Actis to share thermal efficiency tips at Scandia-Hus open day

Actis experts are to host a seminar on thermal efficiency later this month at the HQ of Swedish timber framer Scandia-Hus.

The event, at the building firm’s Sussex show centre on Saturday April 27, is part of an open day aimed at showcasing the merits of timber frame construction. It will offer insights into self-build and the chance to talk to project managers and others involved in the construction process.

Scandia-Hus uses Actis Hybrid products in many of the homes it builds every year, having trialled the system on a three-bedroom contemporary style showhome a few years ago.

The results of a thermal imaging exercise carried out after completion which showed an impressive lack of thermal bridging were so impressive it decided to use the system on future projects.

When it built another show home – this time a traditional style 3,500 sq ft mock Tudor style property - Actis Hybrid was the immediate insulation choice.

The end result offers a U-value of 0.14 in the roof and 0.16 in the walls, thanks to the use of insulating vapour control layer HControl Hybrid and honeycomb design insulation Hybris panels in the roof and walls.

Scandia-Hus MD Derek Dawson said: “After carrying out our initial experiment we were extremely pleased with the installation side of the material and from now on can reduce insulation installation time by up to 30%. Previously, insulation was installed in two phases - the first in the factory and the second on site after the first fix was complete.

“The Actis Hybris panels are easy to cut to exactly the right size so they simply slot into the stud wall."

“Due to the use of service voids and the ease of installation the insulation will now generally be installed in one phase on site. This also ensures that the air tightness of the building is not compromised by follow up trades. Other benefits were minimal wastage (just three black sacks) and site cleanliness. And as if that is not benefit enough, the Hybrid range does not produce irritant and messy dust when installing.”

Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper added: “Using traditional insulation products to improve energy efficiency would have resulted in greater wall thickness, large increases in material costs and more labour for Scandia-Hus.

“On the other hand the Hybrid system is quick and easy to install and offers an impressive U-value in a thinner package – thus creating more saleable floor space. Because it’s flexible and can bend around corners, not only does this make fitting it much more straightforward than cutting rigid board, it also addresses issues of thermal bridging and air tightness. It was these factors which meant the thermal imaging experiment was such a success.”

Anyone wishing to book a place can contact Scandia-Hus product research and site co-ordination manager Jeannette Cooper at JC@scandia-hus.co.uk  or on 07591 207389.