Context

H+H Standard Grade Celcon Blocks were used for an exclusive development of 5 luxury homes in Bunbury, Cheshire.

The rural location presented a number of challenges for delivering the materials to site so local merchant Travis Perkins worked closely with contractor Slater Homes Ltd to deliver the H+H Celcon Blocks in allocated time slots.

Product supplied

Celcon Blocks are BBA certified, fire-resistant (up to 4 hours on 100mm walls or up to 2 hours if loadbearing), and have been classified 0 surface spread of flame and non-combustible to Class A1 (the highest class). They are available in thicknesses from 75 to 215mm.

H+H Celcon Blocks are also more resistant to sulfate attack than dense aggregate concrete blocks and increased protection from spalling – where blocks crack under the stress of constant freeze/thaw cycles during Britain’s cold and wet winter months.

Where they differ from their competitors, however, is through their superior thermal performance. By using H+H Celcon Blocks in this new development, Slater Thomas were able to achieve u-values of 0.2w/m2k with a 125mm cavity.

Linear thermal bridging is a major source of heat loss and the use of aircrete has a major benefit in reducing this by leakage through the masonry into the roof, floors and external walls. Heat loss from junctions can now account for as much as 30% of the heat lost through the fabric of a building. It is therefore becoming increasingly important for housebuilders to consider the thermal performance of the building materials they are using.

Testimonial

Slater Homes Ltd said: “We were very happy to use the H+H Celcon Blocks as specified by the architect on the project, Stewart Thorley. Local supplier Travis Perkins in Nantwich always stock H+H Celcon Blocks so I knew the product could be relied upon to do a good job.

“The blocks were very easy to use and allowed us to build incredibly quickly – delivering great cost savings for us a small housebuilder.”