.For example, its Glass Mineral Wool products are manufactured using up to 80% recycled content, including glass collected from the local communities around its factories. The finished products are then compressed by up to 10:1 to fit more product into each lorry reducing transport related carbon emissions.Another innovation is ECOSE® Technology, its unique bio-based binder contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are also soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Ongoing supportThe through-wall build-up was installed by Metclad Contracts. As this was the first time they had worked with Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, they also turned to the Specification Team for installation advice. They wanted to know whether the insulation should be fixed into the sheathing boards or the SFS.Knauf Insulation provided details of the fixing pattern together with the installation guide. They also facilitated meetings with their fixing partner to provide specialist technical support about pull out values and requirements for fixing into the substrate.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s extensive technical expertise and ongoing support, the vision for the University of Salford’s state-of-the-art SEE building has become a reality – without any compromise on thermal performance, fire safety, acoustic or sustainability.
Sponsored
Vaughan Way, Leicester

Vaughan Way, Leicester

Knauf Insulation Ltd

The Vaughan Way development in Leicester features state-of-the-art apartments above a two storey car park. While this gives residents the best of both worlds – city living and parking in a limited footprint – it represents a challenge for developers in the form of thermal bridging.Most car parks feature open walls to allow adequate ventilation of exhaust fumes, so the separating floor must be well insulated to prevent warm air from the flats escaping into the car park below. With this in mind, main contractor Winvic approached Knauf Insulation for advice on the best insulation to specify in order to achieve the specified U-value of 0.2 W/m²K.Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team conducted U-value calculations to determine the thickness of Soffit Linerboard required. They then worked closely with Winvic to provide technical advice to ensure all design considerations were addressed.Soffit Linerboard is a robust Rock Mineral Wool slab. It is a high-performance thermal insulation and offers excellent sound absorption to provide high levels of sound reduction; something residents will appreciate when their neighbours are parking below.Soffit Linerboard is also non-combustible, with an A1 Euroclass Reaction to Fire Classification, essential to comply with changes to the building regulations, as Vaughan Way will be more than 18m tall when complete.Soffit Linerboard is one of more than 40 Rock Mineral Wool insulation products produced at Knauf Insulation’s Queensferry plant. It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.The insulation was delivered direct to site by distributors Encon in Nottingham and was installed by sub-contractors L Reynolds.From the additional warmth, to noise reduction and improved safety, adding Soffit Linerboard to the separating floor between the car park and flats will make city living even more pleasant for the residents of Vaughan Way.
Sponsored
Westfield London, White City

Westfield London, White City

Knauf Insulation Ltd

CHALLENGEWestfield, the world’s largest listed retail property company, is set to change the face of retail in the United Kingdom with the opening of its new flagship development – “Westfield London” – at White City, London.Beneath a spectacular, undulating glass roof, the £1.6 billion Westfield London destination combines over 150,000m2 of retail, restaurants, cafes, bars and leisure facilities to create the ultimate shopping and leisure destination.Westfield London will act as a catalyst for the redevelopment and regeneration of the wider White City area with a further £1billion investment expected in the immediate vicinity over the next 10 years.SOLUTIONKnauf Insulation supplied Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab as part of the rainscreen cladding system to the external stone clad façades of the development and internal stone clad stairwell and elevator areas. The specification of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab provided both performance and installation benefits to both client and specialist installing contractor.Rock Mineral Wool has a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification to BS EN ISO 13501- 1, the highest classification available. With rainscreen cladding incorporated into building design fire performance is particularly important and, as such, a non-combustible component such as Rock Mineral Wool provides the ideal prevention against the spread of fire. The non-combustible nature of rock mineral wool ensures that it will not burn, will not give off toxic smoke and will not suddenly ignite in a fire due to ‘flashover’.Another key specification element related to the speed and ease of installation. The required thermal performance of the building was dependent on the correct installation of the specified insulation product. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slabs are easy to install down to their superior workability ensuring installation stayed within the tight time constraints. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is treated with a water repellent additive to ensure the building structure is protected against rain penetration and it can also be installed with either face adjacent to the sub structure.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab provides an additional benefit for the installing contractor as it is designed to adapt to minor imperfections in the building’s substructure. The rock mineral wool product ‘knits’ together, ensuring intimate contact between slabs ensuring all joints are closed and thermal efficiency is maximised.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has excellent acoustic properties, which contributed towards the acoustic performance of the structure in order to comply with both sound insulation and sound absorption requirements.What’s more, individual packs of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slabs are compression packed together in Knauf Insulation’s innovative packaging method, Supakube. The advanced compression technology and strong packaging materials ensure the product is easy to transport and store, reducing environmental impact and causing minimal disruption on site and the surrounding area.

Showing 37-52 of 52