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Commanding the skyline in Cardiff city centre is the impressive Altolusso development, designed by Architects Holder Mathias Alcock plc for Redrow Homes. The 23 storeys are topped by an unusual roofscape, which offers durable, thermal efficiency for the tallest residential building in the city via the use of a high performance tapered flat roof insulation system.
Contractors Roofbond Restoration were installing a Fatrafol membrane along with the Thermataper TT47 zero ODP rigid urethane insulation from Kingspan Insulation on the roof of the prestige project, which resembles a three leaved clover shape when seen from above. The unusual roof configuration could have caused problems, but Kingspan Thermataper systems offer great flexibility, and come with a first class design package, which is available from initial concept design through to the completion of the project, and ensures that the most cost effective solution for any problem is identified.
The product, designed for use under fully adhered single-ply waterproofing, ensures low heat loss through the roof, as well as preventing the build-up of rainwater which can seriously decrease the life of a flat roof by subjecting the membrane to thermal stress, alkali formation and mould growth.
Altolusso (which is Italian for ‘high living’) lives up to its name with spectacular views of the city and of Cardiff Bay from many of its 292 apartments. Built on the site of the former New College in Bute Terrace, the original Victorian façade has been retained to create an impressive three storey main foyer with a glass atrium roof.
There was a rush to buy the state of the art apartments, worth over £50 million in total, which sold out even before the project was completed. Residents can rest assured that the integrity of the roof is unlikely to be affected by any of the problems that so often afflict a flat roof construction.
The CFC/HCFC-free Kingspan Thermataper range has been designed to prevent the formation of water ponds (the most common cause of failure of flat roofs) by providing effective roof falls for both new and existing flat roofs. Each solution in the range has been specifically developed for use beneath a particular waterproofing membrane.
If correctly applied, Kingspan Thermataper TT47 offers lifetime performance. It is lightweight and easy to install, resistant to water vapour, and unaffected by compression inflicted in the course of normal maintenance. With a thermal conductivity of 0.027 W/m.K, the boards can easily achieve the U-values required for compliance with Building Regulations.
Kingspan Thermataper TT47 zero ODP rigid urethane insulation was chosen for the roof of the prestigious Altolusso Apartments, the tallest residential building in the city of Cardiff.