Sto Facade Systems Chosen for 18-Storey Residential Building

Design, development and product expertise are the framework for one of Wellington’s tallest residential buildings, the Frame Apartments. Apartment developers Vicinity, along with Archaus Ltd, created the 18 storey, 54-unit complex in the historic suburb of Thorndon, Wellington.

The use of an in-situ concrete structure, with infill framing to the upper storeys was chosen to give the building added rigidity to tackle Wellington’s renowned winds head on. Weathertight, energy efficient construction was achieved with the specification of the StoTherm Masonry Insulation System to the exterior face of the concrete walls and the StoPoren Panel Facade System to framed areas.

The StoTherm Masonry Insulation System provides insulation and superior weather resistance to the concrete walls. The insulation layer consists of StoTherm EPS Panels, which are glue coated then fixed with StoTherm Countersunk Anchors. The anchors are fitted with insulation caps to prevent thermal bridging through the fixing.

The StoPoren Panel System incorporates non-combustible aerated concrete panels installed over a drained cavity. The StoPoren and StoTherm systems are supported by verification testing to AS/NZS 4284 and are backed by the industry leading StoArmat 20 year Warranty with StoService Assurance.

An increasing focus on the control of external fire spread over building facades led to 200mm wide bands of non-combustible StoTherm Mineral Wool being installed as a fire barrier within the StoTherm insulation layer at every second storey. Where designers want to remove foamed plastics completely, the EPS can be replaced by StoTherm Mineral Wool Panels.

The facade systems are finished with the StoArmat synthetic render system, developed over 50 years and covered by Certifications worldwide. The render system incorporates a mineral basecoat render, StoArmat reinforcement render, Stolit K finishing render and StoColor Maxicryl facade paint, achieving the colourful patchwork pattern and uniform areas. The StoTherm and StoPoren systems meet the NZBC fire spread requirements for exterior surface finishes.

The StoTherm system utilises the concrete’s thermal mass to provide a healthy interior environment, with heating and cooling needs reduced. Wrapping the building in a thermally efficient envelope cuts-down energy loss, reducing energy bills and CO2 emissions, while avoiding interstitial moisture within the building’s structure.

The result is a sustainable, reliable and future-proofed facade; one that is built to combat urban mechanical and environmental stresses.

Project: Frame Apartments, Wellington
Developer: Vicinity
Architect: Archaus Ltd
Sto Contractor: Solid Technology Systems Ltd

StoArmour Facade Panel System

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Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) has evolved into an innovative lightweight concrete building material used worldwide in various construction systems. StoArmour Facade Panel embodies the latest in AAC technology with corrosion-resistant ductile steel reinforcing, delivering a durable facade panel from a dependable supplier.

The StoArmour Facade Panel Cladding System has been appraised as an external wall cladding system for buildings within the following scope:

For residential and light commercial type buildings where domestic construction techniques are used.
The scope limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1.1
Constructed with timber or steel framing complying with the NZBC.
With a risk score of 0-20, calculated in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Table 2

The StoArmour Facade Panel System has also been appraised for weathertightness and structural wind loading within the following scope;

The scope limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1
Constructed with timber and steel framing complying with the NZBC
Including wind pressures up to a maximum design differential ultimate limit state (ULS) of 2.5 kPa

StoArmour Panel is suitable for both residential and commercial buildings. For use with aluminium window and door joinery that is installed with vertical jambs and horizontal heads and sills.

The product will, if employed in accordance with the supplier's installation and maintenance requirements, assist with meeting the following provisions of the building code:

Clause B1 Structure: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.3, B1.3.4
Clause B2 Durability: Performance B2.3.1(b), B2.3.1(c), B2.3.2
Clause E2 External moisture: Performance E2.3.2
Clause F2 Hazardous building materials: Performance F2.3.1

Note: The StoArmour Facade Panel System meets the performance requirements of NZBC Clause B2.3.1 (b), 15 years for the cladding system and plaster finish, and the performance requirements of NZBC Clause B2.3.1 (c), 5 years for the exterior paint system.

The StoArmour Facade Panel System is expected to have a serviceable life of at least 30 years provided the system is maintained in accordance with this Appraisal, and the StoArmour panels, fixings and plaster are continuously protected by a weathertight coating and remain dry in service.

BRANZ Appraised

StoTherm Masonry Insulation

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StoTherm external wall insulations systems conserve energy by wrapping the building in a thermally-resistant envelope, reducing energy bills and CO2 emissions.

The StoTherm Masonry Insulation System has been appraised as an exterior insulating and finishing system for buildings within the following scope:

With Substrates of concrete masonry, in-situ or pre-cast concrete, up to 3 storeys, with a maximum height from ground to eaves of 10m
Supporting structures designed and constructed in accordance with the NZBC
Situated in NZS 3604 Building Wind Zones up to, and including 'Very High'

Bond/fixing, durability and weather tightness of the exterior insulating and finishing system for concrete masonry, in-situ or pre-cast concrete buildings subject to specific design up to a differential design ultimate limit state (ULS) wind pressure of 2.5 kPa.

StoTherm Armat is suitable for both residential and commercial building

The product will, if employed in accordance with the supplier's installation and maintenance requirements, assist with meeting the following provisions of the building code:

Clause B1 Structure: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.3, B1.3.4
Clause B2 Durability: Performance B2.3.1(b), B2.3.1(c)
Clause E2 External moisture: Performance E2.3.2
Clause F2 Hazardous building materials: Performance F2.3.1
Clause H1 Energy efficiency: Performance H1.3.1

Notes: The StoTherm Masonry Insulation System meets the performance requirements of NZBC Clause B2.3.1 (b), 15 years for the plaster system, and the performance requirements of NZBC Clause B2.3.1 (c), 5 years for the exterior paint system.

The StoTherm Masonry Insulation System is expected to have a serviceable life of at least 30 years provided it is maintained in accordance with the Appraisal, the StoTherm Panels, fixings and plasters are continuously protected by a weathertight paint system and remain dry in service and the NZBC external moisture and internal moisture provisions are met.

BRANZ Appraised

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