Gallowhill

 Project Background:

Renfrewshire Council is going through a programme of upgrading its Social Housing helping to bring them up to Scottish Quality Housing Standards by 2015.

Within their stock they had two Wimpey No-Fines concrete high rise blocks which were found to have structurally sound concrete frames but failing infill concrete. The buildings also had extremely poor thermal performance resulting in high fuel bills for residents, pushing them into fuel poverty. Due to the variable nature of no fines concrete these property types are not suitable for standard insulation fasteners given the high wind loads experienced on high rise residential blocks.

Before Refurbishment

During Refurbishment

Client Requirements:
Renfrewshire Council wanted to transform the blocks and so invested £6 million into a refurbishment programme which included external works that would:

• Solve the structural problems associated with the failing infill concrete

• Improve thermal performance and therefore cut fuel bills

• Improve the external appearance of the buildings

Design Solution:
Structherm’s unique Structural External Wall Insulation (SEWI) system was specified for the external refurbishment of the building as it was able to offer solutions to each of Renfrewshire Councils requirements.

The SEWI system is based on the performance of a unique, lightweight stainless steel wire space frame with a 100mm Phenolic insulation core. The vertical panel spanning method was used to provide a rigid, continuous envelope around the upper floors of the building.

To complete the system a 14-16mm layer of fibre reinforced basecoat followed by an 8-10mm levelling coat and then a contemporary high performance Silicone finish was applied in a striking design using white and blue render. This finished layer provided the buildings with an attractive façade that fully met the client’s aesthetic expectations.

Results:
• The SEWI has stabilised the failing infill concrete and anchored back areas of loose material.

• Thermal performance has improved greatly with the U value of the walls dropping from 1.46W/m2K to 0.20W/m2K.

• The carbon footprint has reduced as it now requires less fuel to heat each flat to a comfortable temperature.

• The fresh, contemporary design of the buildings along with enclosed balconies, new windows and entrance upgrades has transformed the appearance of the blocks into modern and attractive buildings.

Glencairn Court & Gallowhill Court - High Rise Structural EWI

Download the case study here.