EXTERNAL ENVELOPE; INSULATION 59 Shaping the future
The Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) explains how architects can employ high performance PIR insulation as the key to design homes that are not only low carbon and climate resilient, but which are of high quality.
T
he UK housing stock accounts for 15% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions due largely to heating with
oil and gas. Specifying thermally insulated building envelopes can play a crucial role in reducing this impact across the evolving housing delivery landscape which includes community-led schemes, housing associations, self-build, and joint ventures. In each case, employing design expertise can enhance the delivery and long-term performance of new homes. By embracing ‘fabric fi rst’ principles, a well insulated building envelope achieves high performance, low maintenance and reduced energy consumption and could help protect households from future energy price volatility.
Understanding U-values Reducing heat loss starts with achieving lower U-values throughout the building envelope. Lower U-values in walls, fl oors and roofs reduce heat loss, resulting in enhanced thermal performance, which in turn will help to deliver the standards required. PIR and PUR insulation products are incredibly versatile as well as effective, and are available in a range of forms including boards and blocks, cavity injected, composite panels as well as a spray and panel insulation. With the ability to achieve lambda values as low as 0.021 W/mK, PIR can achieve the required insulation performance with less thickness than other commonly used insulation materials. Its exceptional insulating properties, as well as high strength and light weight mean it is used widely across residential, commercial and refurbishment projects.
Design-led specifi cation Good house design is essential to ensure that insulation strategies are fully realised in practice. Early-stage specifi cation decisions, including material selection, coordination
ADF NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
with structural and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) elements, and careful detailing, directly infl uence the thermal performance of the building. Integration with airtightness strategies and thermal bridge mitigation is also essential to achieving the intended U-values and overall energy effi ciency.
Detailing & performance Maximising the benefi ts of insulation in buildings requires accuracy in detailing. For example, ensuring junctions are appropriately designed and constructed will make a signifi cant contribution to reducing
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