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Project

The Hides - Winner of the INCA Awards 2022 in the REFURBISHMENT EWI - Render / Traditional Finish: LOW RISE category.

The Hides, Harlow - Concrete repair and EWI
Principal Contractor - Durkan
EWI System Designer - Saint-Gobain Weber
Delivered services

Jet wash to entire building façade | Hammer test, survey, and report | Concrete, render and brickwork/repointing repairs including infilling redundant service penetrations/holes in existing building façade to allow for installation of EWI | Renew expansion and movement joints to entire building | Apply anti-carbonation coating to all areas of concrete elevation | Install Weber Insulated Render – WeberTherm XM | Finish with Webersil TF silicone render

The Hides is a complex of low-rise flats in Harlow. Harlow Council approached contractor Durkan to refurbish 30 flats within The Hides development which was originally built in the 1950s. The project brief was to extend the life of the original building by using products that would improve its thermal performance and provide a more pleasant place for people to live. As building restoration specialists, PJ Mear were appointed by the main contractor, Durkan, to complete the necessary concrete repairs prior to installing the WeberTherm XM EWI system. This particular system requires very little preparation, just the application of a fungicidal wash before it is installed. We used Webersil TF in a range of colours – including Silver Grey, Frosted Fern and Hurricane Skies – to create the geometric design on the gable ends and front elevations. The new thermal improvements and design features incorporated in the refurbishment aimed to eliminate cold bridging completely. This was achieved by bringing the new windows out to be in line with the façade to remove the window recess which reduced heat leakage. A similar principle was employed both at roof level and below the damp proof course where the EWI was extended to increase thermal efficiency as well as improve air tightness. The installation of the EWI is efficacious in the increased energy efficiency of the building which will significantly help to counteract the impact of rising fuel bills for the residents.

To view the full award entry, please go to www.inca-ltd.org.uk where you will find the details under Case Studies.