weber.therm XM External Wall Insulation System Enable Perfect Style Finish For Contemporary Hertfordshire Homes

Published by Jackie Biggin for Weber in Housing

Two stunning modern homes have recently been constructed at Radlett in Hertfordshire where the perfectly “clean-skin” exterior wall finish has been achieved by using the weber.plast TF decorative render over polystyrene insulation as part of the weber.therm XM External Wall Insulation (EWI) system.

 By choosing the weber.therm EWI render system the design has eliminated the “scars” of cavity wall vents and weep holes to achieve the perfectly clean facings finish designed by Nicolas Tye Architects of Bedfordshire. The clean lines are further enhanced by the choice of pure white render finish which brings these stylish, modern architectural designs into relief with other traditional white render homes in the area.

“Our client had some clear views on the look to be achieved for these properties,” reports Nicolas Tye. “Our own philosophy is to be brave in design concepts, using simple elemental references to other properties in the area, which determined that the cleanest possible panel walling finish should be achieved. By selecting the weber.therm EWI insulated render system, and using a pre-stressed panel construction technique, we have been able to provide the cleanest, sharp edge surface finish for these outstanding new homes. This enhances the visual appearance where we have large glazed areas and strong vertical and linear feature lines. The weber. therm XM EWI system uses polystyrene insulation slabs finished with weber.plast TF150 through-coloured, acrylic based, composite decorative render. This gives an excellent and even textured finish which balances light reflection and also enhances the striking visual appearance of the clean skin finish.”

These two beautifully finished properties in Radlett have been constructed by McGrath Construction of Brookmans Park and Barry McGrath is impressed by the performance of the weber.therm XM EWI system.   “I have not used this system before but the design specification showed that the refined surface finish was ideal for the style we wanted to achieve. The weber.plast TF150 was applied by an experienced contractor and achieved our aims of sharp lines and textured surface finish.  The thermal insulation benefits are an enormous bonus.”

The weber.plast TF textured synthetic coatings are pre-mixed and delivered ready to apply in wet form. The excellent climatic performance gives a reliable solution for harsh or exposed conditions. The thin coat application process is ideal where lightweight backgrounds are used. In the construction of these Radlett homes polystyrene insulation had been applied to the wall panelling below the render decorative finish. weber.rend LAC is applied as the first coat over the insulation with meshcloth reinforcement. Whilst the Radlett properties are finished in pure white, weber.plast TF render is available in a wide variety of colours and forms part of a number of BBA approved insulation systems which also allow for mineral fibre or phenolic insulation alternatives to polystyrene.