Actis
experts are to host a seminar on thermal efficiency later this month at the HQ
of Swedish timber framer Scandia-Hus.
The event,
at the building firm’s Sussex show centre on Saturday April 27, is part of an
open day aimed at showcasing the merits of timber frame construction.
It will
offer insights into self-build and the chance to talk to project managers and
others involved in the construction process.
Scandia-Hus
uses Actis Hybrid products in many of the homes it builds every year, having
trialled the system on a three-bedroom contemporary style showhome a few years
ago.
The
results of a thermal imaging exercise carried out after completion which showed
an impressive lack of thermal bridging were so impressive it decided to use the
system on future projects.
When it
built another show home – this time a traditional style 3,500 sq ft mock Tudor
style property - Actis Hybrid was the immediate insulation choice.
The end
result offers a U-value of 0.14 in the roof and 0.16 in the walls, thanks to
the use of insulating vapour control layer H Control Hybrid and honeycomb
design insulation Hybris panels in the roof and walls.
Scandia-Hus
MD Derek Dawson said: “After carrying out our initial experiment we were
extremely pleased with the installation side of the material and from now on
can reduce insulation installation time by up to 30%. Previously, insulation
was installed in two phases - the first in the factory and the second on site
after the first fix was complete.
“The Actis
Hybris panels are easy to cut to exactly the right size so they simply slot
into the stud wall.
“Due to
the use of service voids and the ease of installation the insulation will now
generally be installed in one phase on site. This also ensures that the air
tightness of the building is not compromised by follow up trades. Other
benefits were minimal wastage (just three black sacks) and site cleanliness.
And as if that is not benefit enough, the Hybrid range does not produce
irritant and messy dust when installing.”
Actis UK
and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper added: “Using traditional insulation
products to improve energy efficiency would have resulted in greater wall
thickness, large increases in material costs and more labour for Scandia-Hus.
“On the
other hand the Hybrid system is quick and easy to install and offers an
impressive U-value in a thinner package – thus creating more saleable floor
space. Because it’s flexible and can bend around corners, not only does this
make fitting it much more straightforward than cutting rigid board, it also
addresses issues of thermal bridging and air tightness. It was these factors
which meant the thermal imaging experiment was such a success.”
