Architects designing a large-scale Retirement Living Plus development in Poole have employed a range of exterior systems from Knauf – a manufacturers of lightweight building products and systems.
The Knauf ThroughWall System, Knauf Aquapanel exterior ceiling system and Knauf external wall insulation (EWI) system have been implemented across the site, which provides 60 one and two-bedroom apartments as part of an owner-occupied Retirement Living Plus (Extra Care) development.
With 40 years’ experience, McCarthy & Stone is a leading retirement house builder. Garry Whitham, technical manager for the Horizons project, McCarthy & Stone, said it was a simple decision when specifying the Knauf products and it came down to the experienced technical services team at Knauf who provided support throughout the build process.
“Knauf products were specified due to their proven high quality, backed by their technical expertise,” says Whitham. “The scheme was discussed with Knauf at the early conception stage and a fully detailed specification was developed, taking into account the location and exposure of the site.”
Involved from the early design stages, the Knauf technical services team suggested the use of its complete ThroughWall Solution which combines a range of high quality products into one complete specification.
The most significant benefit of the ThroughWall Solution is that Knauf offer a single point of contact for the complete specification. This simplifies the design process and provides the housebuilder with a range of insurance backed Knauf warranties that are available with the Knauf ThroughWall Solution.
The building is finished with elegantly curved balconies, creating an added challenge for designers. Garry Whitham explains: “One of the more complicated areas to detail was the rendered curved balcony upstands, along with the balcony soffits. Again, with input from Knauf, the Aquapanel board was selected as the render carrier due to its versatility.”
“I really like the Knauf product, it has got good workability – the base coat is easy to use and the finish ends up looking really good,” explains Curtis Mcalinney. “Nearly every EWI installation I come across now I’m trying to get the specification changed to Knauf because of the assistance we are given by its team. The technical team are always available at the end of the phone and often come to site to help.”
