Sandfields Case Study

Nestled alongside the Mumbles Mile, Sandfields in Swansea was declared a renewal area in January 2014 which would see this £10 million re-development programme for housing and environmental improvements being carried out over a 5 year period.

The improvements are currently underway in South Wales using external wall insulation systems from SPSenvirowall to provide residents with improved thermal performance and reduced energy
bills whilst providing an attractive façade.

The Objective

Spread over 3 phases, phase 1 of the scheme saw contractor, Jistcourt, carrying out the works to install external wall insulation to Fleet Street, Rodney Street, Bond Street, Argyle Street, Beach Street and William Street after £1.6 million was invested in the area.

Currently in the process, phase 2 of the programme has recently started with SERS Energy Solutions installing external wall insulation to over 95 properties in Oxford Street, Vincent Street, Western Street, Burrows Road, Glamorgan Street, Fleet Street and Spring Terrace.

It was found after an assessment of a typical 2 bedroom mid terraced property in Sandfield that the energy performance rating before works was a low F, which has since been improved to a C rating after works such as solid wall insulation and other measures were carried out. It found that solid wall insulation alone can reduce fuel bills by over £300 per year.

The Challenge

Main contractors Jistcourt & SERS required a system that provided a quick and cost-efficient solution to reduce disruption to residents, improve thermal performance and limit traditional weak points for water penetration at junctions of the roof and main wall areas of the dwellings.

Supported by both English Heritage and Cadw, a characterisation study was carried out with residents which aimed to identify the character of the area and existing architectural features. Jistcourt and SERS were tasked with providing an attractive finish to uplift the local area with the use of architectural profiles and boost the appearance of the properties, making the refurb sympathetic to the built environment.

To achieve this, SPSenvirowall was able to help replicate the existing plinth detail using an extruded polystyrene board while using a low level aluminium base rail to ensure minimal damage to the system in the event of future ground works or pavement replacement.

The System

SPSenvirowall’s Wall System 2 Direct to Masonry provided the solution, designed to provide cost effective robust external wall insulation, ideally suited to this type of project. Over 10,000m2 of SPSenvirowall EPS was used together with Granomin, a thin coat mineral render, and Nanosil, a high performance silicone paint, at the front, while dash was used at the back of the property.

High tech aerogel insulation was used to minimise any points of potential cold bridging using strips around windows, cills and doors. Residents have been pleased with the quality of the work and variety of render colours on offer.

The Benefits

The newly refurbished properties have provided a welcome boost to the area with their attractive facades and vibrant coloured render which adds a touch of modernity to the Victorian style housing while still maintaining the traditional architectural features.

Residents can hope to save on their fuel bills and enjoy a comfortable and warm, temperature controlled home. We supply external wall insulation, render and cladding to contractors across the UK. Once installed, homeowners or residents can expect not only to save money on their fuel bills but a beautifully refurbished house, with external walls which look like new.