Schöck meets curved balcony challenge in Docklands

Curved façade meant a tight radius

The first being that there was a tight radius in which to position the thermal breaks, due to the unusual curved styling on the façade. To resolve the issue, the Schöck Isokorbs were supplied with alternating depths of rebar and 35 mm and 50 mm concrete cover to the tension bars. This allowed the rebar in the Isokorb to sit underneath the internal slab reinforcement and not clash with the bars from the Isokorbs on either side of each unit. In addition, Schöck also had to create a bespoke unit for one of the balcony types, where a beam was introduced to the balcony by the Structural Engineer, to reduce the deflection of the slab. The thermal break had to both connect the beam back to the slab, which required a bespoke unit in itself and also connect the beam at an angle to the insulation line.

Totally verifiable performance

The product type used at Gateway Tower is for concrete-to-concrete, but the comprehensive Isokorb range from Schöck also offers solutions for concrete-to-steel situations, a modular product for steel-to-steel applications – and even a maintenance free alternative to wrapped parapets. When any Isokorb product type is incorporated into residential buildings, the required fRsi value – the temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk that must be equal to or greater than 0.75 – is always comfortably met. The range also complies with the Government Standard Assessment Procedure, SAP 2012, concerning CO2 emissions from buildings and respectively heat losses through non-repeating thermal bridges. Products meet full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations, have NHBC approval and offer LABC Registration. There is also the security of independent BBA Certification.