Central to the success of the restoration has been the specification of Ibstock’s Brickshield system, a unique external wall insulation solution allowing buildings to retain brick cladding whilst adding external wall insulation.
It has helped reinvigorate and preserve the original exterior look of the cottages, and provide tangible thermal insulation benefits to the interior.
The 42 workers’ dwellings, called Dee Cottages, are in Flint, Flintshire. They were originally constructed just after the First World War as part of textile giant Courtaulds’ decision to locate a major rayon manufacturing facility in the town.
A markedly uniform development of two-bedroom terrace cottages, they were eventually taken under the control of Flintshire County Council and are today used to provide safe and secure supported housing for elderly and vulnerable tenants who wish to live independently.
The industrial heritage associated with Flint was seen in the use of exposed brickwork on the exterior walls of the cottages at the time of construction, testimony to the important role local brickworks played as such housing sprang up around the UK’s industrial heartlands. It was this brick-led heritage that Flintshire County Council wanted to preserve when it came to modernising the cottage development, whilst ensuring they were sustainably and safely renovated to continue to meet the future needs of the residents.
In conjunction with Ibstock, Flintshire County Council selected Brickshield as the perfect answer to fulfil this objective; one that would ensure the integrity of the vernacular and safeguard its distinctive character, while also generating superior levels of insulation performance.
The Brickshield external cladding solution at the Dee Cottages site combines insulation boards and Ibstock’s Natural Clay Brick Slips to provide an easy-to-install system that not only protects the original brick design, but also insulates and thermally upgrades the external fabric of the dwelling. The choice of Priory Weathered Red Slips in an English Wall bond with a dark mortar is contextually complementary to the area, while the resulting improved insulation is delivering real daily benefits for residents, as well as energy cost savings for the local authority.
Andrew Halstead-Smith, Group Marketing Manager at Ibstock, comments: “Dee Cottages is a prime example of the kind of housing development that grew out of industrial expansion. They evidence our industrial past and it is important we preserve the original architectural integrity within their locations. By using the flexible and innovative benefits that characterise Brickshield, we have been able to contribute to preserving the historical importance of such developments, while also ensuring the buildings have both durable and optimised insulation performance in the years ahead.
“Crucially, Brickshield is quick and easy to install, which was another key factor on this project as the contractors were able to minimise any disruption to the cottage residents. We are delighted to have supported what has been a highly successful and important renovation project.”
Brickshield is the only BBA approved system of its kind. It is manufactured by Ibstock Brick in partnership with Rockwool, leaders in stone wool insulation.