Stoke-on-Trent
Case Study

Project Background

In 2019, Structherm partnered Westdale North to refurbish 7 homes of ‘crosswall’ construction in Stoke on Trent.

Crosswall construction was popular in the 1960s and 70s and is unusual in so far as the end gable and separating party walls were built out of traditional block and brick construction whilst the front and rear elevations were typically formed from a timber frame which was then boarded / sheathed using a variety of materials often including plywood or asbestos panelling.

This unusual construction presented its own refurbishment challenge – the gable and party walls were structurally sound but the front and rear elevations were flimsy timber frame infill panels that move excessively under lateral wind loads and suffer from significant air leakage.

For this reason, Structherm specified their unique hybrid EWI system. This included structural EWI panels to help stiffen and stabilise the weaker front and rear elevations, and a standard EWI system for the gable walls. As both types of panel required consideration the Structherm design team had to create 2 specifications and 2 sets of U value calculations as shown below.

The client was also concerned about the aesthetics of the properties. The black and orange panels, and faded brickwork were very dated and crying out for modernisation. Westdale North looked at the type of bricks originally used and were able to accurately replicate the style using an ArtBrick resin finish. This brought colour back to the brick work and evened out the discolouration on the apex of the gable walls. To brighten the front and add contrast to the brick, a cream render was used for the first floor.