The performance benefits of the Wraptite external air barrier system from A. Proctor Group has been highlighted in a new flagship project to deliver student accommodation in the centre of Portsmouth.
ECE Westworks, the Bristol office of ECE Architecture were appointed to design a new 23-storey, 576-bed, purpose-built student accommodation scheme, Portsmouth One on behalf of Crown Student Living. The main contractor on the project is Osborne.
Façades contractor Fabrite engaged façade materials specialist, InOpera Facades to provide guidance and design the support structure behind the rainscreen cladding. Providing detailed assessments in accordance with BS EN 10211 and BRE 443 Conventions for U-values, InOpera were reportedly able to model the performance benefits offered by the total through wall cladding system incorporating the Wraptite air barrier.
The Wraptite System was installed as an external air barrier and alternative to a traditional standard breather membrane. Wraptite is said to be the only self-adhering vapour-permeable air barrier certified by the BBA. This approach reportedly saves on both the labour and material costs associated with achieving the demands of energy-efficiency in buildings.
Stephen Hull, director of InOpera Facades, said: “Modelling the intended construction with the use of Wraptite, highlighted the ability to improve airtightness whilst reducing the depth of rainscreen support system and insulation. The use of a standard membrane would have required a greater emphasis on this, therefore increasing the overall component cost of the project. Minor cladding zone increases on a project of this height can have a huge effect.
“The Wraptite self-adhesive membrane was applied externally, quickly and easily ensuring a higher quality installation, and a more robust through wall rainscreen cladding system.”
