Thermal Performance of Rigid External Insulation from Kingspan

Pilbara Vernacular Demonstration Home
Vernacular home achieves 'bonzer' thermal performance

The newly constructed Pilbara Vernacular Demonstration Home, designed specifically to provide comfort and efficiency in the rugged Pilbara region of northern Western Australia, proves the importance and effectiveness of 'fit for purpose' structures.

As part of a Landcorp program to create a residential dwelling design that perfectly suited the Pilbara climate and character, Gresley Abas Architects specified a range of building features and materials to achieve an incredible 8.1 Star energy efficiency rating.

In particular, the decision to use the K-Series external insulation system from Practica MMC, featuring high performance rigid Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board (50 mm) supplied by Kingspan Insulation, was instrumental in delivering a high energy rating without compromising the clean and lightweight aesthetics of the structure.

Builder Brydon Eaton, from Eaton Building, says plentiful ventilation and shading features required a cladding solution that would be easy to work with, extremely strong, and adaptable to variable home usages throughout the year.

"The K-Series cladding gave us room to move," Brydon says. "It looks wonderful from an aesthetic point of view, and we found that its slimline dimensions and lightness allowed us to work to very fine tolerances. Add to that extremely impressive thermal performance, with high R-Values up to R4.0, and it's clear to see why it was ideally suited to this project."

K-Series also delivers an outstanding BAL-40 fire rating, adding safety to its list of attributes.

The Pilbara Vernacular Demonstration Home can be modeled around different internal floorplans depending on the nature of the occupancy.