Transforming Thermal Performance delivery in Educational Buildings – Maritime

The challenge

Bowmer+Kirkland faced a significant challenge with not only meeting the DfE’s output demands in regards to thermal and environmental performance but also increasing construction efficiency. Traditional methods of in-filling the hot rolled steel frame using LG steel sticks on site is a time-consuming process but it also doesn’t provide much value in terms of PMV (pre-manufactured value).

The challenges faced by Bowmer+Kirkland were two-fold:

• Meeting DfE’s Spec 21: Compliance with the DfE’s stringent thermal and environmental performance requirements was crucial in designing educational buildings that provide excellent insulation and energy efficiency throughout it’s lifespan.
• Construction Efficiency: While prioritising thermal performance, Bowmer+Kirkland also aimed to optimise construction speed due to the amount of education projects they are contracted to deliver. Finding a balance between achieving Spec 21 and reducing construction timelines posed a significant challenge.

Our approach to key challenges;

• Integration of NZP’s  (Net Zero Panels) team with Bowmer+Kirkland to ensure the most efficient design, product, and installation was achieved.
• A build system that stood on the outside of the frame and delivered high performance factors.
• LGS (Light Gauge Steel) component had to be incorporated into Bowmer+Kirkland’s existing material supply chain.

Our solution

To address the challenges faced by Bowmer+Kirkland, the solution provided by NZP was a LGS (Light Gauge Steel) closed panel, envelope wrap system.

NZP collaborated with Bowmer+Kirkland’s design team and B&K required the light steel product to be manufactured by Knauf. This cutting-edge DfMA approach utlised envelope wrap, stacking outside a primary steel frame.

This approach was designed by the client for maximum speed but it also meets the stringent requirements of DfE’s Spec 21, and significantly reducing thermal bridging compared to conventional infill SFS or LGSF. Moreover, this approach contributed to social value factors, such as fewer disruptions for the school and local community, reduced staff on-site, and minimised deliveries.

Main benefits:

• Reduced Thermal Bridging: The NZP approach significantly reduces thermal bridging compared to traditional construction methods, resulting in improved energy efficiency.
• High-Performing Panels: NZP specialises in manufacturing panels that are high-performing in thermal efficiency, acoustics, fire resistance, robustness, and environmental sustainability.
• Efficiency and Speed: The offsite manufacturing approach used by NZP increases efficiency and speeds up the construction process.
• Social Value: By utilising the NZP approach, there is a reduction in onsite staff, fewer deliveries, and less disruption to the school and local area, leading to social value benefits.
• Quality without Compromise: Despite the focus on efficiency and speed, the NZP approach ensures high-quality construction without compromising on the quality of the end product.

These benefits make the NZP’s approach an excellent solution for improving construction efficiency and achieving high-performance building envelopes.

Implementation:

Utilising Net Zero Panels an offsite manufacturing approach was adopted. This approach enabled the production of high-performing panels that excelled in thermal insulation, acoustics, fire resistance, robustness, and environmental sustainability, all without compromising on quality.

By combining the expertise of both teams and leveraging offsite manufacturing efficiencies, the project progressed smoothly and met the desired thermal performance standards.

Results:

The implementation of the LGS envelope wrap system yielded remarkable outcomes and benefits:

• DfE’s Spec 21 Compliance: The innovative solution successfully met the stringent thermal performance requirements outlined in the DfE’s Spec 21, ensuring the educational buildings achieved exceptional levels of insulation and energy efficiency.
• Enhanced Thermal Performance: the whole wall build up including the primary frame accommodated mineral wool to remove internal columns, significantly reducing thermal bridging, the load-bearing LGSF closed panel  system, offering better comfort and reducing energy consumption.
• Construction Efficiency: While the primary focus was on thermal performance, the solution also streamlined the construction process. The adoption of offsite manufacturing and the integration of specialised teams resulted in improved construction speed, optimised project timelines, and reduced disruptions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Bowmer+Kirkland’s partnership with NZP and the adoption of the LGS envelope wrap system successfully addressed the challenges of meeting the DfE’s Spec21 for thermal performance in educational buildings.

By combining innovative construction techniques with offsite manufacturing, the project achieved exceptional thermal insulation, energy efficiency, and reduced thermal bridging. Moreover, the construction process was streamlined, resulting in enhanced project timelines and minimal disruptions.

This case study exemplifies how a focus on thermal performance can be effectively integrated into construction projects without compromising efficiency and quality.