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In recent years East Manchester has undergone an astonishing transformation, with international quality sports facilities, entertainment, shopping and eating experiences mixing comfortably with the accommodation offered by exciting urban regeneration schemes. One such scheme can be found in Beswick, close to the imposing City of Manchester Stadium and within easy reach of the wealth of facilities that are offered by the metropolis of the North.
The development of 47 mixed apartments, known as The Cube, combines cosmopolitan style and quality with practicality, because behind the modern rainscreen cladding facade is 6,000 m2 of a highly energy efficient, premium performance rigid phenolic insulation board from Kingspan Insulation Ltd.
Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board was specified by Developer and Main Contractor, Countryside Properties, who have been recognised as one of the leading sustainable housebuilders in the country. The rainscreen cladding specialist was Sitastruct Ltd, based on the Wirral and working primarily in the North West, Wales and Midlands.
Tony Jafrate said of the project: "Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board was a lovely product to work with, it was easy to handle and we could ensure excellent insulation continuity and produce a high quality, long lasting installation."
The 4 studios, 10 one bedroom, 30 two bedroom apartments and 3 penthouse apartments enjoy stunning views across the city, combined with the peaceful canal-side setting, all sold out in record time. Occupants can be assured that their high living is backed by premium specification, right down to the energy saving insulation detail.
Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board has not only been tested by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and awarded certification to BS 8414-1: 2002, but it has also been assessed and approved in accordance with BR 135. Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board also achieves a Class O / Low Risk fire rating to the Building Regulations / Standards, and less than 5% smoke obscuration when tested to BS 5111.
With a thermal conductivity as low as 0.021 W/m.K, Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board achieves required U-values with minimal thickness, maximising the habitable space available. As the product is unaffected by air movement and is resistant to the passage of water vapour, it is capable of maintaining the high level of thermal performance over the life of the building. This long term performance means that it is a cost-effective solution, both in terms of energy saved and in durability.
Kingspan Kooltherm® K15 Rainscreen Board is CFC/HCFC free with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and is lightweight and easy to handle and install, with no health and safety issues arising from either weight or loose fibres.