SupaWall^® is extremely thermally efficient and independent testing by the National Physical Laboratory has confirmed a u-value of less than 0.12 W/m²K for 140mm stud SupaWall^®.

With external cladding the u-value is usually 0.11 W/m²K. It addresses three key issues required for excellence in thermal efficiency:

• Very low u-values - typically 0.11 W/m²K
• Good performance to resist cold bridging - y-values typically of 0.04 W/m²K
• Good air permeability - as low as 1 m³/m²h @ 50pa

SupaWall^® gives an economic and straightforward solution for The Code for Sustainable Homes at all levels as well as the PassivHaus approach. It also provides a cost-effective way to achieve an 'A-rated' Energy Performance Certificate.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is now required for every new house. The certificate provides 'A' to 'G' ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most energy efficient and 'G' being the least. A good analogy is that of electrical white goods - we have all become used to seeing energy labels on them over the last few years.

Continuing that analogy, now that we are aware of the increased running costs associated with say a 'D' rated freezer, most of us would not buy one, the resale value of such a device has dropped to a very low level and new ones at such a rating have all but disappeared from the shops. The SupaWall System^® is the building equivalent of the most energy efficient appliance.

It is an open policy of both the European Union as well as UK Governments to drive down carbon usage and improve energy efficiency as noted by the recent Climate Change legislation. The EPC is a clear visible outcome of that strategy.

The SupaWall System^® is a high performance closed panel timber frame system that can be used as wall, roof or floor panels for the construction of new buildings as well as for the renovation of existing buildings. These are known as SupaWall^®, SupaRoof^® and SupaFloor^® respectively.

A 140mm stud SupaWall^® combined with SupaRoof^®, SupaFloor^® and judicious use of good quality windows & doors, efficient heating & ventilation and some renewable energy has been shown to provide the most efficient, lowest running cost 'A' option in a variety of situations and dwellings. This provides future-proof top quality homes using standard designs and local vernacular liked by clients. SupaWall^® may also be used for infill panels in multi-storey framed buildings.

Thus the 'top of the range' option is SupaWall^®.

The key component of the SupaWall® is a closed timber-framed panel; usually comprising 140mm studs sheathed both sides with Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and filled with rigid polyurethane foam insulation.

The interior side of the panel is faced with a heat reflective membrane and an air gap is left between it and the internal wall cladding that provides a service zone for electrics and plumbing. The exterior side is faced with a breathable waterproof membrane and 50mm of cavity insulation. The System can be used with any form of interior and exterior cladding, making it very flexible in terms of design and usage.

The advantages of SupaWall^® include:

• Negates the need for 'central' heating
• Significantly reduces heating bills
• Achieves a U-value of 0.11 W/m²K
• Cuts down reliance of on-site construction quality