K Glass S seals the deal in energy efficient homes project

Ultra low emissivity glazing from Pilkington United Kingdom has been specified for use in a specialist housing development, showcased recently at an open day event near Richmond, Yorkshire.

Aiming to create homes with excellent energy performance, built efficiently using innovative techniques and materials, the H Jarvis project saw a pair of semi-detached houses constructed from an insulating concrete form (ICF) system and finished with a suite of advanced building envelope products, including a bespoke double glazing system from Pilkington United Kingdom Limited.

Built to schedule, the resulting home’s walls achieve an overall U-value of just 0.19W/m2k, one of the lowest for a domestic property in the UK.

ICF construction systems have become increasingly popular over the past five years, primarily because they enable a speedy build process, provide design flexibility and are inherently warm – insulation is effectively built-in, negating the need for cavity wall insulation.

With such an advanced material being used to form the structure of the homes, high-performance building envelope products were also vital in order to achieve a minimal U-value. As such, contractors at TEC4M, an H Jarvis company, specified Pilkington K Glass™ S with a pane of ultra-clear Pilkington Optifloat™ to create bespoke double-glazed insulating glass units that blend optimum thermal efficiency with high levels of natural light.

The houses, which are the latest in a series of nationwide eco-home developments by TEC4M, retain warmth for an average of 20 hours after heating and can maintain ambient temperatures of 19°C.

Dave Glendinning, managing director at H Jarvis, said: “With ambitious energy targets and an ultra-low U-Value to reach, we required the very best construction materials to help us achieve our end goal. Pilkington K Glass™ S has a proven track record of performance in projects with challenging thermal requirements and has helped us blend efficiency with aesthetic appeal.”

Blair McDonald, key account manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, added: “This project showcases the reasons why ICF is becomingly increasingly popular with housing developers, architects and homeowners alike. When combined with the latest in glazing innovations, like those from Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, the result is next-generation houses that are efficient to build, efficient to run and comfortable to inhabit.”