Pitches Case Study

CHALLENGE

With the objective of maximising the energy efficiency of this building (located in the coldest town in New Zealand) Knauf Insulation worked with Hurd Property Partnership, Michael Wyatt Architect and in turn Amalgamated Builders Limited to install the highest rating Glasswool insulation material available.

In a review of the original specification, there were opportunities to improve the thermal envelope considerably with the inclusion of the Earthwool^® glasswool insulation range.

Adding to the challenge was the fragile nature of the original stone structure. Amalgamated Builders together with the owners and architect have approached the challenge with a high level of sensitivity. This is clearly obvious from the attention to detail and original features retained.

SOLUTION

Michael Wyatt Architects and Amalgamated Builders reviewed the original specification and R-Values applied to each element of the development. The Earthwool^® glasswool insulation range offered the ability to install higher rated product in the existing cavities without any change to the structure. Added to that was the opportunity to include low VOC products in the design.

The new external walls allowed for a 140mm cavity. Earthwool^® glasswool: Wall batts, R-3.2 were selected maximising the cavity available together with low install cost with a single product solution. Earthwool^® glasswool: Ceiling batts, R- 6.3 were selected for the ceiling cavity. The upgrade of the overall thermal efficiency was a welcome solution.

Geoff de Vries, Site Manager for Amalgamated Builders commented: "I was impressed by the durable consolidated packaging and square meters of product in each pack. Normally we need to handle individual packs which take up huge storage; by the time other products are delivered to site the packaging is torn or split open – not with Earthwool^® glasswool individual packs which take up huge storage; by the time other products are delivered to site the packaging is torn or split open – not with Earthwool^® glasswool insulation." 

"Additionally, the product feels much softer and is easier to install, I don’t see the product itching as much as others."

BENEFITS

• Reduces CO₂ emissions
• Reduces fuel consumption and energy bills
• Exceeds current as well as anticipated future thermal regulations
• Provides improved acoustic benefits
• Durable and designed for the lifetime of the building
• Meets the New Zealand Building Code requirements
• Provides highest R-Value possible in New Zealand’s coldest town