|
| | | | |
|
 | | SCHOCK COUNTERS THERMAL BRIDGING AT RIVERSIDE, WICK LANE | | | Schock Ltd | | 11/10/2006 | | |
As part of the Thames Gateway regeneration project, Stratford and neighbouring areas in East London are poised to take on a new strategic importance over the next few years - and one development that embodies the burgeoning social change in the area known as Riverside, developed by Henley Homes at Wick Lane in Bow. The development achieved a Special Commendation in the Evening Standard New Homes Awards under Best New Large Development of 2006, it consists of eight office units and seventy two apartments in four inter-connecting blocks. The apartments feature attractive balconies, so often a problem child in the construction process. Cantilever balcony connections and other similar construction elements, which project through the building envelope breaking the insulation layer in the process, are well known for their tendency to create thermal bridges, resulting in significant heat and energy loss. Also, if there is sustained exposure to condensation it is probable that plaster and paintwork will be subject to serious deterioration and mould growth - one of the major sources of respiratory allergies such as asthma. At 417 Riverside, the balconies feature a unique solution to thermal bridging problems - the Schock structural thermal break system.
The only BBA certificated modules available on the market
The Schock system is unique in that it is the only thermal break system offering concrete-to-concrete, concrete-to-steel and steel-to-steel connections. It includes an innovative, high performance compression module, which offers high thermal efficiency and is designed to help architects and structural engineers meet the new Part L of the Building Regulations. With over eight million units installed, it is already the leading brand in mainland Europe (where it is known as the Schock Isokorb). The concrete-to-concrete and concrete-to-steel ranges are the only BBA certificated thermal break modules available on the market. At 417 Riverside, the construction is in-situ flat slab reinforced concrete, with the Schock thermal break system installed to all balconies and walkways.
Like all clever ideas, the principle behind the Schock system is simple enough. It thermally insulates components from each other, thereby countering thermal bridging, but at the same time it is an integral part of the structure.
James Chard, of architects Yeates Design & Architecture, comments: 'The Schock system instantly solved the perennial problem caused by projecting balconies and walkways - and the simplified detailing and cold bridge system saved both time and money on the project'. Phil Hudson, of Price and Myers Consulting Engineers, is also pleased with the outcome: 'I was very impressed with the Schock products, their technical and thermal efficiency, cost saving installation times and Design Office involvement from beginning to end. I will definitely be specifying these products for future projects'.
The specific unit used at Wick Lane is the KX, which incorporates a concrete pressure bearing block (the HTE-module). It has set new levels of performance in thermal break technology and features latest generation compression modules, made from micro-stainless steel-fibre reinforced concrete for increased heat insulation. There is no requirement for an overhanging thrust bolt, so less tensile bars are needed to provide the same load bearing capacity and at the same time permit efficient cassette type installation. There are over 200 standard solutions in the range and of course specials can always be made to order.
| |
|
| | | View similar articles: | | |
| | | |
|
 | People who viewed this article were also interested in |  | |  |
|
| Other articles from Schock Ltd | | | |
|