At Farrat, we’re passionate about helping architects, engineers and fabricators to deliver sustainable structures that are flexible, fit for purpose and compliant with latest building regulations.
In a recent interview following the announcement of this years Structural Steel Design Awards shortlist, Chief Executive Officer of the British Constructional Steelwork Association commented on the growing utilisation of steel in the drive to achieve the sustainability accolade of ‘net zero’ in the UK and Ireland.
“Structural steelwork is the original sustainable material with the ability to be recycled and re-used time and time again to deliver structures that meet the low carbon demands of clients and the climate emergency. It is also able to deliver efficient, practical, and flexible spaces that are both beautiful and cost-effective.”
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Brexit and the saga of ongoing supply issues in 2020/21, the constructional steelwork sector has remained buoyant and continues to provide high-quality buildings within the UK and Ireland. At Farrat, we have seen rapidly increasing numbers of enquiries over the last 24 months from architects, engineers, steel fabricators and contractors seeking suitable isolation materials capable of both reducing thermal bridging whilst transferring high loads, in a bid to meet client expectations of meeting the highest sustainability standards and certifications such as BREEAM.
Below are just a few of our most recent thermal isolation projects, where Farrat Structural Thermal Breaks have been integrated into primary and secondary steel connections to reduce energy loss and thermal transfer.
St James Quarter – new shopping centre in Edinburgh
Following five years of construction, the new St James Quarter ‘shopping mall mecca’ in Edinburgh cost £1bn to deliver and has been hailed as this generations largest development. The scheme replaces the 1960s St James Centre and the New St Andrews House office block at the east end of Princes Street and covers approximately 79,000m² of shopping premises over four storeys.
Farrat supplied Farrat TBK Structural Thermal Breaks to reduce heat loss and prevent thermal bridging between steel connections in the primary frame.
Mitigating thermal transfer was a primary concern for the design team, due to the ‘open’ building design featuring a glass roof to a central atrium. By incorporating Farrat Structural Thermal Breaks into the steel structure, the team were able to create an energy efficient and compliant building for the public to enjoy.
100 Liverpool Street – office and retail centre in London
100 Liverpool Street is the first British Land building to achieve net zero carbon status, making it one of only a few in London to obtain this sustainability accolade. Built directly above the entrance to one of London’s busiest train stations, the flagship project holds 520,000 sq. ft of new office space and 80,000 sq. ft of retail alongside an exciting roof restaurant on the ninth floor with stunning panoramic views of St Pauls.
British Land’s commitment to sustainability goals meant that from the outset, a high bar was set and embedded into the early contractual obligations. Farrat were instructed to supply a high-performance thermal break solution capable of meeting a BREEAM Outstanding accreditation (achieved) and WELL Gold rating (pending).
Farrat TBK was again selected and supplied, as the optimum solution to ensure that a wide mix of environments were equally isolated to the highest standards.
Midas Oakfield – a sustainable community build in Swindon
Midas Oakfield is a new build community development incorporating 197 houses, 42 flats and a community centre in Swindon. The scheme was designed as a blueprint for future modern & sustainably built community developments in the UK.
Construction of the Oakfield development began at the start of 2020 and the first show homes will be available to view by the end of 2021. Once complete, the scheme will be one of the biggest off-gas housing developments in the country.
Farrat are currently working to supply high-strength Structural Thermal Breaks for use in steel connections across buildings in the scheme. The thermal breaks will work as high-performance thermal insulators that prevent thermal bridging between structural building components and will reduce the risk of condensation and mould forming in the future, making lives better for residents.
Structural Thermal Breaks with Farrat
Farrat Structural Thermal Breaks are favoured across the construction industry, as the most efficient & responsible way to thermally separate structural connections and prevent heat loss in the building envelope. For more information on using thermal breaks in steel construction, visit our thermal break hub.
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