URSA UK sets the standard in new Jersey urban development
Urban development within St. Helier, the capital of Jersey, is gathering momentum with URSA seeing its specialist insulation products specified at one of the capital’s newest and most ambitious developments.
Urban development within St. Helier, the capital of Jersey, is gathering momentum with URSA seeing its specialist insulation products specified at one of the capital’s newest and most ambitious developments.
With Jersey being the largest of the Channel Islands, St. Helier is a lively harbour town and has become one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, creating a high demand for ongoing residential and commercial development. Both its commercial port and marina, as well as the centre and the main neighbourhoods, are undergoing an in-depth study for the renovation of its building stock and the transformation of the urban landscape it offers.
The ultimate objective is a profound urban regeneration carried out through the creation of a commercial heart open to the sea with modern, sustainable and healthy residential developments in the town centre and on the outskirts to ensure the demands of future growth. It also aims to reduce traffic and create a walkable environment for pedestrians and cyclists with green and open spaces.
In the north of the town is Ann Court, a large development located next to a municipal park, being built on the site of a recently demolished car park. Developed by Andium Homes, construction is nearing completion on the development of 165 new homes of different sizes and orientations (with internal and external courtyards), but with a common standard: the energy efficiency and sustainability of the whole complex.
To support the sustainable objectives, architects have specified a ventilated façade that guarantees thermal and acoustic comfort, whilst preventing moisture penetration and condensation. A correctly designed ventilated façade system also guarantees a fire safe structure, prolongs the life of the building and enhances its energy efficiency.
As part of the specification, 2,400m² of 220mm URSA WALLTEC BLACK 32 were specified. The choice of material was the direct decision of the architect Stephen Marshall of Axis Mason Architects, who decided on the glass wool slabs after learning about their performance and the knowledge provided by URSA's technical office.
URSA WALLTEC BLACK 32 is a semi-rigid glass wool slab treated with a water repellent additive. The slabs have a black glass fibre tissue to one side only that helps to hide the insulation in ventilated façades with open joints. It is a non-combustible product that does not contribute to the spread of fire, is water repellent and has high performance to ensure the thermal and acoustic comfort of the entire residential complex.
Once the insulating material has been fixed, the façade is completed with the installation of the cladding to create a cavity that ensures the properties of the system.
This imposing façade enveloping the courtyards of Ann Court facilitates a new building in the north of St. Helier where social interaction, tranquility, quality, comfort and healthiness are guaranteed.
Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, said: “We first became involved in this scheme in June 2020. We were approached by the architect for recommendations on correct choice of product and the thermal assessment for the external walls”.
“Our next involvement was in May and June 2021 as the detailed design developed. We were in regular contact providing advice on the target U-value in the wall (a commendably low 0.18 W/m²K), as well as the impact on Jersey SAP energy assessment and the technicalities of rainscreen cladding. The team were particularly impressed with the speed of response and our wider technical knowledge, helping to support the perfect specification”.
Stephen Marshall, Associate at Axis Mason Architects expressed his gratitude for the support and input of the URSA team throughout the project. Adding, they delivered a prompt and efficient service, reinforced by excellent technical knowledge. We would have no hesitation in working with them again and specifying their quality products.
Geoff Taylor, Contract Manager, for main contractor Camerons added: “This is the first time I’ve worked with URSA and have found their services to very good, professional, knowledgeable and response rates usually within 24 or 48 hours. I would definitely recommend URSA in the future.”