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State of the art Celotex insulation provides solution for challenging store extension

13 Dec 10 Looking to expand its offering, The Channel Islands Co-operative Society, decided to extend its large food store in St Helier, Jersey, to create space for homewares.

Unable to develop the existing building footprint, it decided to extend upwards, by converting the first floor of the multi storey car park located above. However, with this came the challenge of converting a single skin blockwork structure into useable space that was thermally efficient enough to provide a comfortable environment for shoppers. For exceptional insulation, architects specified Celotex FR4000.

The Co-op Grand Marche Homemaker extension scheme, designed by Digby Gibbs Architects and constructed by main contractor Camerons, has seen the creation of an additional 2,500 square metres of retail space. As well as the retrofitting of considerable amounts of insulation, the scheme required the installation of suspendedceilings over the retail areas, new windows and internal wall, partitions and doors.

Particular attention was paid to insulating the existing concrete soffits, as the floor above the new homewares level was to remain a car park. As such the level above would be un-insulated and un-heated. To avoid the transfer of cold, the ceiling of the retail unit required insulating. Fire protection was also required to minimise the risk of spread in the event of a fire and product sustainability was also a consideration. Thankfully Celotex’ innovative and unique FR4000 provided the ideal solution.

Celotex FR4000 is unique in that it is the first PIR insulation to combine the properties of exceptional thermal efficiency with a lambda of 0.022 W/mK, an 'A+' rating when compared to the BRE Green Guide 2008 and Class O fire performance in a single product. A major technological breakthrough, the product offered Digby Gibbs Architects the perfect solution.

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Offering unrivalled thermal performance and better insulation per mm than many other materials, the product’s Class O fire rating really does set it apart, as it is the only PIR board with this accreditation. The boards are the result of intensive research and development by Celotex to achieve a classification that applies across the whole product, not just the foam core.

The remarkable boards offer a wide range of environmental benefits, with an 'A+' rating when compared to the BRE Green Guide 2008, a low Global Warming Potential and zero Ozone Depletion Potential. Unlike phenolic and fibre insulation, which can retain moisture, Celotex FR4000 is moisture resistant, ensuring long lasting performance.

Non-corrosive and non friable, the Celotex FR4000 boards were specified for the Co-op Homemaker project in 90mm thickness. They are available in thicknesses from 25mm to 150mm, with consistent thermal performance values throughout for simple specification. Incredibly lightweight, they also proved easy to install, being mechanically fixed to the concrete soffits of the new store.

Creating an impregnable barrier between the cold air of the unheated car park and the heated store, Celotex FR4000 has successfully ensured thermal efficiency for customer comfort. With the added Class O fire performance, the innovative product has provided The Co-op Grand Marche Homemaker extension scheme with an innovative product that answers all of its thermal, fire protection and sustainability requirements. 

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