Sto maximises thermal efficiency and aesthetics for retrofitted homes

In partnership with E.ON and Green Homes Solutions, Sto has enhanced energy efficiency for Cheshire residents while maintaining the traditional appearance of their homes.

Located in Wilmslow, most of the terraced houses are managed by Peaks & Plains Housing Trust with the remainder privately owned. Following funding by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), all the properties have been upgraded with Sto’s external wall insulation (EWI) system.

Installed by Green Homes Solutions, the EWI system is improving the homes’ thermal performance by reducing heat loss and energy consumption while protecting the properties from weather damage. The risk of condensation, damp and mould has also been minimised.

To meet the needs of residents, who did not want the look or feel of their homes to change, aesthetics were prioritised. In response, Sto’s solution included a range of products designed to replicate the homes’ traditional brick appearance and complement architectural details. This saw StoCleyer B brick slips, StoDeco profiles and StoFentra Duo windowsills installed on each property.

Manufactured from synthetic render, the StoCleyer B brick slips offer a realistic brick appearance with a durable, weather-resistant finish. The StoDeco Profiles replicate stone architectural detailing on the window heads and are manufactured using a lightweight material that is easy to install. To prevent the risk of any moisture from damaging the EWI system, which can be a common risk when retrofitting, the StoFentra Duo windowsills absorb movement and prevent water ingress.

The project was led by E.ON’s Green Funding Solutions team, which works with local authorities, housing associations, government departments and other key stakeholders to develop and deliver large scale domestic retrofit programmes.

Joel Stafford, Strategic Funding Manager (Green Funding Solutions) at E.ON said: “With original brickwork and window detailing, these properties were very complex to insulate without losing any of their traditional features or character. Working with Sto, we provided samples for each part of the system which were instrumental in alleviating any concerns raised by residents.

“The finished system not only looks great, but has delivered a fantastic outcome for everyone who lives in these homes. We have spoken with each resident since the installation and they all felt the instant benefits of the EWI, so are very happy with the result.

“We have also received feedback stating these properties showcase some of the best domestic retrofit EWI to be installed in recent years. The quality of Sto’s service and products have been key to this achievement and the project’s seamless delivery.”

Joe Mellor, Head of Sales Development at Sto, added: “There is a common misconception that retrofitting with an EWI system is expensive and can result in a bland finish. This project shows that’s not true. From the outset, the priority was to ensure the thermal upgrade didn’t compromise the quality of the finish.

“These refurbished properties are now perfectly insulated, resulting in a constant temperature inside the homes complemented by attractive facades that blend perfectly with their surroundings.”