Schöck meets both thermal and acoustic insulation challenges

Schöck meets both thermal and acoustic insulation challenges

Roomers Hotels in Germany are individualistic in their architecture and high-design interior styling – and the Roomers in the spa town of Baden-Baden is no exception.It offers 130 spacious rooms and suites and an award winningdesign interior.The hotel is part of an L- shaped reinforced concrete frame building, integrated with a block of fourteen apartments and a medical centre.It is brick faced, finished with a white plaster and has an extremely high building envelope insulation performance.

Preventing thermal bridging and impact sound

Important insulation considerations were the prevention of both thermal bridging and impact sound.Thermal bridging can occur at various connectivity points and in addition to increased energy usage, low internal surface temperatures can cause condensation and associated problems.The second insulation requirement was the prevention of impact sound on the stairways to ensure acoustic comfort for guests.Although these are unrelated insulation challenges, Schöck was able to bring its expertise to both.

Minimising the risk of thermal bridging

Thermal bridging could pose a problem where the cantilever steel roof girders connect to the reinforced concrete slab; and where the projecting reinforced concrete balconies connect to the concrete frame.Two different Schöck Isokorb load-bearing elements were incorporated to resolve any issues. The Isokorb for concrete-to-steel was used for the roof connections and the Isokorb for concrete-to-concrete was incorporated in the reinforced concrete balconies.

Efficient impact sound insulation

A medical centre and an apartment block are part of the same complex as the hotel, with adjacent stairs in that part of the hotel.So it was crucial to negate any possible impact sound travelling into the guest rooms.Although best known for its Isokorb thermal break range, Schöck has also developed an innovative solution for the impact sound insulation of stairs.Called Tronsole, this fully integrated system fits both straight and winding staircases, ensuring efficient acoustic sound insulation across all structural subsections.The Tronsole system separates the stairs completely from the landing, achieving a performance level far in advance of the requirements currently demanded here in the UK by the relevant sections of the Building Regulations Part E.

In the UK all Schöck Isokorb thermal break products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations, have NHBC approval and offer LABC Registration.There is also the security of independent BBA Certification.

For a free copy of the Schöck Thermal Bridging Guide, the Thermal Bridging Solutions brochure, or the Tronsole brochure, contact the company on 01865 290 890 or visit www.schoeck.co.ukThe website also features an extensive range of downloadable software.