Back in 2019, SBS began a project that entailed installing external wall insulation to two 15-storey tower blocks managed by Nottingham City Homes. The two blocks, together with a new, 44-apartment development, comprise an assisted living scheme known collectively as Winwood Heights.
The project was successfully completed in the same year, with a ‘zero defect’ record. However, it made news again in 2021, when it was named as a winner at the Inside Housing Development Awards. On 4th November, it won the ‘Best Older People’s Housing Development (rural and suburban)’ category at the event, which was held at the InterContinental London. The award was accepted by project architect, the Halsall Lloyd Partnership.
SBS was originally appointed to deliver the work because it was one of just a small number of contractors that are SWIGA-approved to install external wall insulation on high-rise buildings. Accordingly, its work was supported by a 25-year SWIGA guarantee.
The work involved installing an external wall insulation system, manufactured and supplied by PermaRock Products Ltd, to the new building and high rise blocks. This included the use of Silicone Ultra K 1.5mm through-coloured render to realise the architect’s vision of an unusual green ‘patchwork’ panel effect.
The EWI system incorporates non-combustible mineral fibre (stonewool) insulation (Euroclass A1 – BS EN 13501-1:2007 + A1:2009), with achieves a A2-s1,d0 fire classification in accordance with BS EN 13501- 1:2007 +A1:2009.
Since its completion, the £11m scheme has won a number of other awards, including:
- East Midlands Awards 2019: East Midlands Scheme of the Year
- fbe East Midlands Chairman’s Annual Dinner: Regeneration & Refurbishment Award
- fbe East Midlands Chairman’s Annual Dinner: Chairman’s Award for Project of the Year
- Building Communities Awards 2020: Project of the Year (over £3m category)
- RICS Social Impact Award 2020 East Midlands (residential category)
