illbruck is signposting specifiers to the value of using its sustainable solutions for a ‘fabric first’ approach, to achieve long-term energy efficiency from the outset for their projects.

The fabric first approach offers compelling sustainability, environmental and economic benefits by prioritising the design and energy performance of the building’s fabric.

illbruck’s lock tight sealing and bonding solutions form the perfect fit for this method of building design, offering exceptional compliance, sustainability, and energy efficiencies for windows, façades, interiors and exteriors.

Alistair Inglis, Sales Director for Construction Products Group (CPG) UK’s Sealing, Bonding & Insulation division – which includes the illbruck brand – said: "The ‘fabric first’ approach has been championed for many years within Passiv Haus projects across the UK, and this approach to building design has greatly shown its worth.

"It involves maximising the performance of the building’s components and materials of the building fabric, rather than relying on technology to improve a building’s energy efficiency and sustainability credentials.

"There are several reasons why buildings across the UK often fail to live up to the performance anticipated at the design and build stage. These can include, poor workmanship, occupants’ behaviour whilst in use, inadequate maintenance of the building or the incorrect specification or substitution of key materials during the construction phase.

"Tackling the difference between the ‘as designed’ and ‘as-built’ energy performance of a building, termed the ‘performance gap,’ is going to become increasingly significant.

"This comes against a backdrop of stricter building regulations across the UK, which have put the industry under more pressure to consider long-term energy efficiency measures from the outset. Recent amendments to Part L of UK Building Regulations mean that, from June 2022, all new builds are required to be ‘nearly zero energy’.

"Increasing energy prices are also creating a desire for greater energy efficiencies.

"The fabric first approach can help to reduce or eliminate the performance gap by prioritising the design and energy performance of the building’s fabric.

"Concentrating on the performance of the building envelope, tackling energy loss through walls, floors, windows and roof, removes the reliance on mechanical or electrical technologies to improve a building’s energy efficiency and sustainability credentials.

"Architects, specifiers main contractors and developers instead focus on maximising airtightness, eliminating thermal bridging, using thermal mass, as well as optimising a dwelling’s level of insulation, ventilation and solar gains.

"By taking this approach they also reduce the ongoing operational, carbon emissions and maintenance costs for the lifetime of the building."

illbruck is well placed to support architects and specifiers looking to gain a sustainable advantage in the installation of doors and windows to meet the new demands for energy efficiency.

Systems include TP654 illmod TRIO 1050 window and door sealing tape, which features new geometric technology to ensure warm (or cold) air is kept within the structure.

To achieve airtightness TP654’s design includes closed cell foam and airtight film technologies, combined with a new geometrical shape for maximum performance.

The system offers exceptional acoustic qualities and weather tightness, and safety features as standard, including the reassurance of a B1 flammability class.

Longevity is also assured, with TP654 formulated to robustly withstand weather conditions including UV rays and driving rain resistance up to 1050 Pa.

illbruck is one of CPG UK’s family of brands, which cater for the complete building envelope under a single-source solution.

Alistair Inglis added: "Through CPG UK’s brands, architects, specifiers, main contractors and developers can find a selection of products suitable for buildings, utilising the fabric first approach, from a single-source supplier.

"These include Nudura solid insulated wall systems and Dryvit external wall insulation systems, which together boast a combined BBA accreditation and provide an extremely thermally efficient solution, as well as illbruck’s range of sealing, bonding, and insulation products,such as TP654 and our range of multi-functional tapes and membranes, several of which also carry BBA accreditation.

"Ultimately, combining all CPG UK brands provides peace of mind that dwellings will be weathertight, airtight and achieve a durable, long-lasting building solution."

Illbruck and CPG UK technical teams can help architects and specifiers to achieve the fabric first approach.

More details about illbruck TP654 can be found at https://www.illbruck.com/en_GB/discover-our-new-tp654-illmod-trio-1050/