Non-Traditional Properties, Consortium Project

Project Overview

Background

This scheme is being delivered in multiple locations and via concurrent workstreams for seven member organisations of the Matrix Housing Consortium. Those include GreenSquareAccord, Black Country Housing Group, Citizen Housing Group, Pioneer Housing and Community Group, Rooftop Housing Association, Trent & Dove Housing, and Trident Housing Association. They manage properties in the South West, Southern and Central England, and the West Midlands.

The work entails installing Permarock external wall insulation (EWI) systems to over 900 homes of mixed tenures and various archetypes including solid brick construction, Crosswall and others. As a result, successful delivery has demanded a number of different systems and solutions.

Brief

The installation of the EWI is part of a wider, multi-measure decarbonisation programme. Delivered in accordance with the PAS 2025 standard, it also encompasses measures including new cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and replacement windows and doors. Detailing by Permarock has had to account for the installation of the new measures as well as the existing building features.

The use of Permarock’s EWI systems was intended not only to yield significant savings on heating energy and residents’ bills, but also to improve the appearance of the individual properties and their wider neighbourhoods.

The scheme seeks to ensure that every property achieves an EPC rating of at least band C. In all, the work is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 1,629,000 kg per year, and to produce energy savings of 5,973,000 kwh per year.

Design and Specification:

To achieve this, we have supplied a number of different systems. They are based on Permarock Mineral Fibre Insulation (110 mm), together with finishes including Permarock SiliconeUltra K Finish, Dry Dash and, on some properties, Permarock Brick Effect Render.

System Characteristics

The Permarock Mineral Fibre EWI System is suitable for application onto all building types, including multi-storey blocks above 11 metres, where strict non-combustibility requirements must be met. The system incorporates non-combustible (Euroclass A1 to BE EN 13501-1) mineral fibre insulation boards, reinforced basecoats and a range of renders providing designers with extensive choice in colour and texture.

Permarock SiliconeUltra K Finish is a textured, through-coloured render that is lightweight, flexible and water repellent, and which exhibits excellent vapour permeability and a high resistance to the accumulation of dirt. It is available in a wide choice of colours.

Permarock Brick Effect Render (BER) is a self-coloured, cement-based render that is designed to replicate the appearance of brickwork. It incorporates a silicone-based water repellent that confers improved water resistance and helps to maintain a clean surface. It is applied in two coats; the base coat is applied in the colour required for the brickwork joints, while the top coat is supplied in the required brick-face colour. Both are supplied as pre-batched dry powders. Application details are provided on the Permarock Brick Effect Render product page. They may also be obtained by contacting our Technical Support team.

Result:

Work began in 2023 and it is progressing according to schedule. At the time of writing, Permarock external wall insulation systems have been installed as follows:

  • Citizen Housing: 223 solid-wall properties.
  • Black Country Housing Group: 10 solid-brick bungalows, plus 3 solid-bick houses.
  • Trident Housing Association: 18 Crosswall properties.
  • Trent & Dove Housing: 2 cavity wall properties.
  • Rooftop Housing Association: 1 solid-wall property.
  • Pioneer Housing and Community Group: 77 precast concrete flats.

The accompanying photographs show how Permarock finishes have helped to enhance the brightness and appearance of the various estates.

Client
Matrix Housing Consortium
Specifier
Matrix Housing Consortium
Substrate
Various
System
Permarock Mineral Fibre External Wall Insulation Systems
Finish 1
Permarock SiliconeUltra K-Finish 1.5mm
Finish 2
Permarock Brick Effect Render