Executive Summary

With state-of-the-art buildings incorporating new designs developed for their aesthetic value as well as the comfort of their inhabitants, Schöck provide products that give real peace of mind to building innovators concerned about heat loss and designing energy efficient buildings.

About Schöck Ltd

In the UK, Schöck Ltd is best known for its specialisation in thermal break technology, with its range of Isokorb® thermal break modules. It is a range with unrivalled application options, unique design characteristics and outstanding thermal efficiency, allowing connections to be made between concrete-to-concrete, concrete-to-steel and steel-to-steel for both balconies and parapets.

About the Product

Thermal bridges on cantilevered parts of a building are frequently the cause of increased heat loss, damp walls and mould formation. Schöck’s load bearing thermal break elements minimise thermal bridges at the highest level, preventing structural damage while still offering planners enormous scope for design.

BBA certified Schöck Isokorb® (Agrément Certificate 05/4277), for concrete-to-concrete applications, has also been awarded the “low thermal bridge construction” certificate by the Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt, confirming its suitability for Passivhaus construction.

The desired high level of insulation is due to the thickness of the insulation body being increased from the standard 80mm thick to 120mm, which not only improves thermal insulation performance by up to 30%, it also increases impact sound insulation by around 50% as well.

The Schöck range allows connections to be made between concrete-to-concrete, concrete-to-steel and steel-to-steel and all units meet full compliance with the relevant building regulations, while also providing BBA Certification and LABC Registration. The temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRsi) must be greater than, or equal to, 0.75 for residential buildings and this is easily met by incorporating the Isokorb®.

Challenges

Throughout the construction industry BBA Agrément certification is a critical standard that underpins product performance and acceptance, particularly by architects, engineers, developers and constructors.

Riverwalk was such a high specification development that the avoidance of thermal bridging at the critical balcony connections was paramount. To meet the low energy requirements Isokorb® type KXT was the structural thermal break module specified throughout.

The Results

Riverwalk is a striking new development at Millbank, on the north bank of the Thames. It features two organically shaped buildings connected by a central podium with 116 high specification apartments, plus penthouses. The buildings are enhanced by horizontal bands of limestone on the curving facades, with stonework wrapping around the lower parts of the balconies. This creates a continuous organic shape, providing the outer detail with a sense of depth, along with natural solar shading.

Working with the BBA

BBA certification is widely recognised and respected as a symbol of quality and reassurance. Throughout the construction industry it is a critical standard that underpins product performance acceptance, particularly by architects, engineers, developers and constructors.

Chris Willett is the Managing Director of Schöck Ltd, he commented:

“From an initial slow start, the turning point was inviting the BBA to our manufacturing facilities in Baden Baden, from which point it took just 4 months to complete the whole process.

“With the BBA’s project manager, we were able to work objectively towards a common goal, that of raising the standard to which structural thermal breaks should be tested and approved in the UK. I firmly believe that, through our collaboration, the BBA provides the world leading Agrement Certificate for thermal breaks.”

How Agrément Certification has helped

Collaboration with the BBA has helped Schöck raise standards, setting the benchmark for certification of structural thermal breaks in the UK. As ever with Agrément Certification, association with the BBA has strengthened the Schöck product brand, enhanced its visibility and helped to build its reputation in the construction market place.

The Schöck company profile also enjoyed a boost when their product was BBA certified in time for their planned product launch at Ecobuild.

For more information please contact:

Schöck Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1865 290890
website: http://www.schoeck.co.uk

The master certificate holder is Schöck Bauteile GmbH, telephone +44 (0) 845 241 3390.