Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
In Arnhem, Het Dorp is being renovated step by step. For the first new apartment complex with 36 care homes, care organization Siza set high standards, including insulation and airtightness. These requirements can be met less efficiently with traditional HSB elements than with Kingspan Unidek's high-performance SIPS elements.
"In the search for a suitable facade construction, Tricon Bouw was tipped off about the possibilities of SIPS elements," says Youri Verwer of Kingspan Unidek. "In view of the intended insulation value of the facade (Rc of 6.0), the application of traditional HSB elements would result in a substantial facade construction resulting in less usable interior space. In contrast, with our SIPS elements, equipped with an EPS core, we can achieve a very high insulation value with slim elements. We can match the thickness of the EPS core to the desired Rc value. In this case, a panel of only 240 millimeters is sufficient, consisting of an EPS core of 216 millimeters finished with an industrial P5 chipboard of two times 12 millimeters."
According to Verwer, it is important for Kingspan Unidek to be at the table early on to maximize the benefits of SIPS. "The detailing and correct frame size is essential for the panel to perform as well as possible. Wood is seen as a thermal bridge these days, especially compared to the low lambda value of EPS. It is important to use as little wood as possible. An advantage of SIPS over HSB. The SIPS element also has good airtightness. The connections with the surrounding construction must of course be sealed airtight with the right airtight accessories. Only then can we guarantee the desired Rc value. Think of it as a thermos whose cap is not tightened properly; then the coffee gets cold too."
The main load-bearing structure of the new building is made of steel, combined with precast walls and columns in concrete and three different types of floors.
Kingspan Unidek is supplying a total of 220 SIPS elements for the new apartment complex, accounting for approximately 2,300 m2 facade area. Verwer: "Thanks to our extensive automation in production, we are able to deliver the elements within 3.5 weeks. This allows the contractor to completely seal the facade in a short period of time. In this case, the frames are placed on the construction site on pre-assembled set frames and stops. In consultation, different finishes of the element are possible."
