Modern technology for green buildings - revitalization of a 19th-century farmhouse made possible by innovative ISOVER insulation
The "In the clouds" hotel is an excellent example of a successful combination of innovation and respect for tradition. Neglected nineteenth-century farm buildings, thanks to the determination and unconventional approach of investors, preserved their historical character and at the same time gained a new function, becoming an intimate place for relaxation.
A key role in the renovation of the building was played by the use of modern technologies, including materials that increase the energy efficiency of the building and have minimal impact on the environment, such as ISOVER MULTIMAX 30 PRO glass wool with veil. With its help, it was possible to create a building that not only impresses with its appearance and functionality, but is also a manifestation of concern for nature and an expression of a responsible approach to design.
Hotel "In the clouds" in Komarno during revitalization ©PORT Architekci
© ISOVER
With respect for history, with an eye to the future
Hotel "W obłokach" is located in the small village of Komarno, at the foot of Skopec, the highest peak of the Kaczawskie Mountains, which are part of the Sudetes. The picturesque location and the respect of the investors, architects Martyna and Marcin Kolanus, for the history of the dilapidated farmstead, made the place they created charming with tranquility and allows contact with nature and escape from the urban bustle. Achieving such an effect, however, required a great deal of patience and determination, as the renovation of the neglected, more than 150-year-old property presented many challenges. The biggest of these was stopping the progressive deterioration of the building, which was in very poor condition and required immediate intervention.
In addition to replacing the roof trusses, which were unable to support a new roof, it was necessary to secure the foundations and create drainage around the farm. The investors also decided to remove the brick infill from the six existing farm gates, thereby opening the interiors to the surrounding nature. An additional benefit of this procedure was the ability to maximize natural light into the rooms. And all this while taking into account the new function and preserving the historic character of the building.
ISOVER MULTIMAX 30 PRO
© ISOVER
Ecology in the foreground
The assumption that guided the investors was also the pursuit of sustainable development and maximum reduction of the investment's impact on the environment. For this reason, it was decided to renovate the existing building instead of demolishing it and erecting a new building in its place. Indeed, the revitalization not only made it possible to reduce the consumption of building materials and thus reduce the carbon footprint, but also provided an opportunity to restore the farm to its former glory.
Such an ambitious approach called for innovative, environmentally friendly solutions, including in terms of insulation. Not surprisingly,the choice fell on the most energy-efficient mineral wool insulation material available on the market - ISOVER MULTIMAX 30 PRO. With a record-low lambda λ = 0.030 [W/mK], the product provides the most effective thermal insulation, which translates into a significant reduction in the building's energy requirements for heating in winter and cooling in summer.
Visualization of the interior of the hotel "In the clouds" in Komarno ©PORT Architekci
© ISOVER
"As an architect, I work on projects for new buildings, as well as the thermal modernization of existing buildings. In both cases, the right choice of insulation materials is crucial to meet the high requirements for reducing energy consumption for heating buildings, which has a significant impact on reducing CO₂ emissions in Poland and Europe. When renovating the "In the clouds" hotel, we also paid attention to how the materials used affect the environment. This, among other reasons, is why we decided to use ISOVER MULTIMAX 30 PRO wool, which comes in the form of compressed mats and is made using recycled glass, plus it is produced in Poland, which minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation significantly," Marcin Kolanus stresses.
Installation of ISOVER MULTIMAX 30 PRO wool
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One product, many benefits
High insulation efficiency is one thing, but in the case of buildings undergoing renovation, it becomes a particular challenge to find solutions that maximize the use of existing space and preserve the original layout of the roof or ceilings. The excellent thermal performance of MULTIMAX 30 PRO wool is not only a guarantee of lower bills, but also the possibility of using a smaller thickness of insulation, which was particularly important when insulating the attic of the hotel "In the clouds", where every centimeter of space counted.
Thanks to the lowest lambda on the market, the ISOVER solution allows to reduce the thickness of insulation by more than 18% compared to a material with a heat conductivity coefficient λ =0.039 [W/m2K], which in practice allows to reduce the thickness of the insulation material by as much as 5 cm. This has the effect of increasing the cubic capacity of rooms, while meeting the requirements for thermal insulation of buildings. Equally important from the point of view of the building, which will be used commercially, was fire safety. In this case, mineral wool also worked perfectly, as MULTIMAX 30 PRO is a non-flammable product and its reaction to fire class is A1. Also worth appreciating is the fact that the solution provides additional acoustic insulation, and thanks to innovative fiber production technology, it is distinguished by a very compact structure, which allows easy and precise cutting of the product and minimizes waste on the construction site, and makes MULTIMAX 30 PRO hold very well between the rafters and does not require stringing. Tight filling of the insulated space, in turn, means higher energy efficiency of insulation and the possibility of reducing thermal bridges.
The excellent thermal parameters of MULTIMAX 30 PRO wool allow the use of a smaller thickness of insulation, which is particularly important when insulating attics
© ISOVER
From the contractor's point of view, a big advantage was also the comfort of working with the product. One-sided covering of the wool with glass veil not only facilitated installation work (including marking dimensions, cable penetrations and installations), but also provided high aesthetics of the insulated space and allowed to create an even, uniform surface. The practical label-handle, which made it easier to bring the wool into the attic, also gained recognition. At the same time, it is worth noting that MULTIMAX 30 PRO wool remains complementary to all available drywall systems of the ISOVER and RIGIPS brands, including attic, partition wall and suspended ceiling systems. Selected solutions from both brands, as well as other products from the Saint-Gobain Group's portfolio, were, by the way, used in the investment facilitating the selection of suitable products and allowing to increase the efficiency of construction work.
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