European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI)

CHALLENGE

BREEAM ‘excellent’ was a key requirement for this project. As a European centre for bioenergy research, Aston University was keen to maintain the sustainable ethos of EBRI within the building itself and make improvements wherever they could be accommodated.

SOLUTION

Knauf Insulation worked closely with Associated Architects to specify the correct rainscreen insulation product to meet the necessary requirements.

The insulation layer is a fundamental component of any successful rainscreen cladding system and rock mineral wool insulation delivers a number of advantages in this type of application. Knauf Insulation’s Earthwool RainScreen HD Slab in a bespoke 120mm size was ideal for the project, delivering exceptional thermal, fire and acoustic performance.

Insulation was specified with the help of Knauf Insulation’s regional specification manager Marc Lawson and Technical Advice and Support Centre (TASC). To successfully mitigate the differing dimensions of the constituent elements of glass channel, blockwork substrate and insulation, a smaller than standard slab size was specified, allowing for the edge of the slabs to align behind the joints in the glazed façade, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The early involvement of the regional specification manager in the project and their relationship with the architects and client at the concept stage, made for a very smooth delivery and ensured the required U-value of 0.22W/m2K would be achieved without the need to re-design elements later in the project.

Knauf Insulation’s Earthwool rock mineral wool products deliver exceptional environmental performance and are manufactured using the innovative ECOSE® Technology - a revolutionary, bio-based, formaldehydefree binder technology that is based on rapidly renewable materials, rather than petro- based chemicals. This was a key reason to the insulation being specified for this exceptionally sustainable project.

Alan Charters, Executive Director of Capital Development at Aston University, said: “Sustainability is at the very heart of all we do at Aston University. We are delighted with the results: an iconic building that conducts sustainable research in a truly sustainable environment.”