Archetech Issue 51 2020 | Page 15

“ The project can also boast ‘ best sustainable residential development in the UK ’ from the

International Property Awards .
USES 90 % LESS ENERGY THAN A TYPICAL NEW BUILD
Other features of the construction include low electromagnetic field wiring arrangements and a highly efficient mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery . Complete with an exhaust air heat pump for hot water supply . An array of PV panels on the roof yield an annual 14,234 kWh , resulting in the building generating more energy than it uses . There is a constant supply of
silently circulated filtered fresh air within the triple glazed , airtight construction . And 90 per cent less energy used than in a typical new build . All factors which have contributed to the building achieving the stringent passive house plus target .
Passive house standard is easier to achieve with simpler , box-like forms and finished buildings are often considered aesthetically limited and rather prosaic . However , with Seaton Beach Apartments , a little design ingenuity and the use of Schöck Isokorb thermally broken balcony connectors defies this notion . The potentially unexciting building now features large sea-facing balconies with generous curves . The detailing of these balconies is critical though , if thermal bridging is to be minimised and the building ’ s energy performance not compromised .
SCHÖCK
THE ISOKORB IS A TECHNICALLY ADVANCED SOLUTION
Schöck Isokorb thermal breaks are installed where the balconies meet the clay block structure , as ineffectual insulation at these cantilever connectivity points will result in local heat loss . This means more energy is required to maintain the building ’ s internal temperature . Low internal surface temperatures around the thermal bridge can also cause condensation , leading to structural integrity problems with absorbent insulation products and the potentially serious occurrence of mould growth . The Schöck Isokorb is one of the most technically advanced countermeasures against thermal bridging . It not only thermally separates components from one another , but acts in a structural design capacity as well . The product type used here has an innovative HTE Compact compression module made of high-density microfibre reinforced concrete and transfers both negative moments and positive shear forces with cantilever balconies , or positive field moments combined with shear forces .
ENORMOUS FREEDOM OF DESIGN
As the leading international supplier of structural thermal breaks , Schöck is able to offer planners complete construction dependability and almost limitless freedom of design with the options available in its Isokorb product range . There are solutions for concrete-to-concrete , concrete-to-steel , steel-to-steel , a thermally insulating connection for reinforced concrete walls – and even a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets . The temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk ( fRSI ) which must be greater than , or equal to , 0.75 for residential buildings , is easily met by incorporating the Isokorb . All products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations and the NHBC . They also offer LABC Registration and have independent BBA Certification .
For a free copy of the Schöck Thermal Bridging Guide ; the Schöck Specifiers Guide or to view the range of downloadable software , contact Schöck on 01865 290 890 or visit the website at www . schoeck . co . uk
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