Kooltherm K17, an insulated plasterboard product from Kingspan Insulation was specified for the new National Archives Building in Christchurch to ensure thermal performance and energy efficiency.
Designed by Designgroup Stapleton Elliott, the National Archives Building was completely rebuilt after the previous building was destroyed in the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. The building has finally gathered its collection of history from around the country and opened its door to the public after seven years.
The new facility built to house the collection for decades to come has now opened with a stunning new design by a team of architects from Designgroup Stapleton Elliott. Though designed to house history, the new facility has been built with the future in mind, complete with ample space for expansion, secure storage and environmental protection for the precious documents that now take residence in the building.
Prioritising the need to protect and maintain the valuable records, the design brief called for a modern facility that could offer superior vapour management and a controlled, stable temperature to ensure the archives were kept in the best condition possible.
“A Condensation Risk Analysis was carried out at the specification stage of the project to ensure that the product would be able to satisfy the requirements of the build. We were able to confirm Kingspan Kooltherm K17 insulated plasterboard was a great fit for the project,” commented Technical Services Manager, Killian Smith.
“You cannot overlook the assurance you receive from carrying out assessments such as these. It gives everyone the peace of mind that at the end of the day, the final product will deliver what is expected of it. That was especially important in this case.”
Installed to the external walls of the building, Kingspan’s Kooltherm K17 insulated plasterboard offered a continuous insulation solution, resulting in a more consistent thermal performance, reduction in the effects of thermal bridging, and increase in energy efficiency.
“Continuity in insulation is extremely important in creating controlled temperature environments over a long period of time. Unlike other forms of insulation, Kooltherm’s rigid thermoset phenolic core ensures the building envelope is never compromised by an aging product,” added Smith.
