Russell Street, Rothesay
Overview
This Rothesay case study describes thermal performance improvements that were made to 17 Russell Street, which is owned by Fyne Homes Housing Association. Fyne Homes were interested to explore simple interventions that would result in cheaper to heat, warmer homes for their tenants.
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Existing Fabric
The building associated with this case study is constructed of lime bonded whinstone with sandstone dressings. It is also category C listed.
17 Russell Street was constructed as a single dwelling, but is now two flats. The glazing is perhaps original, of a single glazed sash type. The front door is also thought to be from the late 19th century. Both windows and doors are in generally good condition.
Thermal Upgrades
The tenant in the property at Russell Street did not want any internal disruptions while work was carried out. It was therefore decided to limit improvements to windows and the front door. A sliding sash secondary glazing system was installed on the interior side of the three main windows of the property. The lower section can be opened, to allow the existing windows to be opened for ventilation.
The front door of the property had sections of 10mm aerogel blanket applied to the internal faces of the existing panels. A thin plywood was fixed over the insulation, and the door was then repainted.
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Building Element:Front Door
Construction Details: Hardwood timber, four panels, 19 mm thickness
Pre-upgrade U-value: 3.9 W/m²K
Upgrade Details: 10 mm aerogel boards
Post-upgrade U-value: 0.8 W/m²K
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The measures adopted in the Russell Street properties in Rothesay were relatively simple but have demonstrated good levels of thermal improvement. By retaining the existing windows and doors, there was little impact on the original fabric, nor any disruption to the tenants.
The improvement measures outlined in this case study could be replicated in similar homes across Scotland.
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