The Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony and Terrace System has been installed
as part of the award-winning Here East development, a stunning repurposing of
the press and broadcasting centres at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Situated in a picturesque canalside location, Here
East provides over 110,000 m2 of flexible studio,
work and retail spaces. The design adds warmth and creativity to the once
windowless, monolithic façade of The Broadcast Centre.
The
building has been opened up with a new projecting unitised curtain-wall system
and recessed balconies helping to add depth and interest to the building.
Lakesmere, now owned by Kaicer Building Envelope Solutions, were
appointed to deliver the curtain-walling which wraps three sides of the
building. The design called for three large recessed balconies running up to 13
metres in length. A pedestal floor construction was chosen for these areas and
to ensure the space below was effectively insulated, whilst also maintaining a
level transition from the adjoining space, the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony and
Terrace System was chosen.
Unlike conventional insulation materials, Kingspan OPTIM-R panels
feature a vacuum insulation core with an innovative microporous structure. This
design allows them to achieve a declared thermal conductivity of 0.007 W/m∙K –
up to five times lower than commonly used insulation materials. Rigid
insulation infill panels of the same thickness are also included within the
system. These are fitted around the perimeter of the balcony and can also be
cut to allow for penetrations through the insulation layer or to fill spaces
between the Kingspan OPTIM-R vacuum insulation panels (VIPs).
Chris Oatridge, Managing Director at Kaicer, discussed the
specification: “The recessed balconies are an important element in the exterior
design, not only adding outdoor spaces but also helping to soften the overall
appearance. By using the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony and Terrace system, we were
able to insulate the balcony floor to an exceptional level with an insulation
depth of just 85 mm.”
Operatives from Kingspan Insulation’s OPTIM-R design service
developed detailed system layouts for the three recessed balcony areas –
ensuring the optimal ratio of OPTIM-R VIPs to infill panels. Onsite, a vapour
control and protective rubber crumb layer were first laid above the concrete
deck. 25 and 30 mm Kingspan OPTIM-R panels were then laid above this in two
layers followed by a 30 mm layer of Kingspan Styrozone. The floor pedestals
were then fitted over the insulation layer – ready to receive the balcony floor
layer.
Kingspan OPTIM-R panels produced at Kingspan Insulation’s
Pembridge manufacturing facility is certified to BES 6001 (Framework Standard
for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products) ‘Very Good’. This
contributed to the award of credits within the responsible sourcing section of
the BREEAM assessment.
