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Now - steel lintels without thermal bridging issues |
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8 May 2015, 11:07 AM
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A range of specially designed steel lintels are playing a crucial role in the development of new sustainable housing units for older residents under construction in Hucknall, near Nottingham.
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Darlison Court in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, is a new development of 39, one and two bedroom apartments for the over-60s. The scheme is being built by developer Willmott Dixon and replaces sheltered housing on the site that, along with a number of council-owned properties, was demolished in 2014. It will be owned and managed by Ashfield District Council and comprises two apartment buildings and communal facilities, including a residents’ lounge.
While most of the homes will be let to people on the waiting list with few or no support needs, ten will be for tenants requiring extra-care support, provided in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council.
“The apartments are being built to Code for Sustainable Homes [CfSH] Level 4, making them energy-efficient and helping to reduce resident’s bills. Fabric-first solutions are key to meeting this high standard, which means choice of materials and products was an important part of the design process,” explains Mick Hill, Project Manager.
The developer specified Catnic CG steel lintels, supplied by Travis Perkins Nottingham, to provide structural integrity to the buildings’ windows, doors and other openings. Not only are they a fast and effective construction solution, but Catnic lintels also contribute to thermal energy efficiency of a building and hence will help the homes meet CfSH Level 4.
“Developers have long been aware of the potential thermal limitations of lintels,” explained Richard Price, Technical Director. “As they are made primarily from steel, lintels conduct heat, and additional heat loss can occur at the point where they meet another building material such as brick or concrete.
The particular lintels, on the other hand, are designed to reduce thermal bridging with discrete brackets instead of continuous base plates, and have a psi-value of 0.2W/mK. This means they meet Part L of the Building Regulations (requiring lintels to have a psi-value of 0.05W/mK) and can typically save 2mm-5mm of cavity wall insulation, while ensuring a high performing thermal envelope.
Price added: “For projects with even tighter energy targets, the specification of a wider cavity wall with wide cavity steel lintels provides a cost effective solution. To accommodate cavities up to 165mm, a much thicker layer of insulation is provided and thermally efficient walls enhance the building envelope performance.
Mick Hill concludes: “These lintels are not only high quality, lasting components but they also meet the demanding energy efficiency targets we have to achieve at Darlison Court. Catnic’s lintel scheduling service also helped us choose the best lintels for the project and will ensure we meet the project’s sustainability targets.”
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