Sto helps refurbished homes shine brighter and greener

A refurbished housing development is benefiting from an aesthetic, energy-efficient exterior thanks to a Sto external wall insulation system.

Located in Bordon, Hampshire, The Pines features 96 former Ministry of Defence (MOD) properties, which have been transformed into modern two to three-bedroom houses and maisonettes. The refurbishment has been completed by Project Worx Ltd on behalf of Annington, one of the UK’s largest private owners of residential property, most of which is occupied by military families.

Square 1 Architectural Solutions specified and installed the StxTherm Robust external wall insulation system to the exterior of the existing properties. Ideal for low to medium rise housing, StxTherm Robust prevents heat loss and eliminates thermal bridges to enhance energy efficiency. By insulating the outer leaf of each property, the entire structure becomes warm and dry, reducing the risk of condensation and associated mould growth.

The installation of the system was completed with a final coat of Stomix Silkotex HD render. This cement-free, silicone resin render is available in a variety of colours, which enabled Annington to create facades with white, grey, blue, beige and yellow finishes. With a high level of water repellence, this render also offers protection from weathering, damp and algae growth.

Andrew Downer, Director at Square 1 Architectural Solutions, said:

“We advised for the original specification to be changed to the StxTherm Robust system, as it is ideal for direct application onto existing masonry substrates. As the homes had been designed in a range of colours, a higher quality render was needed to meet the design brief. Having used Sto’s products for several years, we knew Stomix Silkotex HD would achieve the required finish for each home and ensure the facades retain their bright, aesthetic appearance.

“Specifying StxTherm Robust also provided a cost-effective system with the assurance the components would be delivered quickly and efficiently thanks to Sto’s logistics team. This efficiency is imperative for housing schemes where time is of the essence and space is limited meaning materials often have to arrive on a just-in-time basis.”

The high-quality exteriors at The Pines are complemented by refreshed interiors, including new modern kitchens, bathrooms, high performance boilers, double glazed windows and new front doors.

The scheme is located opposite a new town centre forming part of Whitehill & Bordon’s £54 million transformation into a Healthy New Town.