Natural building materials from Ecological Building Systems, based in Carlisle, have been chosen for the refurbishment of the clubhouse at the historic five-star Matfen Hall hotel, golf club and spa in Northumberland.
Architects Seam Architecture & Design had a vision to create a sustainable design for the refurbished clubhouse, which would bring it up to modern energy efficiency standards using natural materials. Gutex Multitherm woodfibre from Ecological Building Systems was selected for insulating the roof and walls of the clubhouse. The project involved constructing a new Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) extension in addition to refurbishing the existing timber frame clubhouse.
Gutex Multitherm is a breathable insulated sarking board made from recycled wood chips. It is windproof and waterproof*and is widely used externally on timber frame and CLT walls and roofs. Renowned for reducing thermal bridging, it has excellent acoustic reduction properties and is carbon negative (better than zero carbon) due to the absorbed carbon in the wood chips being greater than the carbon emissions of manufacturing (Phase A1-A3 in the certified Environmental Product Declaration).
Neil Turner, UK Technical Sales Manager at Ecological Building Systems, explains: “Our natural insulation materials are becoming increasingly popular for high quality refurbishments, as was the case at Matfen Hall. Gutex Multitherm insulation in combination with Pro Clima membranes are renowned for being highly effective in achieving airtightness, whilst meeting sustainability requirements. This project is a great example of how natural insulation materials can achieve the highest performance requirements, providing the perfect solution for bringing older buildings up to modern standards.”
Gutex Multitherm is renowned for its superior thermal and acoustic properties, as well as its low embodied carbon and excellent thermal performance, both in terms of reducing heat loss in the winter and reduced summer overheating. The project also used Gutex Thermoflex natural flexible woodfibre insulation within the walls and roof rafters.
Pro Clima Adhero 3000 peel and stick membrane was specified for the refurbished clubhouse to protect the CLT panels from rain induced staining during the construction phase of the project, whilst also providing permanent airtightness. In addition, Pro Clima’s Solitex Plus windtight membrane was chosen for the roof to ensure weather protection and breathability.
Solitex Fronta Quattro breather membrane was applied to the building before installation of the timber rainscreen. A Pro Clima Intello Plus airtightness membrane was also used internally in the refurbishment of the existing timber frame structure to provide airtightness and moisture management.
The building contractor on the project was DP Builders of Morpeth, which adhered to current building regulations but with a brief to meet improved airtightness targets and achieve very low levels of thermal bridging across the project.
Ecological Building Systems, which has its headquarters in Carlisle, Cumbria, is renowned for supplying a variety of natural materials to optimise building performance and durability.
Over the last few years, the business has grown significantly through supplying innovative, sustainable building materials, backed up by expert advice and product training.
For more details about the project visit
https://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/project-gallery/matfen-hall
For more details about Ecological Building Systems’ wide range of sustainable building products, email info@ecologicalbuildingsystems.com or visit: www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com
