A 44 bed extra care scheme constructed in Sunderland, in the North East of England, was the first in the region for a national housing association. As energy saving and low running costs were critical to the project.
This 44 bed extra care scheme constructed in Sunderland, in the North East of England, was the first in the region for a national housing association, who approached Datum to work with them collaboratively to build a structure which was energy efficient to BREEAM Excellent standard.
As energy saving and low running costs were critical to the project, Datum brought in their own SAP assessor to ensure that the fabric proposition was fully compliant and thermally efficient. This, coupled with Datum’s preferred choice of Bitroc as sheathing, enhanced the structure’s eco credentials.
Utilising the convenience and structural integrity of ecojoists, the build was delivered as a dry structure. Significantly, the installation of Silencio throughout as the underfloor heating system of choice was the largest install in the UK at that point.
This large scale care home included private bedspaces, large communal areas, commercial kitchen and a library. Feedback from the ‘user group’ was very positive, reporting that the structure is so warm and dry that they have been setting the thermostat several degrees lower – even on the very coldest days over the last two winters…
Simon Bliss; Managing Director of Datum, is quoted as saying
“Silencio is our preferred underfloor heating system as it has all round benefits not just for our clients, but importantly, the occupants”.
We worked collaboratively with our client as part of the M&E project team using our own installation team for a fast install; which, due to the lightweight sheathing afforded by Bitroc, takes only a matter of days. Our client has reported a significant reduction in fuel costs and describes the environment as pleasant for the occupants by offering maximum heat output from only a medium temperature system (45 degrees). With the benefit of installing this ‘dry’ system above the joist zone, the incidence of condensation in the structure has been negated; the warm air rises slowly, taking any chill out of the air as it goes, creating a very comfortable environment”.
