AWO Senior Centre
For the AWO retirement home in Cologne-Ehrenfeld, the architectural firm P2] Architekten was called in to renovate the existing building. In addition to the redesign of the entrance area with a new cafeteria and the installation of a winter garden, the entire façade had to be renewed due to its poor condition. The renovation of existing buildings is not only of aesthetic importance, thermal optimisation is key. For that reason, FOAMGLAS® thermal insulation was used.
Problems with the façade of a building affect the appearance and functionality of the wall construction. This is not limited to moisture absorption: air backwash, lack of dimensional stability, processing errors, pest infestation and algae growth are additional defects that limit the protective function of the façade and the thermal insulation. In the long term, the building fabric could be affected.
To improve the thermal insulation, a new outer skin with FOAMGLAS® insulation can be applied in combination with a thick layer plaster. In addition to the slim construction, the insulation and plaster shell offer the advantage of a trouble-free wall construction, which is stable and vermin-proof.
Any openings between the window reveal and the building structure can be bridged with easy to install FOAMGLAS® thermal insulation without additional auxiliary structures, blocking access for rodents and vermin to the interior of the building. The Federal Institute for Materials Testing in Berlin has tested cellular glass for vermin resistance.
FOAMGLAS® is superior to conventional insulation materials. With a material structure made of countless glass cells, a high thermal insulation capacity is achieved. The vapour barrier is already incorporated in the material technology.
Result: FOAMGLAS® is resistant to gnawing or drilling insects and vermin.
