The new SASH developments – Social Housing with a difference!

The brief given to Fat Parrot Architecture by the Salvation Army for their new Auckland SASH units was simple; ‘Help us create great social housing communities which really enhance peoples quality of life’.  There was a real desire to look at the problem with a fresh set of eyes and be innovative.  They were keen to create ‘something better’ and not just add to NZ’s large stock of minimum spec housing, where residents are often forced to decide between ‘heating or eating’ through the winter months.

After researching the costs and benefits of various construction methods, the team at Fat Parrot settled on the Formance SIPS (structural insulated panel system) as their construction system for the SASH developments, which are currently under construction around the Auckland region.  Experience SIPS builders Meridian Construction were engaged early on as the main contractor, which helped keep control of costs on a tight project budget.

For the design and build teams, thermal performance & speed of construction were the deciding factors in going with SIPS over standard timber framing.  SIPS generally have higher R values compared to a timber framed wall with fibrous insulation of similar thickness, due to the type of insulation used and the lack of thermal bridges within the panel.  As SIPS buildings are constructed using solid panels on the roof and walls, the buildings are often closed in more quickly which allows interior work to take place earlier.

On the SASH units SOLITEX MENTO 1000 connect was applied to all roof/soffit areas once the panels were erected.  MENTO 1000 is a WRB (weather resistive barrier) membrane which is extremely water-resistant while being highly vapour permeable, so construction moisture (if any) can dry off once installed.  The laps of the MENTO 1000 are sealed with the built-in ‘connect’ adhesive strips on either edge of the sheet and are staple fixed under the lap above the connect strip only, to avoid wind driven moisture wicking up the laps. 

TESCON NAIDECK butyl tape was used under the ventilated cavity battens on the roof to ensure all screw penetrations through the MENTO 1000 were made watertight.  SOLITEX EXTASANA WRB was used on all wall panels and connects to the MENTO 1000 on the roof.  TESCON EXTOSEAL one piece sill tape was applied to window/door openings, and TESCON EXTORA used for sealing laps in the wall underlay and above the joinery head flashings.  As with other building control layers (air, vapour, thermal) this combination of products ensures continuity of the exterior water control layer, which is essential for the durability and performance of the SIPS long term.       

Panelised constructions such as SIPS are naturally quite airtight, especially once the interior panel joints are taped as per manufacturers recommendations.  Blower door testing conducted at the SASH Westgate units showed an average Air Permeability (or air leakage) through the building envelope of less than 3m3/hr/m2 of envelope area @50Pa pressure difference, which is roughly half the amount of air leakage you might expect to see in a typical new timber framed house. 

An airtight thermal envelope allows more efficient use of the heat generated within the unit and ensures internal moisture does not infiltrate and condense within the construction causing mould growth.  And if you are using a balanced ventilation system, the more airtight the better to give you have more control of the interior climate.  Lunos discreet through wall MHRV systems are installed into every unit to ensure a constant supply of fresh drier air, with heat being recovered from the extracted moisture laden air.  So, there should be no need to open windows on a cold Winters morning to ventilate the interior. 

Architect Llyween Watts said a key design feature of the SASH developments is that all units have a North facing living room and a private North facing outdoor living area, to ensure all residents can enjoy the benefits of natural sunlight and warmth inside and outside.  Each unit has a small panel heater fitted as required by building regulations, but Llyween doubts the residents will need to use them much as even during construction the thermal comfort was very evident, a fact all parties involved are thrilled with and great news for those who will very soon be making these units their homes!