Go Large!

Published by Angela May for AFPR in Education and also in Local Government

Enhanced design, accelerated and more cost-effective build process, and improved building performance can be achieved using an evolutionary system developed by McVeigh Insulations.

The company, whose heritage goes back three generations, is already an established player in the design, fabrication, supply and install of structural insulated panels (SIPs) for school construction. Now, McVeigh Insulations is adding a new dimension, with technology enabling production and processing of panels up to 7m x 3.8m high, complete with all window and door penetrations pre-formed to further enhance the structural integrity of the completed structure without additional secondary reinforcement. The large format panels are so strong and lightweight that McVeigh Insulations maintains it can build up to five storeys high before needing additional horizontal/ load-bearing support.

The processing capability coupled with McVeigh’s complete package approach, from design to installation, makes, the company believes, a unique offering in the market. It simplifies project management for both specifier and main contractor, and yields a better performing building in terms of carbon footprint, energy efficiency and sustainability: U values as low as 0.1W/m2K can be achieved with reduced air leakage over similar panel systems, as demonstrated at projects including the award-winning Castle Rock High School, John Ferneley High School and the new Northern Ballet headquarters.

“SIPS are becoming a preferred option in panel construction, because of the improved thermal performance, sustainable benefits, build speed and ‘whole project’ cost savings they bring,” says Jim McVeigh, director. “Specifiers and contractors also appreciate the additional time savings and reduced hassle factor of being able to deal with just one company- ie McVeigh Insulations- to in effect ‘project manage’ the construction of the building shell, from initial design to installation, with the added reassurance that all elements are undertaken in-house and thus under our full quality control.”

McVeigh Insulations has over 80 years’ experience in creation of insulated structures with low air leakage, working for organisations including retailers Tesco and Sainsbury’s, hotel chains including Travelodge and Park Inn, leisure companies such as Xscape- building all of its indoor real snow ski slopes in the UK, and most major contractors. Its projects range from one of the first 1million ft2 cold stores in the UK through schools to housing.