Actis Hybrid wins over developer

An environmentally conscious Dundee developer which specialises in creating energy efficient, value-for-money homes has completed a successful pilot project using the Actis Hybrid insulation range.

Indeed, its director was so impressed with the ease, speed and effectiveness of the materials that he plans to specify them for the company’s next development.

Discovery Homes, a timber frame specialist which uses sustainable materials where possible and offers high levels of insulation to help the environment and reduce running costs for the owner, used two of the three Actis Hybrid products on its small development of detached villas in the city.

Director Grant White decided to switch from his usual insulation material, glass wool, and test out the Actis Hybrid range to see whether it really was as quick, clean and easy to use as he had heard.

He was so delighted with the trial that he plans to use the products on a 30 home development which starts on site in the middle of 2017.

Grant, who has been running Discovery Homes with his wife Linda since 1989, explained: “In previous developments we’ve used a glass wool which is cheaper up front, but I believe the Hybrid is a much better product which saves money in the long run because it is such good quality and is so quick and easy to install that we save on labour costs.

“I also really like the fact that there is very little wastage and it’s such a clean product to use.”

The seven 1,000 sq ft three bedroom homes in Molison Grove are insulated with innovative honeycomb style insulation Actis Hybris and insulating breather membrane Boost R Hybrid. The houses are made even more energy efficient with the addition of solar panels on the roof.

Using Hybris and Boost R Hybrid, along with the third product in the range, insulating vapour control layer HControl Hybrid, is an ideal way to reduce thermal bridging and improve air tightness, a key part of Discovery Homes’ ethos. Because they are compressible and flexible, the materials are very forgiving and can be squashed to fit into awkward shapes. Using solid insulation in these scenarios can create air gaps if the pieces are not cut to shape with pinpoint accuracy.

The CE marked, NHBC accepted Hybrid range, has also achieved LABC and LABSS registered details, which means the three materials can be accepted by all local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales

Actis’ popular mini How To videos show users just how easy it is to install the various Hybrid products – with a new series launched recently focusing on insulation Hybris.