airtightness

EUROCELL AND TREMCO CPG: PIONEERING A NEW ERA IN AIRTIGHTNESS AND WEATHER RESISTANCE FOR MODERN BUILDING FACADES

Building Products Index Ltd February 27, 2025 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

Addressing industry challenges
Eurocell, renowned for its high performing Modus and Logik window and door systems, partnered with illbruck (a brand of Tremco CPG UK) to tackle a crucial, underestimated installation challenge – the “integration junction.” This critical connection between window systems and building facades plays a vital role in a building’s thermal efficiency and long-term durability, especially under extreme weather conditions.

Together, they set out to develop a high-performance, resilient solution that would redefine industry standards for commercial buildings. By integrating Eurocell’s certified window systems with illbruck’s leading-edge sealing solutions, this collaboration promises to transform how commercial facades withstand the elements.

Collaborative problem-solving
Leveraging combined expertise, Eurocell and illbruck aimed to set a new benchmark for resilience and energy efficiency. By pairing Eurocell’s Modus and Logik systems with illbruck’s advanced i3 sealing solutions, they created a seamless, high-durability connection that not only meets but exceeds European standards for air permeability and water tightness.

This breakthrough solution anticipates the stricter requirements of future regulations, setting the stage for a new standard in commercial building façades.

Unmatched testing and validation
In August 2024, Eurocell and illbruck put their collaborative solution to the test in Tremco CPG Europe’s state-of-the-art research facility in Bavaria, Germany. By installing the systems within concrete frames, they replicated real-world conditions to validate durability and resilience.

Rigorous testing in line with EN 1026 (air permeability) and EN 1027 (watertightness) examined the critical window-to-wall junction as well as the full system, proving this solution’s capability to withstand the demands of real-world application.

Exceeding industry standards
The results demonstrate a solution that outperforms expectations, providing builders and developers with unmatched peace of mind – the results included;

Driving rain resistance: Withstood driving rain at 600 Pa, delivering robust protection against water ingress in extreme weather.
Airtightness: Achieved an impressive airtightness rating of <0.1 m³/(m·h·daPa²/³), meeting Class 4 under the UK’s BS EN 12207:2016 standard.
Thermal efficiency: Enhanced integration with Tremco’s sealing solutions minimised air infiltration, raising the bar for energy performance in commercial facades.

This solution not only addresses current needs but anticipates future demands, ensuring high resilience and superior energy performance.

A breakthrough full-system solution for diverse applications
The Eurocell and illbruck partnership has produced a comprehensive system that surpasses Building Regulations and Passivhaus standards for air permeability. This adaptable, high-performance solution is suited for various building types, from high-rise developments to commercial projects in harsh weather environments.

By addressing both airtightness and thermal bridging at the junction level, this integration supports sustainable construction goals, reducing energy costs and emissions across the UK.

Industry perspectives
Kelly Hibbert, Head of Commercial at Eurocell, shared her enthusiasm on the outcomes of the work with illbruck:

“Eurocell is committed to advancing a more sustainable construction industry by delivering window systems that meet the demands of a changing world. Working with illbruck has allowed us to create a truly integrated solution that brings lasting benefits to both the industry and building occupants. This partnership exemplifies how we can collectively raise standards and provide innovative products that balance performance with environmental responsibility.

“Through this collaboration, we are better equipped to support builders and developers with high-performance solutions that contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of their projects, from insulation to carbon reduction. It’s a project that speaks to our shared vision for a more resilient, energy-efficient future in the built environment.”

Similarly, Steve Wild – Technical consultant. at Tremco CPG added:

“The i3 system optimises both airtightness and thermal insulation, enhancing building resilience and energy efficiency. Partnering with Eurocell reflects our dedication to pioneering standards and providing builders with an integrated, top-tier solution for today’s construction challenges.

“Together, we’re delivering solutions that make it simpler for the industry to adopt practices that reduce energy use and operational costs. This collaboration stands out as an example of our commitment to sustainable growth, giving construction professionals access to advanced materials that are also practical and cost-effective.”

For more information on how Eurocell can assist you in delivering your next project, please contact the team commercialsales.profiles@eurocell.co.uk.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING WITH MASONRY

Building Products Index Ltd November 23, 2021 Blocks, Concrete Leave a Comment

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Jenny Smith-Andrews, Head of Marketing at aircrete specialist H+H UK Ltd outlines the sustainability arguments for masonry buildings

H+H has always seen itself as a manufacturer that supports sustainable building – but over time, the definition of the term and priorities for the building industry have shifted. It is good therefore to see some consensus emerging on the objectives for sustainability and how each industry can meet them. H+H supports the principles set out in the UN Sustainability goals and is committed to supporting this agenda.

Reducing carbon

The first, and increasingly urgent, priority is to reduce carbon emissions. When it comes to housebuilding that means a focus on reducing the energy demand of our homes. Home heating alone contributes around 19% of the total CO2 produced in England each year so it is logical that building regulations and the Future Homes Standard are looking to increase further the thermal efficiency of new buildings.

Aircrete has a part to play in this agenda. With its inherent thermal efficiency and very effective airtightness, the material has always been a good choice for energy efficient homes. In fact, H+H was involved well over a decade ago in the development of prototype zero carbon homes.

More recently, aircrete has been used as the foundation of low energy homes for social housing schemes where fuel costs are a primary concern and Passivhaus designs offer a practical solution.

When it comes to revisions to Building Regulations Part L, aircrete is well suited to the newer, more stringent standards and a familiar cavity wall construction will meet all the revisions currently planned.

Operational zero carbon is only one part of the story, however, and attention is increasingly focused on embodied carbon. Moving to net zero manufacturing is challenging and requires the whole supply chain to be working to the same goal.

H+H has published its roadmap to zero carbon, outlining a journey that will decarbonise its manufacturing and transport processes. However, even in this objective there can be a degree of interpretation and different measurement techniques.

Our response is to use robust lifecycle analysis methods including all the manufacturing, in use and post-use phases of construction. It is essential to develop commonly agreed standards for calculation to provide a level playing field and ensure that all manufacturers are basing their claims on equivalent data sets.

In its planned journey to zero carbon by 2050, H+H is relying on science-based targets to provide a benchmark against which to measure progress.

A Sustainable future

Low carbon construction is the focus at the moment, but at the same time, lifespan and resilience of new homes must form part of a sustainability strategy.

There is little point in reducing manufacturing carbon if the resulting building only lasts for a few decades and then needs to be entirely replaced. There is an increasingly significant school of thought suggesting that the most sustainable building is one that will last a very, very long time.

And during its lifetime, the building will need to withstand the extremes of a changing climate. In its June 2021 Assessment of UK Climate Risk, the Committee for Climate change cited overheating and flooding as the two most significant risks for the housing sector.

H+H would point to the 150-year lifespan, inherent resilience and thermal mass characteristics of aircrete to further support its position as a material with a secure future in modern, sustainable housing.

For further information on H+H, its products and its sustainability criteria, go to www.hhcelcon.co.uk

aircrete airtightness concrete blocks H+H H+H UK Ltd thermal efficiency zero carbon homes