Why we like Thermafleece - Sustainable Insulation

Why we like Thermafleece - Sustainable Insulation

Reducing our impact is critical, and as part of our ongoing sustainability initiative we set out to find sustainable materials and construction practices to supplement our tried and tested approaches to achieve and exceed statutory requirements (building regulations etc). 

We have researched, explored and educated ourselves on a wide variety of approaches to sustainable building, from the structural components all the way to the paint on the wall.

All of this research led us to a highlight product; Thermafleece (https://thermafleece.com) insulation for walls, floors and roofs. What makes this insulation special is that it’s made of British Sheep’s wool, and in some cases other recycled materials. They have a variety of products to choose from and it is very versatile.

Thermafleece provides a fantastic service to support the designer, contractor or homeowner.

The key consideration for us, (after recognising the highly sustainable credentials of Thermafleece) were: 

  • How do we achieve the levels of thermal resistance required?

  • Will it change our design approach?

  • Will Contractors be happy using this material?

The answers are as follows:

  • Yes, we can achieve the thermal resistance values (U Values) easily.

  • Yes, in some cases, we needed to revise our details slightly to utilise Thermafleece.

  • Yes, contractors were very happy to use the product.

We have found that Thermafleece can be used alongside other insulations, the emphasis is on reducing the use of petroleum-based products and 'swapping in' Thermafleece. It's easy.

One burning question of course has been does it cost more? Marginally yes, but it really is marginal, and calculated as a whole, supplied and fitted, there isn’t a great deal in it between a petroleum-based slab insulation and say Thermafleece Cosywool.

We have been specifying Thermafleece for a few years now and have had very positive feedback from Contractors.

We continue to seek more materials and practices that have a lighter impact on our planet to use alongside Thermafleece. There is a myriad of approaches to sustainable design and construction, and this is one very small part, but lots of small parts can make a whole! 

Sustainability is a behavioural shift, a change in every-day thinking and we urge people to make small, constant changes to their choices and behaviours as they move toward more sustainable living.

Contact

Guernsey Studio

Guelles Court
Guelles Lane
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 2DD

9am - 5:30pm   |   01481 712633

contact@pfaarchitecture.com

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Chloe Whitmore

E: chloe.whitmore@pfaarchitecture.com

T: 01481 712633

Chloe is the first point of contact in the Guernsey studio. She has moved from a career of more than 20 years in the legal profession to managing a creative environment and its people - a welcome change for her! Her experience and legal background are a great asset for the Group.

Ollie Muston MCIAT

E: ollie.muston@pfaarchitecture.com

T: 01481 712633

Having been educated and grown up in Guernsey and developing a passion for technical design work, information technology and an intrigue for building design and history during his GCSE years, Oliver decided to commence his career in 1999 as an Architectural Technologist with Lovell Ozanne one of the largest architectural practices in the Channel Islands,  During those first inspiring 9 years he gained his BTEC HNC qualification increasing his fundamental experience and developing his knowledge base by working on multi-million pound commercial and residential developments including, Mixed Use and Redevelopment Areas (MURA), offices, apartments and industrial units.  

Moving to the States of Guernsey’s Property Services Team in 2008, Oliver was able to learn invaluable working skills and practices, increasing his expanding skillset in tendering and contract administration, whilst having the opportunity to work on public buildings and the differing challenges brought about by these types of projects. These projects encompassed education premises, States buildings with high security requirements, projects at the airport and harbours and fully accessible health facilities.  Full Accessibility audits for the health facilities became a prominent project for Oliver as his career progressed and he carried out a number of audits and reports for substantial business within the Island.

Now with a total of 21 years’ experience within the industry, his expansive knowledge not only covers all areas of a very vast field, but includes all aspects of a project from inception right through to the final handover of a completed project; which, for Oliver is the most rewarding experience. 

Oliver’s exceptional wealth of knowledge has lead him to gain his chartership with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and was formally invited to become an Interview Assessor for the Institute in 2015, a position limited to only a small number and in which someone can only be invited by the Institute.  Oliver completed the necessary assessor training a few months later.  

Ever striving to continue growing and expanding his professional knowledge, Oliver is a driven member of PF+A and one of the top in his field. With his professional yet friendly approachable nature he is an individual able to facilitate and communicate to clients, contractors, sub-contractors and other third parties to ensure that a project is always the best it can be.  Internally an exceptional trainer to the less experienced members of the team with an ease of teaching methods to ensure an unseamingly level of continuity for their development.

In his spare time Oliver enjoys spending time with his young family of three daughters, experiencing travelling and cultural diversity and of course Guernsey’s beautiful outdoor environment.