A new hospice building in the Midlands has shone the spotlight on Sto’s ability to provide an integrated package of proven insulation products. The company’s StoTherm Classic M system was specified for the new Day Hospice building at Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.
Sto products were originally used on the extension and refurbishment of an In-Patient Unit, which represented Phase One of the hospice’s ongoing development. This building subsequently went on to win two RIBA architectural awards in 2015. The new Day Hospice building represents Phase Two of the project, and was designed by KKE Architects of Worcester.
A KKE spokesman explains:
“We’d been happy with the Sto products used on Phase One and were looking for an insulation system which would allow us to achieve a U-value of 0.19. Sto were extremely helpful and worked closely with us to make sure we arrived at the most appropriate choice, which was the StoTherm Classic M system.”
“The new building has a timber frame, and the StoTherm system allowed us to create a drained cavity between the insulation and the substrate, to protect the timber from water and also allow it to breathe. The StoTherm system can also accommodate any small amounts of movement which might be generated by the timber frame, without affecting the building’s insulation performance.”
The StoTherm Classic M external wall insulation system features EPS insulation boards and entirely cement-free components that provide an impact resistance of 60 joules, which is up to 10 times greater than other comparable options. It carries BBA certification, and its efficient single-leaf construction delivers excellent thermal performance.
Sto-Rotofix Mini mechanical fixings were used to install the insulation at the hospice. These feature a unique helical construction which allows for rapid fixing of the insulation boards, but also permits them to be easily adjusted so that a seamless facade can be created ready for rendering. The fixings are stronger, quicker to install, and have better levelling capabilities with fewer components than most comparable systems.
The facade surfaces were then finished with StoSilco silicone resin render. This provides high levels of water repellence and protection against harsh and damp weather conditions, and its excellent CO2 and water vapour permeability characteristics increase the rate of moisture transfer to encourage the wall to breathe. It is available in over 750 colours included in the StoSilco Render Range.
Installation of the insulation system was completed by Sto authorised applicators, McEwan & Co Exterior Renders. Stewart McEwan adds:
“We’ve worked with the StoTherm Classic M system on previous projects and find it very straightforward to install. There were absolutely no problems and the job went perfectly, which is a huge bonus on a project such as this.”
The new Day Hospice building now includes a dedicated Therapies Wing, and also houses a number of different departments including Spa Services and Clinical GP Consultations.