Kingspan® Case Study
The National Construction Code’s (NCC) energy efficiency requirements are driving energy improvements in the commercial and residential building sectors, and builders looking to improve the thermal properties of a new home need to consider building products that help meet these ever-evolving requirements.
A South-Australian construction material supplier, TechTilt Building Systems has used Kingspan®’s Kooltherm, a range of rigid thermoset phenolic insulation for roofs, walls and floors, in a new and unconventional way to help a South Australian home-builder radically improve the thermal properties of their latest new build to achieve an 8.2 energy efficiency star-rating.
Using concrete’s thermal properties to its advantage, TechTilt Building Systems’ proprietary concrete panelling is embedded with Kooltherm, further enhancing the panels’ thermal properties and improving a home’s energy-efficiency.
Kooltherm’s energy R rating made it a clear choice for us to increase the patented insulated concrete walling system’s thermal mass of our residential projects
LOU GAGLIARDI, OWNER OF TECHTILT
Construction Efficiency
Kooltherm insulation boards are lightweight, making them easy to transport, handle and fast install.
Kooltherm uses Phenolic insulation, the most thermally efficient insulation featuring a rigid thermoset foam as an insulating core between two facing elements, which helps slow thermal transfer and deliver an insulation rating of R2.3 in 50mm board. As a comparison, a 50mm traditional fibreglass insulation batt delivers an R rating of R1.4.
“Kooltherm is an amazing insulation product and one I have complete confidence in,” said Gagliardi. “Concrete walls without insulation can be uncomfortable for residential use, but with Kooltherm, temperatures take longer to transfer through the concrete, delivering a much more comfortable living environment all year round.”
The home’s concrete walls featured 50mm Kooltherm K10G2 board embedded between 100mm and 75mm panels of concrete to deliver a concrete walling system with an R value of R2.5 in summer and R2.6 in winter. Practically, this means an outdoor summer temperature of 36 degrees Celsius will deliver an indoor temperature of 24 degrees. In winter, the concrete panels help improve an outdoor temperature of 12 degrees Celcius to 18 degrees inside the home.[i]
“Modeling the whole house, including TechTilt’s Kooltherm-embedded concrete walling system and specified glazing, achieved an 8.2 star rating,” said David Burton, C & R Energy Consultants Pty Ltd, noting that TechTilt’s system was tested by an independent consultant who prepared a Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling Report and the Resistance Value R was then used in a theoretical software program developed by CSIRO to determine heating and cooling loads. “This was a great outcome for both client and energy assessor. I would expect this result to achieve a high level of comfort and ultimately a significant reduction in heating and cooling expenses,” said David Burton.
The Kooltherm concrete insulated panels used for the external façade are custom made for each home design using 1200mm x 2400mm Kooltherm panels, which can be cut to size as required. As well as the high insulation rating, which is also fire and termite resistant, the benefits of using TechTilt’s system include not needing a timber or steel frame as TechTilt walls are load bearing and simply bolted together onsite. They also don’t require any external or internal cladding, with allowances for services and amenities included in the bespoke panels where required.
Sustainability
Kooltherm is part of our Planet Passionate sustainability initiative.
Occupancy Wellbeing
Products with a fibre free core.
Gary Harvey, who bought the completed home, didn’t know about the home’s energy efficiency credentials when he made his initial inquiries, but was impressed by its solid construction. “I walked in to inspect the home for the first time in the middle of winter and immediately noticed the internal temperature,” said Harvey, describing the internal temperature as a stable environment. “Without heating or cooling it is 18-20 degrees Celcius inside the home all year. Our energy bills decreased by 50 per cent from our previous home and if we need to warm or cool the house, we only need to turn the air conditioning on for an hour and not leave it running all night.”
Lou concludes, “Concerns about climate change, rising energy prices and building costs are challenging Australians to re-think how we design and construct our homes. Kooltherm provided Techtilt with market-leading product to help us achieve this stunning, energy efficient 8.2 Star home in which the home owner enjoys a comfortable internal temperature all year round.”
Further information
The Kingspan® Kooltherm range is an extensive range of rigid thermoset phenolic insulation for roofs, walls and floors. Phenolic insulation is the most thermally efficient insulation commonly used. It is made through a manufacturing process where a rigid thermoset foam forms an insulating core between two facing elements, for example, a composite foil. Kingspan® Kooltherm provides thermally efficient conductivity and thermal performance, allowing you to minimise insulation thickness compared to traditional alternatives while achieving equivalent results.
FIRE PERFORMANCE
Kooltherm also possess fire performance characteristics. As it is a thermoset material, it hardens and chars in fire situations, giving off very little smoke; unlike thermoplastics, such as polystyrene which melt, soften, and give off thick black smoke.
Kingspan® insulation and membranes can be used for roof, walls, and floor applications, which will help you build a 7+ Star energy-efficient home.
The products include Kooltherm K12 Framing Board (Residential Batts), Kooltherm K3 Floorboard, Kingspan® Kooltherm K17 Insulated Plasterboard, Kingspan® GreenGuard 350, Kingspan® Thermakraft Watergate Plus Wall Wrap, and Kingspan® Thermakraft Covertek 407 Roof Underlay.
[i] These results have been calculated following the appropriate procedures outlined in AS/NZS 4859:2:2018, with bridging allowances using NZS 4214:2006 and in accordance with Volume Two NCC 2019.
Planning to build?
Discover our patented concrete walling system. It’ll save you time and money, offering low maintenance, energy-efficient living for years to come.
