Bath Spa University’s newest student accommodation is on course for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating thanks in part to the top class thermal performance of Kingspan OPTIM-R vacuum insulation panels.

Built within the University’s landscaped grounds, the Gardens residencies comprises of nine ‘houses’ and forms the latest stage in the multi-million pound re-development of the University’s Newton Park campus, project managed by property and construction consultants Gleeds. Every element of the building design was carefully reviewed in the attempt to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

The Kingspan OPTIM-R panels provided the solution for a difficult area on the parapet between the pitched roof sides and on the sloping gable end parapets. With extremely limited available space, Church Lukas were able to specify just 20 mm thick Kingspan OPTIM-R panels to achieve to required level of thermal performance.

Kingspan OPTIM-R vacuum insulation panels feature a microporous core which is evacuated, encased and sealed in a thin, gas-tight envelope, delivering an aged design value thermal conductivity of just 0.007 W/m.K. This performance allows design U-values to be met with a far slimmer build-up than would be possible with conventional insulation products.

Kingspan TEK Cladding Panels were also installed on the project by Lowfield Timber Frames, forming the pitched sides of the house roofs. The panels were fitted in just 38 days and feature a high performance insulated core, enabling them to achieve U-values of 0.20 W/m2.K and below.

Russell McAlister, Senior Design Manager from main contractors Miller Construction, commented:
“On this project, we were fully committed to achieving the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating without having to compromise on the final living space for the students. The Kingspan OPTIM-R Panels allowed us to meet our target U-value with a minimal build-up”.

In addition to their optimum thermal performance, all Kingspan Insulation OPTIM-R products also hold a BDA Agrément® along with LABC Registered System approval. As a result, when installed to Kingspan’s recommendations, they can help to streamline the procedures, checks and approvals processes, saving both time and money.