H+H aircrete improves the resistance to heat loss and significantly reduces the air permeability of the wall
(01/02/2010)

At Ecobuild, H+H will showcase cost-saving solutions already proven to meet the zero-carbon level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The Thin Joint bonding system, using the manufacturer’s new Vertical Elements, was used to meet level 6 of the Code on a 3.65-acre housing project by Miller Homes in Basingstoke.

The structure of H+H aircrete, which is made up of millions of tiny non-interconnecting cells, not only improves the resistance to heat loss, but helps to significantly reduce the air permeability of the wall.

Wates Living Space now nears completion of the 1,000th Ra Build home at a £3.5m development for A2-Dominion in Berkshire, where the contractor Minett Group reports savings of £20,000 to build the 28 apartments and houses.

Bonded by Thin Joint instead of general-purpose mortar, the H+H’s Rå Build modern method of construction can help to reduce the air leakage of the structure to the levels required for the higher levels of the Code.

The Rå Build was proven in research by the independent consultants calfordseaden to reduce costs by over 8% less than either a timber frame or SIPS for housing. Calfordseaden reported that the Rå Build method costed £59/ m2 less to achieve U-values of 0.25W/m2K in a 20-unit development of typical three-bedroom semi-detached houses.

H+H’s eco-specification aircrete is manufactured from up to 80% recycled fuel ash, a waste product from coal-fired power stations that would otherwise be destined for landfill. H+H was the first company to achieve “very good” in the BES 6001:2008 Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products last year. This means that all of its products from all manufacturing sites have gone through the exacting processes required to obtain this prestigious certification.

It translates into the maximum three credits available on the Code, which is the same available to a timber-frame construction with an FSC certification scheme.

H+H MD Mark Oliver says: “Even under difficult economic conditions, the environment remains at the forefront of our company’s values and objectives.”