Vancouvers LIDO Residential Tower Designed to Break Thermal Bridges with Isokorb
May 10, 2013
By
Canadian Consulting Engineer
Toronto, ON and New York, NY (May 1st, 2013)
— Schöck, the international developer of innovative construction products for thermal insulation, impact sound insulation and reinforcement technology, announced today that Vancouver–based Bosa Properties has incorporated Schock Isokorb® thermal break solutions into the structural design of LIDO, its newest luxury development.
The 21-story residential tower in Vancouver’s False Creek neighbourhood broke ground in May 2012 and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2014. Isokorb, a load-bearing thermal insulation element that connects cantilevered components–balconies, porches or canopies—will connect LIDO’s 34 balconies to the building’s structure.
“Since it was introduced to the North American market last year, Isokorb is growing in popularity, now incorporated in over 24 residential and commercial structures in the U.S. and Canada,” says Alexander Krenczik, CEO of Schock USA Inc.
When balconies are attached to a structure, they naturally create a thermal bridge, a potential weakness in the structure allowing heat and/or cold loss at a much higher rate than through insulated areas like windows or walls. Isokorb minimizes these bridges by forming a thermal break between the balcony and the interior floor while transferring load and maintaining full structural integrity. Isokorb improves comfort, keeping heat near balcony entrances inside, to prevent cold floors.
“Compared to non-insulated concrete connections, the Schöck Isokorb® element can reduce heat and cold losses by 90 percent for standard load-bearing scenarios,” said Matt Capone, Sales Manager of Schock USA Inc. The benefits of Isokorb® also meet key objectives of LEED™ certification, which should help the LIDO project reach its target of LEED™ GOLD, he added.
Developers know that it is imperative to reduce the risk of structural damage from balcony expansion and contraction during summer heat and winter cold, and from moisture condensation at the thermal bridges. Isokorb also mitigates damage from heat and cold by acting like a control joint and allowing horizontal expansion. Isokorb also prevents any condensation at the balcony connection- eliminating condensation at the toppings (e.g. hardwood floor).
Project Team
- Developer: Bosa Properties
- Architect: Neale Staniszkis Doll Adams Architects and Richard Henry
- Structural Engineer: Glotman Simpson
- Products: Schöck Isokorb
