The project
When Cormorant first approached us it became clear they were looking to use a build system designed with energy-efficiency in mind. The Kingspan ULTIMA closed panel wall system provided the U-values and airtightness levels required with offsite manufacturing for an efficient on-site build.
The design
Designed to work towards energy efficiency the larger 4-bedroom houses achieved EPC A ratings, and included the use of solar photovoltaic panels. The smaller 3-bedroom homes are identical in construction and reached an EPC B rating with the option for homeowners to improve to an A rating with the addition of solar PV at a later date. As this flexible option demonstrates, there was an emphasis to focus on building with a fabric-first approach. Each of the properties has been finished with locally made, clay bricks durable standing-seam zinc cladding, and rainwater goods.
Published January 2020
The Kingspan build system suits us well because it enables us to progress quickly to a watertight shell which is a crucial build phase for us as it allows access to further finance, and to then work inside and outside the build simultaneously reducing construction time. The process is also less susceptible to weather delays than brick/block laying. The panels can be manufactured in big sections which reduces the number of crane movements and means they go together quickly, and the fact they have pre-fitted insulation, VCL and batten further reduces the number of processes on site and also reduces the amount of material we need to handle on site and waste we need to get rid of which is also a big advantage on what is often a tight site.
Tim Warner, Cormorant Ltd
