The final phase of Crest Nicholson’s established development of new homes in Portishead, Bristol Ninety4 on the Estuary was built using SFS infill panels from Knauf for speed and quality of construction.
Consisting of 94 one and two-bedroom apartments, the development consists of three concrete-framed blocks that are raked in ascending order of height from four to six storeys. Located along the Dockside of the Marina, the apartments overlook the estuary of the Bristol Channel and, because they face north, have a panoramic view of both Severn Bridges.
“The speed that it went up was terrific,” said Crest Nicholson’s site manager, Dominic Hampton. “The whole project went very well and Knauf facades provided excellent technical support in the initial stages, observing the fitting and checking the detailing. “In particular their technical staff did full checks to ensure that the whole infill remained secure to the building.”
Knauf SFS infill system has advantages over alternative SIPS and traditional SFS systems because it can meet performance specifications for structural, thermal, fire and acoustic levels and remain competitively priced. It is lightweight, flexible in design, and can accommodate a number of differing external finishes without compromising its core performance levels.
The SFS panels are constructed from floor to soffit of the primary structural frame, effectively infilling the external wall, and are insulated both on the internal and external face. The external face of the SFS panels carries 125mm of insulation which is then protected by a rainscreen panel that is rendered with Knauf Render Systems.
The advantage of this system is that the SFS can be installed from the inside of the building without the need for external scaffolding, which cuts costs, and can be installed in all weather conditions – this project started in January on a coastal site.
Using SFS also cuts down the overall build programme because it rapidly produces a dry weatherproof envelope that enables internal works to start while its galvanised and zinc coating offers protection to the structure. Offsite prefabrication not only ensures consistent quality and attention to detail but also minimises waste as each section is produced to order and cut to the required length.