Passmore Edward Hospital Care Homes, Liskeard, Cornwall
May 2009
It was definitely an open and closed case for sustainability and energy efficiency when Cavalok’s cavity closer system helped The Aster Group create 55 new care homes at Passmore Edward Hospital in Liskeard, Cornwall.
The Aster Group is a collection of housing associations that own and manage over 16,000 properties across the South West.
Cavalok is the only manufacturer of BBA-accredited cavity closer systems made from 100% post-consumer recycled PVC-U. The Cavalok product range is widely used for brick/block, steel and timber frame buildings in the new build residential and commercial sectors.
Builder ROK is carrying out the work on the former Passmore Edward Hospital, which involves refurbishment of the existing hospital building as well as construction of 55 flats and apartments.
Cavity closers have become a critical and compulsory building component used in many new-build projects to create door and window openings while sealing the cavities and providing a thermal break. The frame forming closer product enables faster and easier installation of windows as well as improved thermal efficiency for the whole building.
Cavalok cavity closers were used by ROK on all 55 of the new-build properties. SAP calculations indicate that the development will exceed Building Regulation thermal performance requirements by 20-30 per cent. This was achieved through the use of Cavalok’s BigBlok closer system along with other high specification and super-insulating components.
Cavalok closers were used to create and close the openings on a variety of wall constructions ranging from 140mm to 175mm cavities with 90mm of insulation. A four-sided closer solution was selected for the project to accommodate a split lintel and provide a ring of continuous insulation around the opening. Cavalok’s comprehensive range of closers can close cavities from 50mm up to 300mm.
“We were delighted with Cavalok’s cavity closer because it proved a quicker, easier and more professional method of creating window openings,” commented Mike McLeod, Site Manager for ROK. “The cavity closers helped us create more thermally efficient window openings, which proved beneficial in the SAP calculations.”
The entire Cavalok cavity closer range is manufactured from 100% post-consumer recycled PVC-U, often from old windows. The range includes the BigBlok system for cavities of 125mm and above. There is also a Cavalok system for 50-100mm cavities and a retrofit Trade closer product for installing after the wall is built.
Cavalok’s cavity closers integrate closing of the cavity and DPC into one simple operation. This provides energy saving and enhanced carbon dioxide emission by ensuring a consistent thermal break and secure insulation around the opening.
The Cavalok cavity closers were supplied through Hendrick Lintels building material distributors and manufactured by Cavalok approved fabricator Securiframe. Gary Gardner, MD of Securiframe, comments: “Only Cavalok’s products enable me to win these more progressive contracts, by providing a range that meets the latest regulations and covers the widest range of sizes. It allows us to supply almost any new build project, giving our business a real advantage.”
