Innovaré worked closely with project architects, Morgan Carn Partnership, to design the building’s structure using both i-SIP external wall panels and i-SIP roof panels. 250m2 of 162mm i-SIP external wall panels were used to construct the building, with 320m2 of large format, 257mm thick i-SIP roof panels supported on a steel frame structure completed the roof. The roof panels achieve a U-value of 0.15W/m2K, and were engineered by Innovaré to accommodate the addition of solar panels in the future. A sedum vegetation green roof will also be applied on-site.
The whole building was specified to achieve a U-value of 0.20W/m2K, resulting in exceptional airtightness and thermal performance. A Siberian Larch timber cladding was applied to the building post-construction to provide a tough and durable finish.
Speed of build was a critical factor for the scheme as children were being housed in temporary accommodation on-site prior to the completion of the new centre.
Manufactured off-site and delivered ready for assembly, Innovaré’s i-SIP building system is ideally suited to projects with a tight construction programme. All i-SIP internal, external and roof panels were erected on-site in just seven days, providing a complete dry structure.
Andrew Orriss, Managing Director at Innovaré Systems believes the benefits of SIPs can be applied to many projects, not just typical residential and commercial schemes. “The requirements of this development in terms of the speed of build and thermal performance were ideally suited to i-SIP construction. We were able to design our i-SIP system to meet the needs of the client and complete the dry structure on-site quickly, helping to minimise the build programme.”
The project forms part of a refurbishment and replacement programme by Brighton and Hove City Council to improve the authority’s older nurseries and pre-school buildings. The Fiveways Play Centre was previously housed in a 34-year old pre-fab building.
In addition to the thermal performance and airtightness offered by the i-SIP building system, the building also benefits from south-facing windows to keep it warm in winter and shading to prevent overheating in the summer. It incorporates natural ventilation and lighting to contribute to a bright and healthy learning environment and also recycles rainwater for use in the garden.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
