Sto insulation raises the temperature for global HQ

A StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system from Sto was chosen to deliver excellent thermal performance for an office building in Loughborough.

The Sto system was installed on the £21 million building on Loughborough University Science & Enterprise Park (LUSEP), which now accommodates the flagship office of The Access Group.

Designed by architectural practice Stephen George + Partners (SGP) the building features extensive use of external glazing. “We wanted to create a distinctive building which would provide a focal point for the Park,” explains SGP’s Studio Director Kanti Chhapi “We also wanted the building’s appearance to be sympathetic to its surroundings, have the best possible performance and achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.”

The StoTherm Mineral system uses mineral fibre boards to provide reliable thermal insulation. Its compact single-leaf construction allows this to be achieved without reducing the building’s interior space. It can be installed without the need for additional expansion joints, to create smooth and visually appealing external surfaces, and it also delivers both unrivalled fire protection and improved sound insulation.

For this project, the StoTherm Mineral boards were fixed to the substrate using StoLevell Uni mineral adhesive, which allowed for fast and easy installation by Loughborough-based Rendserve Ltd, a Sto authorized applicator. “The Sto system was easy to install and the job progressed smoothly without any significant problems,” explains Rendserve’s Chris Oliff. “We have installed Sto systems on many other buildings, and we’re always happy with the products and solutions they provide.”

The Sto insulation system was completed with StoSilco silicone resin render, adding a high level of water repellence for the completed façade. StoSilco provides excellent protection again the damaging effects of weathering and damp, and has excellent CO² and water vapour permeability, which increases the rate of moisture transfer and evaporation. This allows the wall to breathe and discourages the growth of unsightly algae and fungus. StoSilco render is available in over 600 colours from the StoColor system, and will maintain an attractive appearance for many years.

The Access Group is a leading provider of business management software to mid-sized organizations. The building is a Leicestershire County Council-led project and the first development to be completed on the Loughborough Science and Enterprise Park, as a result of a pioneering partnership between the County Council and Loughborough University. The Enterprise Zone aims to promote economic growth associated with the University and provide high-quality facilities for new businesses.