The Exsulite-Kooltherm thermal facade system was specified for the five-storey timber framed apartment complex, The Green being developed and built by Australand in Parkville, Melbourne.
Revolutionising affordable living concepts to address Australia’s medium-density housing demand, the Green utilises the latest timber frame construction methodology by Australand, and is also the first five-storey timber framed building completed with Exsulite-Kooltherm thermal facade system in Australia. Australand has utilised its ‘hybrid’ construction methodology that combines commercial disciplines with a domestic trade base.
Australand sought a lightweight thermally efficient walling system to be installed over the timber frame construction on the building to meet their fast track construction criteria and timelines.
Developed jointly by Kingspan Insulation and Dulux AcraTex, the Exsulite-Kooltherm thermal facade system is a proprietary CodeMark accredited non-load bearing, lightweight walling system delivering high performance insulation, lightweight rigidity, exceptional thermal efficiency and a Fire Rated Level (FRL) solution while also assisting with acoustic requirements.
Kase Jong, Senior Estimator from Australand explains that prefabricated technologies and building techniques deliver significant benefits and savings, allowing for greater design flexibility, ease and speed of installation, and excellent thermal and acoustic performance. While hybrid buildings are more labour intensive than concrete based construction of similar scale, the real savings come from the cost benefits of engaging the domestic labour force and supply chain.
The Exsulite-Kooltherm lightweight cladding system helps to reduce construction times when installed over timber framing at multi-storey heights in comparison with conventional building systems.
Key features and benefits of the Exsulite-Kooltherm facade system include high insulation performance (R4-R7 thermal ratings); enhanced worksite safety through the use of ‘drop in’ floor cassettes, avoiding the hazards associated with the construction of floor joists; exceptional thermal efficiency, achieving RT4.6 in a timber-framed wall with a 20mm cavity using just 80mm of Kingspan Kooltherm K5 external wall board; and total system R-values of up to RT7.0 (heat flow in) achievable by adding R2.5 wall batts.
Australand confirms that apartments in The Green have an average performance rating of 7 Stars. The building also features high performance glazing (10.38mm) to enhance acoustic and energy efficiency.
The Kooltherm K5 boards in the Exsulite-Kooltherm thermal facade system are coated with Dulux AcraTex weatherproof coating system.
Image: The Exsulite-Kooltherm facade system provided a faster and more efficient installation process than conventional building systems
