The Design
Kingspan TEK® is an excellent choice to achieve the Passivhaus standard because of the pre-insulated design and robust airtightness. TEK® panels comprise a rigid, high-performance phenolic urethane core injected wet between two layers of OSB and then cured for exceptional bonding, and hence structural strength. An added layer of premium-performance Kingspan Kooltherm further increases its efficiency, allowing attainment of the exemplary Passivhaus performance level. The jointing system achieves almost-complete airtightness, and the subsequent reduction in junctions virtually eliminates thermal bridging. External walls achieve almost any level of thermal performance, in this case providing U-values as low as 0.09 W/m²K, meeting the client’s specification for Passivhaus performance.
Carter Homes chose Kingspan Timber Solutions because the overall wall thickness of our Passivhaus system was slimmer than other systems being considered, creating additional internal space. KTS’s design team worked closely with Carter Homes and their architectural team, including the Passivhaus consultant, creating the details, structure and specification to ensure the scheme performed as intended. KTS undertook the airtightness testing to guarantee the results, achieving levels of 0.37, surpassing the target 0.6. Metal open-web floor joists facilitated greater spans and easy routes for services and MVHR. KTS facilitated the U-value calculations and corresponding condensation risk analysis to support the architectural design. The offsite-fabricated panels and factory sub-assembly created a rapid onsite frame erection, allowing internal trades to start early. Build completion is achieved around a third quicker than other methods.
All the frame systems provided by Kingspan Timber Solutions are designed for a highly thermally efficient building fabric, performance guarantees, and the benefit of close technical liaison with both the scheme Architects and the wider design team, on all scheme types from developer sites to self-built homes.
