Special Feature November 2021
Schöck Isokorb meets a number of challenges at Lots Road
Once a neglected industrial site, Chelsea Waterfront in SW10, is being impressively transformed and minimising any risk of thermal bridging throughout has been key. In addition to meeting compliance with the Building Regulations, this is also important in meeting the criteria for the impending Future Homes Standard. The Isokorb load-bearing structural thermal break from Schöck offers the ideal solution in meeting all necessary compliances.
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his is a two-phase development; the first being completed in 2019 and resulting in four riverside buildings and a 37-storey West Tower. The second phase is now well under way with the centrepiece being the old Lots Road Power Station, which first became operational in 1905 and eventually powered most of the London Underground for almost 80 years. The old Power Station is an iconic building and careful refurbishment will result in retention of the external walls, steel frame, chimneys and selected internal steelwork. When finished, the 13-storey building (now called the Metropolitan) will house 193 apartments and accommodate shops, restaurants and cafes along a 100 metre mall at ground floor level. Also, as part of this second phase, alongside the main Metropolitan Building there will be a 25 storey East Tower and two nine-storey refurbished residential buildings, one of which is a rotunda.
Minimising thermal bridging throughout Throughout the entire development, improving the performance of the building envelope and minimising any risk of thermal bridging has been a key element in the design detailing. Quite apart from meeting compliance with the Building Regulations, this is increasingly important in meeting the criteria for the impending Future Homes Standard. Thermal bridges are localised areas of the building envelope, where the heat flow is usually increased in comparison with adjacent areas. As a result, the temperature of the interior surface near the thermal bridge is lower and if this area becomes too cold it can lead to condensation. Over time, mould is likely
