DuPont™ Tyvek® Advanced Building Membrane Is Fit
| DuPont™ Tyvek® advanced building membranes were selected for the design and construction of the Little Venice Sports Centre in Paddington, West London, United Kingdom. (Photos by Jake Fitzjones for DuPont™ Tyvek®) |
Three high-performance membranes from DuPont Building Innovations played a part in the design, both in protecting the attractive, contemporary structure, while also improving the building’s thermal performance.
DuPont™ Tyvek® UV Facade membrane was used on the rain screen walls of the facility to give vital protection against UV exposure. Robust and easy to work with, DuPont™ Tyvek® also reliably protects against wind, water, interstitial condensation and air-leakage, while allowing for vapor diffusion.
Two other products from the DuPont™ Tyvek® family of advanced membranes also offered protection to other areas of the structure. DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro was featured behind the exterior walls, while DuPont™ Tyvek® VCL SD2 was installed between the insulated steel frame and the internal linings of certain external walls.
According to architect Mark Hewitt, DuPont™ Tyvek® UV Façade was chosen because “the design preference was for an open-jointed timber cladding system [for reasons of material ventilation, solar shading, environmental material management and appearance] and so a breather membrane was required that could withstand the damaging effects of UV radiation. Guaranteed long-term performance was needed to match or exceed that of the cladding, which required no through life maintenance, and the structural integrity of the [DuPont™ Tyvek®] membrane ensures that it is difficult to damage during construction.”
“DuPont™ Tyvek® Supro was specified as the breather membrane behind the secondary steelwork and aluminum rain screen because it offers the good moisture and tear-resistance that was required and has a high vapor-permeability to ensure the external walls can properly breathe, while DuPont™ Tyvek® VCL SD2 provides further vapor control and acts as an important air-leakage barrier,” Mark said.
Users of the new center will be able to enjoy the seven game courts, multi-purpose dance studio, fitness suite, library and fully-equipped information technology skills hub in comfort, while managers can expect to keep energy costs down in this highly-efficient facility.
