A bounty of benefits
The benefits of this approach are manifold, from superb acoustic performance to dramatically improved insulation and air tightness with a significant reduction in heating and cooling costs. Factor in fire, rot and vermin resistance, low maintenance and flood resilience and it’s a method which could revolutionise the way houses are constructed in the UK.
The systems interlink in a way which eliminates thermal bridges, ready for fuss-free construction on site. As we push towards green housing in the UK, this is a great leap forward, and the system has been developed and tested in extreme weather conditions. As a result, the products conform to all relevant British standards and have BBA certification. Atlas additionally has Passivhaus certification.
Jackon Thermomur is a robust pre-formed block manufactured from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). The hollow core is filled with concrete during construction
The proof of concept
The house in Devon, constructed by Laing Bespoke Homes, was built using the ICF system in just a few weeks, including the detached double garage and gables. Part of the speed is attributable to not having to work with timber frames. Christopher Laing, of Laing Bespoke Homes, commented, “Previously we had always built with timber frame. However we were becoming disillusioned with this method The rapidly rising cost of timber, its decreasing quality and worse tolerances were causes for concern. So we began to research alternative methods that suited our processes and aims.”
That method was ICF, as Laing continues: “We like to provide buildings that are as environmentally friendly and futureproofed as possible, and an ICF building provides great thermal mass and zero air permeability on clear wall areas.
The JACKON product seemed to deal with all our worries with the other options, and the icing on the cake was the newly introduced cavity closer, which was of sufficient density to allow doors and windows to be directly fitted to it, therefore eliminating a cold-bridge.
“Using the unique Atlas insulated slab system meant we did not have to tie together two separate systems. Atlas is also made to measure which leaves virtually zero wastage on site. This combined wall and foundation system helped us achieve a pre-build EPC & SAP rating of A. One major bonus of using ICF was the inbuilt stability, strength, insulation and airtightness all in one go.”
Discover more about Jackon’s ICF system and how they can help you to build your green dream house.
RELATED ARTICLES
