The design code which underpins the new Springstead Village development in Cherry Hinton has won a prestigious national award.  

The plans for the flagship project – which is a collaboration between housebuilder Bellway and Latimer, the development arm of affordable homes provider Clarion Housing – won the Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment category at the Landscape Institute Awards 2023.

The Cherry Hinton North Design Code was co-created by urban designer and landscape architects McGregor Coxall and architects Pollard Thomas Edwards, who were commissioned by the Bellway Latimer joint venture.

Springstead Village is a project which will deliver 1,200 new homes on a 138-acre plot that was previously part of the Cambridge Airport site. The plans for the development include new schools, a local centre, recreation areas, allotments and public open spaces.

Ulrich van Eck, Project Director for the Bellway Latimer joint venture, said: “It is great that the design code for the development we are building at Springstead Village has won this coveted national award. We must congratulate the teams at McGregor Coxall and Pollard Thomas Edwards for their sterling work.

“The design code will ensure that Springstead Village will develop a strong sense of place with the provision of a market square of shops, community buildings and spaces for play and exercise near every home. The development will bring homes together in small neighbourhoods, each with its own individual character.

“The scheme features slow-speed tree-lined streets and a network of cycleways and footpaths to encourage residents to leave their cars at home. The landscape-first approach incorporates principles of biodiversity and sustainable land use through the provision of green spaces, wildlife protection areas and the preservation of existing natural habitats on site. 

“We take comfort from the fact that the dedication and hard work by so many, resulting in this impressive document, has been recognised by the judges. This further underpins the commitment of the joint venture to its future and current community. 

“In addition, it validates the unanimous approval received from the Joint Development Control Committee for Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service. The latter being very closely involved in the development of the design code and whom also deserves a lot of credit” 

The award was presented at a ceremony at The Brewery in London.

The Landscape Institute Awards celebrate the contribution of landscape designers, managers, planners, researchers and local authorities towards the creation of environments which bring benefits to people and the planet. In 2023, the awards attracted 150 entries across 17 different categories.

Judges in the Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment category were looking for designers to demonstrate a clearly defined strategy providing a sustainable concept which makes the most of available resources and space, maximises its impact on human health and wellbeing and brings benefits in biodiversity.

Michael Cowdy, UK Founding Director at McGregor Coxall, said: “We are thrilled that the Springstead Village Design Code has earned the Landscape Institute’s accolade for Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment.

“The essence of the Design Code lies in its robust foundation of living infrastructure, weaving climate resilience and societal well-being into the fabric of Springstead Village’s future.

“Central to this project’s triumph was the close collaboration with Pollard Thomas Edwards, Bellway, and the Greater Cambridge Planning teams, a partnership that was instrumental in bringing the Design Code to fruition.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to the Landscape Institute for acknowledging the strategic impact and transformative potential of landscape-led master planning in shaping resilient, vibrant communities.”

To find out more about Springstead Village, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/essex/springstead-village or call the sales team on 01223 081346.

York Design Awards is inviting property and design professionals, enthusiasts, and creatives to join an evening of inspiration, networking, and celebration, to mark the launch of its 2024 awards.

The launch event will take place on Thursday 29^th February at St Peters School from 6pm to 9pm, with drinks, canapes, guest speakers and networking. With entries for the awards set to open in due course, the evening is a great opportunity for prospective entrants to learn more about this year’s awards.

Keynote speakers, co-founder of Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Neil Porter and non-executive director of the Office for Place, Esther Kurland will be in attendance to share their knowledge and experiences in the design sector.

Co-founder of Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Neil Porter, who was also a landscape design consultant for York Central, has a wealth of experience in delivering significant public realm projects in the UK and abroad. Esther Kurland, a planner by background who has worked in local authorities for 10 years, is currently a member of the Governments Local Authority Planning Capacity and the Office for Place Transition Board.

Throughout the evening, there will be opportunities for networking, an audience Q&A with the keynote speakers, with drinks and canapes provided.

Ann Reid, Chair of The York Design Awards Committee said: “We are thrilled to be launching our 2024 awards with our annual event at St Peters School.

The awards are a great opportunity for architects, developers, organisations and individuals across York to showcase their brilliant designs and high-quality projects which contribute to the diverse range of properties and developments we have in our city. I look forward to welcoming guests to network, make connections and hear from our brilliant speakers.”

The York Design Awards launch event will take place on St Peters School, Clifton, on 29^th February from 6pm – 9pm. To register for tickets and find out more about the event, visit York Design Awards Eventbrite page: York Design Awards Launch Evening Tickets, Thu 29 Feb 2024 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

AN INTERNATIONAL architectural competition to design a diverse and creative neighbourhood at the heart of Wolverhampton has been announced.

Social impact developers Capital&Centric – who are working in collaboration with City of Wolverhampton on the landmark St George’s site – have teamed up with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for the competition, set to launch soon.

It will see a shortlist of architecture practices put forward their initial ideas for the 5-acre plot, with the challenge to incorporate the existing Grade II listed church as a centrepiece of an aspirational, diverse and playful neighbourhood that will act as a further catalyst for the transformation of the city.

They’ll be tasked with incorporating a melting pot of homes, community facilities, accommodation for businesses, as well as verdant public spaces. A key tenet of the brief will be encouraging wellbeing, health and a distinct sense of identify and place that stands out from the crowd.

RIBA’s renowned competitions are aimed at delivering some of the most inspirational and outstanding designs. Architecture practices who may wish to be considered for this Private Invitation competition are encouraged to contact Martin Crews at Capital&Centric on: info@capitalandcentric.com

John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said:

“We’ve been pretty dogmatic in our belief that exemplar design doesn’t have to be the preserve of London, or the South. Delivering development on brownfield sites in towns and cities is critical to the UK’s housing supply, but that’s no excuse for bland and boring new builds that add little to the social fabric of a place.

“We’re teaming up with RIBA to ensure that the St George’s neighbourhood in Wolverhampton can be held up as a best in class example of how to do creative, brownfield regeneration right in a way that delivers social value. We want the practices to come up with something that both inspires and excites, but is a deliverable design that the city can get behind.”

A leading architect will be appointed to oversee the competition soon, with RIBA and Capital&Centric assembling a panel of experts to judge the  applications. Four practices will be shortlisted from the initial applications, who will each get eight weeks to design their vision, with input from the panel.

Capital&Centric also plan to showcase the finalists’ designs at a local event, where the city’s residents will be able to have their say on what grabs their eye. The winning design will form the basis of the St George’s masterplan, with planning applications to follow later this year.

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said:

“The last time we worked with partners on a design competition it resulted in the delivery of the iconic i9 office building – home to the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

“We now want the St George’s scheme to become the design and quality benchmark for future developments in the city and I expect to see a high standard of entries for this game-changing opportunity.

“As part of our ambitious regeneration plans, St George’s can provide an inclusive, safe and sustainable new district that will generate new opportunities and jobs, bring underutilised assets back into community use and, importantly, deliver much needed new homes in Wolverhampton city centre.

“We’re also excited that Capital&Centric will bring further social value to the city through Regeneration Brainery. This programme is aimed at 14 to 21-year-olds and is designed to inspire them to consider careers within property and regeneration, enhancing social mobility and making the industry more representative of society. Projects like St George’s offer the perfect opportunity for young people to experience regeneration in action on their doorstep.”  

Capital&Centric’s appointment on the site was announced in December by the City of Wolverhampton Council, with the first step to develop a masterplan for the former Sainsbury’s supermarket site, with links to the £61million City Learning Quarter set to open in 2025.

St George’s is one of a number of development opportunities featured in the Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus.

As the cold days make us want to snuggle down into cosy, winter comfort, interior design company, Show Business Interiors, the design experts for Barratt and David Wilson Homes, have shared some ideas on how to create a luxurious feel on a budget. For more ideas, visit https://www.sbinteriors.co.uk/

Embracing Darkness

Dark, rich colours effortlessly create an atmosphere of warmth and cosiness–perfect for colder months. While the trend is mostly associated with monochromatic tones, it also celebrates natural colours like greens and blues which are already popular this year. Imagine walking into a space that exudes a sense of peace and tranquillity. The colour scheme is composed of rich, deep tones that immediately create a feeling of calmness. These earthy and muted colours have the ability to transform any room into a timeless space that exudes both classic and contemporary elements. They also add a sense of history and elegance, perfectly curating a trend that will never go out of style.

Dazzling Metallics

Gold is a precious metal that has been revered throughout history for its beauty and rarity. Its natural shine and lustre make it an ideal choice for adding an element of luxury and elegance to any home décor. When combined with other dazzling metallic elements, it can create a sense of celebration and opulence. Brushed brass pieces emit a warm and inviting glow that evokes a sense of sophistication and refinement, perfect for setting the mood during the festive Christmas season.

Jewel Tones

Without a bauble in sight, you can still create a festive ambience through use of colour throughout your space. By incorporating colours inspired by natural jewel tones such as deep, saturated shades like ruby red, sapphire blue, emerald green, amethyst purple, and golden yellow within your space, there will be a subtle feeling of festivity in the air without excessive decoration of tinsel and baubles.

Deep Navy and Twinkling Silver

The combination of navy and silver in this palette creates a contemporary take on the classic pairing of red and green. The deep blue hue of navy, along with the metallic shine of silver, enhances the overall look and feel of the design. The resulting aesthetic is both polished and stylish, evoking a sense of refinement and elegance. The harmony between these complementary colours produces a visually pleasing and graceful outcome.

Minimalism

If you have a preference for understated and simplistic décor, then modern Christmas decorations are just what you need. This style places emphasis on neutral tones and clean lines, allowing minimalism to take centre stage. Imagine a Scandinavian Christmas setting, where a beautifully crafted wreath made from delicate twigs is adorned with a single white candle, creating an atmosphere of serenity and calm. You can also set your dining table with clean lines, neutral hues, and natural materials such as wood and linen to further enhance the minimalist look.

Intertwining storytelling with design to evoke a clear picture of each member of the household, the Andrew Henry Interiors design team created an unforgettable show home at Locking Parklands in Weston-super-Mare.  Showcasing the quality and appeal of the 124 new sustainable homes by housing association and housebuilder Curo, the four-bedroom property has been transformed into a vibrant retreat for an eco-conscious family who encourage and celebrate each other’s unique qualities.

Curo’s brief requested that the design steered away from a typical show home and painted a clear picture of the different individual personalities living in the house.  An industrial look to indicate the inhabitant’s stylish taste and an element of surprise were also key elements of the brief.  Dianna Colwell, lead designer at Andrew Henry Interiors, comments: “All families are unique, with different qualities and quirks. Viewers at Locking Parklands will be able to envisage what each family member living in this show home is all about; the children’s hobbies, the parent’s interests and the outdoor activities they enjoy together as a family.”

Starting with the kitchen, the specially selected worktops made from Dekton ‘Trillium’ quartz, which is 80% recyclable, influenced the colour and material palette used throughout the house.  Inspired by volcanic stones with intense grey and black tones and subtle hints of copper, the beautiful matt surface creates a stand-out feature which is complemented by light cashmere coloured kitchen cabinets with copper handles.  Practical for family living, the kitchen and living room feature furniture to match the industrial theme.  Complementing the dark wood herringbone flooring, a large black dining table with a mixture of brown leather chairs and upholstered bench seating, creates a functional and stylish kitchen/dining space. A feature light adds interest over the table and a note on the notice board about surfers campaigning to combat sewage in the sea informs visitors of the family’s commitment to saving the planet.  Dianna adds: “The overall aesthetic is industrial, yet cosy.  We introduced forest green and blush to the bedrooms to add warmth and nod to the home’s location, surrounded by woodland. We also used a lot of natural materials and textures to enhance the eco conscious ethos of the development and to tie in with the professions of the parents and the interests of the family.”

In the living room, a bespoke media unit and radiator cover maximise the space. Neutral sofas accessorised with black, white and beige textured cushions, a large Crittall style mirror and a statement rug blend industrial

minimalism with sophisticated comfort.  The downstairs cloakroom re-introduces the copper from the kitchen worksurfaces with wallpaper by Galerie on a feature wall which continues up and over the entire ceiling.  Completing the ground-floor, a spacious entrance hall accessorised with captivating artwork, which celebrates Weston-super-Mare’s lesser-known historical moments, provides several surprises.

The parents’ professions as a marine biologist who studied at Bristol University and a Conservation and Ecology professor at Exeter University are also referenced throughout the home. Books on the shelves in the study give viewers clues and books in the guest bedroom give a nod toward interests such as local history, local nature and British Sealife.  There is ornamental coral in the ensuite linking to the sea theme.

The four upstairs bedrooms reveal further insight into the home’s inhabitants.  In response to Curo’s brief, one of the children’s bedrooms suggests an interest in marine conservation. Although beach themed at first glance, this is not your typical teenage girl’s bedroom.  Striking mural wallpaper featuring an image of a huge wave, life size wall paintings of a surf board from several angles and snorkelling and surfing equipment provide this insight. Black bedroom furniture including a desk and subtle accessories like a bronze tortoise ornament placed on the window sill, a sea green velvet armchair and peach accents complete the space. 

A second children’s bedroom displays a love of football and support for the local team with a framed Weston-super-Mare kit, an eye-catching green mural over one wall and striking black and white striped wallpaper on another which continues up and over the ceiling.  The elegant primary bedroom fuses industrial features including bespoke black wall panelling surrounding a neutral fabric headboard, which covers the entire back wall. A brass industrial looking chandelier hangs over the bed which is accessorised with a mixture of dark blush velvet and black and white textured cushions.  A bespoke canvas featuring a stunning seascape, created by Andew Henry Interior’s in-house artist Sadie Vile, reflects the parents love of the ocean which has been passed onto the children. 

Jodie Winter at Curo concludes: “Andrew Henry Interiors nailed this design.  The team understood our brief and has injected personality and spirit with their approach and produced a memorable show home which brings excitement to every day family life. We’ve created a green and sustainable environment at Locking Parklands and it’s wonderful to have a show home that reflects this commitment.”     

For more information on Andrew Henry Interiors visit https://andrewhenry.co.uk/ or for the bespoke soft furnishings service, Thread & Dandy visit https://www.threadanddandy.co.uk/

Amrax reports 2700 customers joined its B2B ecosystem in 2023 as businesses embrace spatial design to make their buildings more efficient 

Salzburg, Austria; 16 January 2024: Amrax, a 3D modelling and spatial data capture company, has revealed that over 10,000 rooms have been scanned with the Metaroom app since the app’s launch in June 2023. 

Over 7,300 users, including key players in the lighting, wireless planning and AEC industries, have registered through the Metaroom app and joined the Amrax B2B ecosystem dedicated to spatial design and 3D modelling. Notable new additions to the customer base include Siemens, Tulux, LTS and Voglauer. 

The Metaroom app is an advanced 3D scanning app, driven by the power of AI, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) technologies. The tool enables professionals in spatial planning industries to envision and redefine spaces. 

Through the Metaroom app users can scan rooms using an iPhone Pro or iPad Pro*. These scans are then uploaded to the cloud, generating true-to-scale 3D models within seconds. Users can then use the web application, Metaroom Studio, to enrich these 3D models with additional information, ensuring project-specific customisation and precision.

The news follows the closing of a successful Pre-Series A financing round in October 2023. The funding round will enable Amrax to continue investing in its team in 2024 and developing its platform and wider product offering. 

The past year has also seen Amrax establish fruitful partnerships and integrations with Relux Informatik AG (software integration for lighting industry), Autodesk Inc. (spatial design integration for AEC industries) and Siemens among others. 

Martin Huber, CEO of Amrax, said: “As we step into 2024, these accomplishments fuel our determination to push boundaries, innovate relentlessly, and continue shaping the future of spatial planning. We thank our incredible team, partners and customers for being a part of the Metaroom journey.”

*The Metaroom App is currently compatible with all LiDAR enabled Apple devices (iPhone Pro 12 or higher or iPad Pro from 2020 or later).

Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers of intelligent building solutions for commercial and residential properties, bring the latest style and substance to a little black house on Lake Ammer in Germany.

With a black charred wooden façade and supersized pivot windows, this little black house makes a big statement in the popular lakeside resort of Lake Ammer, near Munich in Germany. The little house designed by leading architects, Buero Wagner, defies all the cliches as a bold alternative to generic detached houses, urban sprawl and nondescript buildings and instead, champions individuality and creativity.

Conceived as a new extension, the little black house was cleverly inserted between an office and an apartment block. It is directly connected to the apartment block and deliberately stands out as a separate structure. The wooden framework is charred, making it resistant to both water and fungal attack with no need for chemical treatment.

The black house not only has an impressive appearance but also a carefully considered interior with design elements pared back to basic, essential functions. Its location and the necessary integration inspired the architects to create a nested effect by arranging rooms of different heights inside each another. This also is reflected in the different roof shapes which flow into one another: flat roof connects the black house to the apartment block and a pitched roof.

Minimalist and simple, there are 80 square metres of living space, comprising a kitchen with a living and dining area on the ground floor and a bedroom with a bathroom and a separate cloakroom in the basement. A special highlight is the living area above the kitchen, which merges into a terrace. Thanks to the two floor-ceiling pivot windows, the north and west facades of the house can be opened almost completely, so that the boundary between inside and outside almost disappears with a view towards the lake.

The interior is restrained in form and material, complementing the basic minimalist concept of the black house. All fixtures such as kitchen cabinets, windows and doors and the staircase are made of natural, oiled oak. Despite the simple furnishings, the rooms have a cosy atmosphere. The concrete ceilings, walls and floors provide thermal energy storage for the built-in panel and underfloor heating. These surfaces were sanded down to make the stone pattern more visible.

With a minimalist interior, a lot of emphasis is placed on the details. For this reason, great importance was attached to the interplay of design and functionality, including the sockets and light switches where the Gira E2 Design Line in Black Matt create elegant highlights upon the walls.

Gira E2 Black Matt finish – this timeless socket and switch series will complement a range of interior styles and will stand up to the rigours of family life. Available in a range of shatter-proof UV-resistant colours to illuminate and automate your home, Gira E2 comes in pure white matt, pure white glossy, aluminium, grey matt (a new addition), anthracite, on-trend colour black matt and high-quality stainless steel. It also works seamlessly with the Gira System 55, which offers over 300 functions to assist intuitive smart home living.

Everything has been well-considered in this building. It plays with concepts of inside and outside, top and bottom. Overall, the little black house has a purist and open feel due to its shape and the sparing choice of materials. It was nominated for the DAM Prize for Architecture 2020, which recognises outstanding buildings prestigious in Germany.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Experts in the design and manufacture of classic and contemporary British-made bathroom solutions, Imperial Bathrooms, is proud to report its company director, James Stevenson, has been presented with a winner’s trophy award following the company being named ‘Bathroom Design Specialists of the Year’ at the Central England Prestige Awards.

The Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards were established in 2012 with the intention to recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months. All shortlisted companies need to evidence their work, positive feedback from their clients, full details of previous accreditation and recognition as well as highlighting the most outstanding parts of their businesses. The judging panel base their decisions on key criteria such as service excellence, quality of the product/service provided, innovative practices, value, ethical or sustainable methods of working, as well as consistency in performance.

James Stevenson, Director at Imperial Bathrooms explains, “We are extremely proud to win this award for the second year in a row and it is a credit to the professionalism and work ethic of everyone in the company that our business has once again been recognised as a market leader in our region. Our determination to deliver to our customers in the face of fast-moving change has been pivotal to our success as we have continued to invest in both product design and development. We want every element of our business to have the hallmark of excellence and are committed to a policy of continuous improvement to make the bathrooms of Britain beautiful, functional and timeless.”

Imperial Bathrooms offer a range of traditional and contemporary bathroom designs across a comprehensive collection of premium ceramic ware, furniture, basin stands, brassware, baths, showering and lighting products, which support your customers future design ideas – whatever their personal style!

James continues, “We are proud to champion the importance of British manufacturing which is why every Imperial Bathrooms product bears the ‘Made in Britain’ stamp to include ceramics and wood only. It is so important to harness the best time-honoured production techniques from the artisans of the past and keep them alive for today’s discerning customers. As the bathroom becomes increasingly design-led, we are delighted to offer a range of elegant and luxurious solutions as a premium ‘one stop shop’. Being recognised for our passion, originality, premium service and hardworking ethos is a real feather in our cap, and we look forward to surpassing expectations in 2022-3.”

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Rotpunkt, award winning designer and leading manufacturer of climate friendly German Kitchen furniture create new possibilities for the modern home and lifestyle, with the launch of its new Utility Furniture specially designed for compact and complete laundry rooms.

Designed using its market leading Zerox furniture and available in all 26 colour options, Rotpunkt is able to meet the needs of today’s multi-purpose ground floor space with a new range of utility furniture complete with custom laundry cabinets, ergonomic housing for appliances, tall units, integrated waste systems and accessories such as integrated laundry baskets, adjustable shelves and angled storage options.

Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt says, “Sophisticated designed-in storage solutions allow for minimal disruption to the ground floor, and the need for practical storage that is separate from the main kitchen is now welcoming dedicated furniture specifically for the utility room and laundry space. Presenting a new approach to household management, our new Utility Furniture is modular by design, which is helping to inspire new levels of creativity when considering the relocation of laundry appliances to previously redundant spaces like a hallway, box room and even first floor landing.”

The new Utility Furniture by Rotpunkt offers three tall unit designs in five available heights at 565-625mm depth, fully equipped with a range of interior elements and storage components. Options include:

1. Tall unit W450mm with laundry basket including 4, 5 or 6 adjustable shelves, a fixed shelf & one deep drawer with hanging laundry basket
2. Tall unit W600mm with shoe rack including none, 1 or 2 adjustable shelves, a fixed shelf and five angled baskets
3. Tall unit W600mm with 2 or 3 fixed shelves, which creates space for up to three laundry baskets [not included]

• Available heights: H1820mm, H1950mm, H2080mm, H2210mm and H2340mm

There is also a Built-under Drawer unit measuring H260 x W600 x D625mm, which is designed with 1 drawer and 1 extendable shelf and a 260mm high fascia.

Ergonomic laundry appliances: Pair your tall laundry units with a combi furniture solution for a washing machine and dryer, specially designed at an ergonomic working height for ease of use. This empowers a clear separation of tasks enhancing home hygiene and cleanliness and even better, the streamlined units bring you extra peace and quiet.

Climate friendly furniture:  In line with the Rotpunkt ‘Together to zero’ climate strategy to reduce carbon emissions, the furniture is made with sustainability in mind. It is crafted from Greenline BioBoard Gen2, the sustainable, green and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chipboards consisting of up to 90% recycled wood without sacrificing on quality.

Durable laminate surfaces: Bringing colour and tactility to the utility room in an innovative way, this furniture boasts high-performance laminate finishes which are robust and low maintenance. Finishes are fade-resistant and anti-fingerprint for easy cleaning, along with being highly scratch and chemical resistant which is ideal in a heavy-use work area exposed to different cleaning agents.

Hidden doors: It just got easier to introduce utility room furniture into an open-plan kitchen space with the new access door, which opens in reverse. Embracing the possibilities of reconfiguring the ground floor, the access door provides discreet entry through a continuous run of tall units that when used, reveals a hidden room which is self-contained from the rest of the kitchen living space. Sizes are 900mm wide with five available heights ranging from 1820 to 2340mm.

Located on the former BBC site, Circle Square in Manchester aims to create a vibrant neighbourhood comprising city living apartments, prime office, retail and leisure space. Phase two of the development saw the construction of No’s 5 to 8, four buildings totalling 677 luxury flats with private dining, resident lounge, gym and cinema, as well as commercial space.

Specification requirements

FK Group were appointed to design and install a bespoke façade solution which meant they were responsible for specifying the insulation. There were three main performance factors that needed to be considered.

Firstly, the insulation had to be non-combustible to ensure compliance with building regulations in England and Wales, which ban the use of combustible materials on the external walls of certain buildings over 18m tall.

The second consideration was thermal performance. “When you’re designing a bespoke façade solution, accurate thermal modelling is essential because there are so many variables that can affect its energy efficiency,” explained Ben Hufton, Associate Design Director of FK Group. “One of the reasons we work with Knauf Insulation so much is because of their technical support. They always conduct 3D U-value calculations for rainscreen façade projects, so we know the insulation will deliver the performance we need to achieve.”

This enhanced level of accuracy is one of the main benefits of 3D U-value calculations over other calculation methods, because it ensures a building’s real world thermal performance matches its initial design.

To achieve the required U-value of 0.28 W/m²K, the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended 200mm Rocksilk^® RainScreen Slab for the external cavity. This has a thermal conductivity of just 0.034W/mK.

Rocksilk^® RainScreen Slab is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and is BBA certified for use in high rise buildings for the broadest range of build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market. It is also non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur.

The final specification factor was acoustic performance due to the site’s busy city centre location.

FK Group conducted offsite acoustic tests to ensure that the build-up met the requirements of Approved Document E. The Mineral Wool insulation contributes significantly to the acoustic performance of the build-up thanks to its open structure. Sound waves are trapped between the individual strands of Mineral Wool and turned into heat energy. This will help to reduce noise from surrounding roads, ensuring residents can enjoy peaceful homes.

Other performance factors

As it has been developed for external applications, Rocksilk^® RainScreen Slab contains a water repellent additive which is combined with a fibre matrix that promotes run-off. This ensures it can resist moisture ingress whilst maintaining its excellent vapour permeability. The physical characteristics of the fibres are unaltered if they get wet. Therefore, the thermal properties of Rocksilk^® RainScreen Slab are not affected by exposure to moisture and the product will perform as expected once it has dried out.

The product is easy to install correctly thanks to superior robustness and durability, allowing it to be manoeuvred easily into place. Its natural flexibility means it adapts to minor imperfections in the substrate, while slabs interlock, eliminating air leakage that could reduce thermal and acoustic performance.

Rocksilk^® RainScreen Slab is also manufactured with ECOSE^® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally-friendly.

Products made with ECOSE^® Technology generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort (Gold) certification.

Circle Square will give residents access to everything they need from a community district – just as Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk^® RainScreen Slab ticked all the boxes for FK Group.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News