SOPREMA Products Support Sustainable Affordable Homes in Hounslow

ADVANCING sustainable affordable housing, the thermally-efficient roofing build-up at The Everglades development in Hounslow has been designed with a range of waterproofing and insulation products from SOPREMA, also allowing for the introduction of zero carbon technology and biodiversity onto the roof space.

Contributing the delivery of much-needed housing, The London Borough of Hounslow commissioned architectural practice BPTW to design the new residential scheme on the existing Everglades site as part of a small sites programme in the area.

A regular Approved Installer of SOPREMA products, Essex-based DF Roofing successfully delivered the specification with SOPREMA collaborating with the main contractor, Wates Construction, on all design aspects of the flat roof. Together, the team delivered a watertight solution that met the architect’s specified U-value requirements, all with a 40-year warranty.

DF Roofing Operations Director, Jay Curran, said: “Right from the minute we brought SOPREMA on to the job with us, they supported at every step. From workshops with the Wates Construction team to site visits and inspecting the work throughout the process, we couldn’t have asked for more.”

Warm Roof

The project features a warm, inverted roof, incorporating green roofing areas specified at the planning stage to encourage biodiversity.

For the main roof and larger terrace areas, SOPREMA Duoflex and XPS insulation were used. The high-quality elastomeric bitumen is hot bonded to the concrete substrate as part of the Duoflex Hot Melt waterproofing system, which includes a fleece layer.

Modified with root-repellent additives and reinforced with non-woven polyester, the elastomeric bitumen membrane serves as the upper layer waterproofing system specifically designed for green roofs, ensuring long-term durability and protection.

Insulation

Achieving the required 0.10W/m²K, SOPRAXPS insulation was a priority to support the overall thermal efficiency of the roofing system. The complex roof design and varying slopes meant the insulation had to be installed in small sections, carefully following the curve of the substrate to maintain continuous insulation and prevent thermal bridging.

To withstand varying weather conditions and provide a reliable waterproof layer, the uninsulated balconies were protected using the Sopralene two-layer felt system.

For the terraces, a more intricate insulation solution was needed due to the low door threshold and specific internal floor finishes. Here, a 60mm VIP (Vacuum Insulation Panel) board was sandwiched between 40mm EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) overlay and underlay. This advanced insulation method, supplied by CTF Insulation, allowed the construction team to accommodate the low threshold while still achieving excellent thermal performance.

Through careful specification of SOPREMA’s products, detailed planning and a professionally executed installation, The Everglades project successfully delivered a watertight, energy-efficient roofing system and has set a new standard for sustainable residential development in Hounslow.

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