St Sidwell's Point Exeter Case Study | Powerdeck F
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Project | St Sidwell's Point Exeter |
| Client | Exeter City Council |
| Contractor | Massey Cladding Solutions Ltd |
| System Partner | Triflex |
| Product | Powerdeck F as part of a tapered Insulation system (Through Gradient UK) |
| System | Single-Layer Tapered Insulation |
| Area | 1,560m² |
The Challenge
As the UK's first Passivhaus-certified leisure centre, St Sidwell's Point presented an unprecedented roofing challenge. The complex, multi-level building incorporated several roof areas, each with unique geometries, varying drainage requirements and demanding thermal performance targets.
The roof build-up needed to contribute towards exceptional levels of energy efficiency, airtightness and moisture control. At the same time, the intricate roof layouts, including boomerang-shaped sections, multiple falls, hips and valleys, required a carefully coordinated approach to ensure effective rainwater drainage without compromising the building's stringent U-value requirements.
The project team required a tapered insulation solution capable of accommodating complex falls and significant variations in insulation thickness while supporting the long-term performance objectives of this landmark sustainable development.
The Solution
Recticel Insulation's tapered division - Gradient UK designed and supplied a bespoke tapered insulation scheme incorporating Powerdeck F to meet the project's exacting requirements. Working closely with the wider project team, the scheme was developed to deliver both the required thermal performance and the drainage strategy necessary across the various roof areas.
The Powerdeck F solution enabled the creation of multiple falls and outlet positions throughout the complex roof design, helping to efficiently direct rainwater while maintaining the high levels of insulation. By tailoring the tapered layout to the specific geometry of each roof zone, Gradient UK provided a practical and efficient solution that simplified installation on site and ensured the design intent could be achieved.
The result was a high-performance roofing package that contributed to the delivery of one of the UK's most pioneering sustainable buildings, demonstrating how specialist tapered insulation design can play a critical role in achieving ambitious energy efficiency targets.
Why Powerdeck F ?
Powerdeck F was selected as part of Gradient UK's bespoke tapered insulation scheme due to its combination of thermal efficiency, dimensional stability and compatibility with a wide range of waterproofing systems. With a thermal conductivity of λ = 0.024-0.027 W/mK, Powerdeck F helped support the stringent energy performance objectives associated with Passivhaus construction.
The product's compressive strength of ≥150 kPa provided a robust substrate capable of withstanding the demands of the roof build-up, while its dimensional stability ensured the precise falls designed within the tapered scheme could be maintained across the various roof areas.
Faced on both sides with mineral-coated glass fleece, Powerdeck F is suitable for use with multiple waterproofing systems, offering flexibility within the overall roof specification. This adaptability, combined with its proven thermal performance, made it an ideal choice for a project where drainage design, buildability and long-term energy efficiency were all critical considerations.
By integrating Powerdeck F into the tapered insulation package, Gradient UK delivered a solution tailored to the complex geometry of St Sidwell's Point, helping contribute to the successful completion of one of the UK's most innovative sustainable buildings.
Project Outcome
Gradient UK's bespoke Powerdeck F tapered insulation scheme successfully met the complex drainage and thermal performance requirements of St Sidwell's Point. The solution supported the project's ambitious Passivhaus objectives while providing a practical and efficient approach to roof design and installation. As the UK's first Passivhaus leisure centre, St Sidwell's Point now serves as a leading example of sustainable construction, demonstrating the important role specialist tapered insulation design can play in achieving long-term building performance.
