Fire Safety at Potterrow Student Living
The ever-evolving importance of fire safety poses a number of challenges to the construction sector, with the emphasis on regulatory compliance remaining a top priority to safeguarding buildings and their inhabitants. When a non-combustible External Wall Insulation (EWI) solution was required for a renovation project at Potterrow Student Living in Edinburgh, Dryvit was called upon to specify a suitable remedy, owing to their reputation as leaders in the EWI industry.
The Project
Situated in a prime location, a mere two minute walk from the University of Edinburgh, Potterrow Student Living boasts ease of access to a variety of local amenities, tourist attractions, public transport links, and student nightlife.
As a Silver Certified Property accredited by Global Student Living, Potterrow is currently undergoing refurbishment to enhance the quality of living for the complex’s inhabitants. The site’s overhaul includes a strip and re-clad of the accommodation buildings to replace the older, combustible elements of the external insulation render.
The Solution
One of the primary concerns affecting living quality relates to building safety. This has become paramount in recent years and compliance with building regulations is now a widely adopted mission for manufacturers, architects, installers, and building owners alike.
Working closely with ADP Edinburgh, as well as Sharkey and AFS Scotland, Dryvit specified the most suitable solution to meet the project requirements. Roxsulation Pro on Steel Frame Systems (SFS), which is a cost-effective External Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), is ideal for the refurbishment of both domestic and commercial properties that require a non-combustible finishing system to meet fire safety requirements. This system incorporates Euroclass A1 non-combustible Stone Wool insulation to produce a safe, protective layer around the building envelope, and is not subject to height restrictions (Euroclass A2-s1,d0 in accordance with EN 13051-1.
In addition to the fire performance attributes of this system, Roxsulation Pro is also a highly energy efficient option, whereby the insulative materials work in harmony to lower heating and cooling costs. Dryvit systems are renowned for their weatherability and durable characteristics, which strive to create an exterior insulation solution that provides a resistant barrier to the elements, enhancing the longevity of the structure.
The Result
Phill Mattatia, Business Development Manager for Dryvit, said: “We have a rich history of providing solutions that exceed the safety and energy efficiency requirements of building regulations, having been a market leader in the EWI industry since 1969.
“One of the many advantages to incorporating a Dryvit finish into your new build or refurbishment project, is that they enhance the aesthetics of the property and provide design freedom. Available to Dryvit customers is a wide range of textures in both standard and custom colours. Take our speciality finishes for example, which enable designers to replicate a variety of real brick or stone finishes at a fraction of the cost. Roxsulation Pro, in particular, can be installed over a variety of substrates, encompassing the ability to be cut or grooved to various shapes and surface patterns.
“It has been a pleasure to work with ADP Edinburgh, Sharkey, and AFS Scotland, to produce an aesthetically pleasing yet safe and compliant finishing system at Potterow. The finished result exudes an air of modern, forward-thinking architecture, which is very in-keeping with the student accommodation’s refit.”
How can Dryvit help your next construction project?
We are the trusted choice for building owners, architects, , and contractors who want to achieve a high performance, insulated cladding solution. Dryvit systems have continually proven to be a cost-effective build solution that does not compromise safety. Our products are independently tested and certified by international certification, test, and approval bodies, which further emphasises our dedication to excellence in technology, service, and compliance.
As part of the Tremco CPG UK family of brands, Dryvit customers have access to a wide range of technologies that aid construction projects for all six sides of the building envelope. Additionally, a comprehensive suite of resources are available through our dedicated Training Academy, which strives to enhance the knowledge of all construction professionals, encouraging industry best practice, safety, and innovation.
For further information about Dryvit’s range of EWI systems or our wider Tremco CPG UK offering, explore our website and get in touch.
