Alumasc provides complete refurbishment solution at Barrow House

Housing Wed, Mar 23, 2016 10:33 AM

Alumasc provides complete refurbishment solution at Barrow House

Alumasc’s Facades and Roofing divisions have joined together to provide a single source solution for the £1.8million refurbishment of Barrow House – a nine-story high rise in Edgbaston.

The 1970s block is owned by Birmingham City Council, and was the first high rise refurbishment carried out under the CWM (Construction West Midlands) Framework which is managed by Acivico.

The external works comprised the application of the Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) system to all four elevations above ground floor level, with a Swisslab EWI Traditional Brick Skip system to the ground floor areas and a Derbigum insulated roofing system, all from Alumasc.

WHY ALUMASC?

Alumasc’s specified solutions totally encapsulated the building.  The systems were applied by Alumasc-trained and registered installers, Bersche-Rolt Ltd for the facade and Brindley Asphalt Ltd for the roof, giving peace of mind to the Client.  This was further reinforced by the specified systems being BBA approved and covered by comprehensive warranties.

CHALLENGES AND AIMS

The main aim of the project was to extend the life of the block by 30 years by carrying out structural repairs and external refurbishment of the building.  Barrow House was constructed as a no fines concrete shell, with no cavity or insulation.  As such, the building was cold, damp and discoloured.

The main challenge on the building façade was that the original mosaic tile finish had to remain due to budget constraints, despite Alumasc’s recommendation to remove it.  Alumasc’s technical team were able to overcome this by devising a solution that meant the tiles could be overclad with the Swistherm system by the use of additional fixings and specialist adhesive in certain zones.

On the Roof, Alumasc carried out a comprehensive condition survey with multiple core sampling to ascertain the condition of the existing substrates. The waterproofing system in place was defective and the saturated insulation called for a complete strip to deck; an ‘overlay’ solution would not have been adequate due to a large volume of trapped moisture within the system and poor condition of the existing asphalt covering.

Derbigum bituminous flat roof membrane was specified due to its high performance properties including flexibility, durability, excellent fire ratings and stronger Dual Reinforcement. 

RESULTS

Alumasc’s EWI system, with 110mm mineral wool insulation greatly improved the thermal performance of the building. The silicone render and brick slip façade offered improved aesthetics and maintenance. 

The roof is now fully insulated to current Building regulations and incorporating design falls to existing RWO locations; providing a robust waterproofing system fully integrated with the Alumasc EWI Scheme to offer a complete design solution to the waterproofing requirement.

Residents now live in a warmer, weather-tight, condensation-free environment and are delighted with their improved living conditions and lower utility bills.

Acivico architect, Gary Franklin, explains:

“Whilst we are yet to carry out specific tests at Barrow House, figures from similar projects have shown a reduction in energy usage ranging from one third to half of that prior to refurbishment.”

“In addition, the exterior staining and discolouration that Barrow House suffered from due to water penetration has been eradicated, and the whole block is now far more aesthetically-pleasing.”  

For information on Alumasc’s External Wall Insulation systems, visit www.alumascfacades.co.uk

For details on Alumasc’s full range of Roofing systems, visit www.alumascroofing.co.uk

Featured News

Specification news
>B< PRESS – the quick and sustainable solution

>B< Press fittings from Conex Bänninger have been extensively used on a large...

Read More >>

Specification news
Crittall Windows achieves prestigious BSi certification...

Crittall Windows, the world’s leading manufacturer of steel windows and doors, is...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Your high performance facade panel. With James Hardie, It’s Possible™ Brochure

Your high performanc...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

James Hardie brings unique designs to life with beautiful fibre cement products that are built to last. It’s Possible™ Brochure

James Hardie brings...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

fermacell® The Specification Guide Brochure

fermacell® The Speci...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

Hardie backer fibre cement backerboard for Tile & Stone  Brochure

Hardie backer fibre...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

RIVERSTONE® - DISCOVER NATURAL PHYLLITE Brochure

RIVERSTONE® - DISCOV...
By SSQ

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Senses White Fleck Kitchen Surfaces
Senses White Fleck Kitchen Surfaces

Senses Kitchen Surfaces. Beautifully Crafted, Effortlessly Maintained. The Senses range of...

Read More >>

SM 485: fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors
SM 485: fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors

FASSA's new SM 485: Your choice for a fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors,...

Read More >>

SL 416: A fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors
SL 416: A fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors

FASSA's new SL 416: A fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors. With superb...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers
Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Watch Now >>

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>