A comprehensive external wall insulation (EWI) system provided by Sto UK has helped Chester Zoo open the doors of its latest ‘Islands’ exhibit area to the public.
Sto says the project posed many challenges that were successfully overcome thanks to its technical and product expertise, and ability to work in close collaboration with the other parties involved.
Designed by Berlin-based architects dan pearlman, the concrete building now houses a number of endangered species from Southeast Asia and so requires a constant internal temperature to be maintained; the StoTherm Mineral EWI system that was chosen had a vital role to play in achieving the correct U-value of 0.23W/m²K. An adhesively fixed system was used, suited to the high wind loadings caused by the height of the building.
Above the damp-proof course, the EWI system was finished with Sto’s water repellent and weather resistant Stolit K multi-purpose render that was given an attractive stippled texture.
Sto Superlit acrylic render was used below this level, as its exposed, natural stone aggregate surface offers high resistance to mechanical stress, and even greater impact resistance for the more vulnerable surface areas.
Sto undertook careful research to ensure that both the renders provided matched a specified shade of green which would allow the building to blend with the surrounding ‘jungle’ environment without the need for any overpainting.
Sto also supplied its StoVentec render carrier board, which was applied to the visible parts of the building’s heavy duty steel frame. This was then given a coat of render to ensure that the building had a uniform overall appearance.
