t is also a development that has challenged every tradition in the building industry from procurement and design, through to materials and construction methods.
The development’s success lies in its collaborative and innovative approach. From the start, principal contractor Galliford Try and architecture firm ADG Architects in Plymouth had a vision to use traditional timber frame construction in Trelawny Gardens to reduce the need for expensive and unsustainable brickwork and to provide an energy-efficient, modern housing scheme.
Teaming up SPSenvirowall, the development was transformed using RendaClad, its own unique board and silicone render system. SPS’ technical team, TechAssist, worked closely with ADG Architects to provide a full set of sectional details and NBS specification to help integrate RendaClad into the original contract drawings to deliver maximum savings to the scheme.
The innovative materials and technology in SPSenvirowall’s RendaClad system ensured the 47 new homes boasted reduced heat loss and carbon emissions as well as minimising running costs. It allowed a seamless, high-performance rainscreen render on the scheme’s timber structures, replacing the need to build a brick structure finished with stone, cement or brick rendering.
The system offered huge cost savings to the client, Devon and Cornwall Housing, including reduced maintenance and running costs, which was a crucial feature of the contract.
RendaClad’s fully ventilated system retains air movement behind the render system in accordance with NHBC and TRADA guidelines. The silicone render is self-cleaning and highly resistant to dirt and algal, providing a low-maintenance finish. It is guaranteed not to crack and is designed to accommodate the expected settlement of new timber frame builds. It also removed the need for scaffold adaptions and extra staff, delivering further cost savings to the scheme.
The system also dramatically reduced build time, as there are no height restrictions per day as with a traditional block and brick finish. It can be fitted in any weather, allowing the scheme to be delivered ahead of schedule, providing early tenancy for those in need and providing Devon and Cornwall Housing with greater income than budgeted.
Trelawny Gardens was designed with energy efficiency at its core, aiming to reduce heat loss, carbon emissions and minimise running costs. Galliford Try was committed to a 10% reduction of CO2, following a conditional requirement by Plymouth Local Authority Planning. Working with BREEAM consultants, the technical team delivered a development that encouraged the use of renewable energies, not only for the end user and completed build, but also for the duration of the build process.
The installation of fully insulated cabins and the reuse of surface water collections helped to reduce CO2 emissions during the build. The site also included dwellings designed with photovoltaic technology to reduce the CO2 emissions over the lifespan of the buildings. The enhanced thermal technologies adopted in the timber frame building, together with an airtightness strategy, made these houses energy-efficient and low-cost to run.
SPSenvirowall is one of the UK’s leading EWI and decorative render suppliers. Based in South Wales, West Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Essex and Scotland, it has solutions suitable for all types of construction for both new build and refurbishment.
