Design Buy Build Issue 17 2015 | Page 17

Editor’s Choice THE SCHÖCK ISOKORB. AN EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO WRAPPED PARAPETS. Located near Highgate in North London, the Chester Balmore project consists of three elegant brick-clad blocks, housing a contemporary collection of 53 super-insulated one, two and three-bedroom flats.The development is designed to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and including the cavity, the walls are half a metre thick and the windows all triple glazed. Preventing thermal bridging along the parapets is critical for such a high performance development, because as with balconies, parapets can allow conductive materials to transfer energy through the thermal barrier. The conventional method of insulating parapets is to wrap the perimeter of the wall with an insulation barrier. However, the Schöck Isokorb type A offers a cost-effective and more thermally efficient alternative. Its 60mm insulation thickness results in low psi-values, therefore significantly reduces heat loss – and there is no wrapping required. Greater freedom of design is possible and it allows flexible distance between elements according to load requirements. An added benefit is no risk of additional thermal bridging through 17 balustrade fixings. Other key factors are durability and water impermeability. The Isokorb type A solution does not require maintenance and there is no risk of expensive restoration due to waterproofing problems. Whereas wrapped components can be likened to an insulated flat roof, with many of the associated problems. They are prone to damage and almost inevitable repair and maintenance outlay, particularly where railings or covers pierce the insulating layer. With thermally separated parapets, railings and covers can be attached directly into the concrete. The Isokorb type A provides BBA Certification and LABC Registration and meets full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations. In addition, there is also compliance with the Government Standard Assessment Procedure, SAP 2009, concerning CO2 emissions from buildings and respectively heat losses through non-repeating thermal bridges. For your free copy of the comprehensive 236 page ‘Technical Guide’ and / or a copy of the new Schöck ‘Thermal Bridging Guide’ contact the company on: 01865 290 890 go to www.schoeck.co.uk; or email: [email protected]