Keir Hardie Health Park, South Wales
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Alumasc’s Swisrail External Wall Insulation (EWI) system has provided an NHBC approved facade solution for the new Keir Hardie Health Park in South Wales. Designed by the Bristol studio of architects BDP, the health park in Merthyr Tydfil is scheduled to open to the public in September 2012 and will be the first of its kind in the UK, bringing together GP and primary care services, outpatient clinics, therapies, mental health services and social care on one site.
Swisrail is a flexible, ventilated system which was ideal for application onto the complex detail of the scheme’s design. Alumasc’s approved contractors the Joyner PA Cymru Ltd installed the EWI system comprising 150mm of mineral wool insulation over a lightweight steel frame. The render finish specified was Silkolitt silicone render in a white, rolled texture to complement the building’s contemporary, clean lines. The installation has resulted in the building achieving an impressive U-value of 0.21W/Km2.
Swisrail is a thin coat insulated render system specifically designed for use on framed buildings subject to NHBC approval. It incorporates a system of steel rails and channels to provide a 25mm drained cavity between the insulation and framed structure which exceeds the minimum NHBC requirement of 15mm.
The insulation slabs are faced with a durable, decorative top-coat; Silicone Render is used for enhanced overall performance, with Mineral Render available as the eco-friendly option. Both finishes can be applied with rolled surface texture, in a wide range of colours.
Whilst fully weather resistant, Swisrail remains vapour permeable and allows the fabric of the building to act as a heat store, increasing thermal efficiency and eliminating cold bridging, condensation and mould growth. The render finish protects the structural fabric and is resistant to impact damage.
