A prominent regional housing association has notched up an
impressive 'first' with its innovative use of cork as an
eco-friendly insulating material.
Aspire Housing is believed to be the first in Britain to adopt
the unconventional solution in a major contract, which has
dramatically extended the life of dozens of post war steel framed
houses.
The natural material - which is obtained from the bark of a
specific oak tree - has the double benefit of providing thermal
insulation as well as sound proofing in the 'non traditional' homes
where it is being installed around Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The Cussins homes were built immediately after the war to
provide much-needed housing in mining villages throughout North
Staffordshire. Exterior brick-faced cladding, only 75mm thick was
suspended by hooks from the steel frame, with only straw panels
between them and the interior plasterboard lining.
Over the years the steel and brick panels deteriorated, causing
some slippage, to the point where the properties fell well below
modern standards of heat and noise insulation.
Aspire Housing - working with specialist supplier Alumasc and
contractor Frank Haslam Milan- earmarked £1.7 million to
bring the homes up to standard, using the cork panels as wall
insulation.
The initial target of refurbishing 54 of the Cussins properties
is nearing completion and the finished works, which include a new
roof and rainwater goods, make the properties indistinguishable
from a new build home.
Dan Gray, head of asset management at Aspire Housing, said:
"Aspire Housing is fully committed to transforming the quality of
homes and neighbourhoods for all customers.
"This major investment not only provides warmth and insulation
benefits for residents, it has also greatly enhanced the appearance
of their homes and the surrounding area."
Heating efficiency in the renovated homes is expected to improve
significantly, and residents can look forward to reduced energy
costs as a result.
"We believe this is the first time cork has been used so
extensively in a social housing refurbishment project in this
country, and it has a number of important benefits," added Mr
Gray.
"The cork comes from managed forests and is environmentally
sustainable as well as providing heat and sound insulation.
"Another advantage is that we have been able to complete the
work without the need to move the tenants out. It has all taken
place around them with minimum disruption."
David Cartwright, FHM's Environmental Champion, said: "The
pre-construction team worked hard for solutions which would both
improve the building fabric while considering their inherent
environmental impacts.
"The team favoured cork for its low carbon footprint properties
together with its excellent insulation value and sound transmission
qualities."
Aspire Housing customer Carolyn Freeman, who has lived with her
family for 12 years in Arnold Grove, Bradwell,
Newcastle-under-Lyme, said the work has transformed her home.
She said: "The house used to be cold and damp. I used to have
the heating on full in the winter and it was expensive.
"Now I'm looking forward to a winter where we can keep warmer
and where the bills for heating and hot water will be much lower.
The outside of the house also looks much better now and the whole
street is nicer too. It's like having had a new home."
Aspire Housing resident Stewart Geagen, whose home in Bamber
Place, Chesterton, was recently renovated, said: "You have to
expect a bit of mess and noise when you have work like this done,
but to be honest I found it all right.
"This is a nice quiet area, and the people moving in seem to
settle down quite happily."
Work is expected to be finished in August.