A multi-award nominated social housing project, the Magenta Court development in Apsley was designed on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council by architects RG+P and main contractor, Jarvis Contracting. Valued at £6.5m, the new construction comprised of 29 one-and-two-bedroom flats within four blocks, situated alongside the picturesque Grand Union Canal.
Testimony to how high-performance materials are able to maximise a property’s thermal performance through a fabric-first approach, Eurowall® +’s selection for the Magenta Court development played a vital role in the creation of the energy-efficient, stylish, affordable homes.
Indeed, this flagship product helped the client to achieve a 0.18 U-value, with a 90mm-thick board in a 100mm cavity. The easy-to-handle and incredibly lightweight board features a tongue-and-groove joint on its four sides, ensuring the boards are able to lock tightly together to minimise heat loss through thermal bridging. Designed to be utilised as full-fill cavity wall insulation with a 10mm clear cavity, this enterprising insulation board enabled quicker and more convenient installation for bricklayers.
As a result, the contractor was able to remain on track to complete the project on time and to budget.
Simon Blackham, Senior Technical Manager at Recticel, revealed Eurowall® + was selected by the main contractor due to its incredible thermal efficiency. He said:
“This was a tremendous project to be involved with. It’s a superb housing scheme in a great location. With the buildings’ overall thermal efficiency among the priorities, it’s the type of project Eurowall® + was created for. Further, it enhanced the programme’s sustainable credentials by reducing on-site labour times, thanks to the additional space it affords installers.”
In addition to the 29 new affordable homes, the development would also feature public open space, parking, and associated amenity space.
The new buildings’ design was inspired by the surrounding wharf architecture, including Apsley Lock, and a nearby papermill and listed cottage. The aesthetic incorporated contemporary features while seamlessly blending with the more traditional detailing and fenestration seen throughout the local area.