Timber loft ladders have been fitted into a development of fifteen energy-efficient new-build homes in Kinlet, Shropshire. The ‘Designo‘ was chosen for both it’s thermal insulation and airtight seal, as well as its high-quality aesthetic finish.
The challenge…
Shingler Construction are in the final stages of new-build housing project in the Shropshire village of Kinlet. The development of fifteen homes is a mix of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses. Furthermore, they are all built to a high standard and designed for energy efficient performance. As such, they are especially well insulated and fitted with air-source heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
Each house required a loft ladder for access to the solar inverters for maintenance, which reside in the loft. Much like many new-build homes, the loft is not deemed suitable for storage. The homes are insulated at ceiling level, therefore the loft ladders must provide excellent thermal insulation, as well as an airtight seal. Furthermore, given the high-quality specification of the homes it was important that the finish of the loft hatch also met that requirement.
Timber loft ladder for access to solar inverters.
The Solution…
The project’s architect specified the Designo for use in each of the new homes. This high specification timber loft ladder provides excellent thermal insulation and an airtight seal. Passivhaus certification was not deemed necessary on this project, although is available. Therefore, the standard Designo was chosen.
Another key benefit of the Designo is that it can be made-to-measure. As such, the hatches were manufactured to suit an aperture of 1200mm x 565mm and sit comfortably between the ceiling joists. An installation allowance of 10mm on each side allows for any intolerance within the aperture, but also ensures insulation (such as stone wool) can be inserted into the gap to maintain the thermal performance of the ceiling and prevent cold draughts.
The discrete recessed opening mechanism and concealed hinges give the Designo attic ladders a high-quality finish, to match the new homes they are being fitted in. The hatches can be comfortably opened via the special wooden operating pole, which features an 8mm square bit on one end (pictured here) and a hook on the other.
In addition to the thermal performance and aesthetic benefits of the Designo, another feature that makes it particularly well suited to this project is its strength. Most timber loft ladders are made with the ladder fixed to the trapdoor/hatch. This means that the hinges must take all of the load and therefore limits the amount of weight the ladder can carry. However, the timber ladder of the Designo is fixed to the hatch box frame. As a result, it can carry a greater load and is rated for up to 180 kg per tread. As such, it is ideal for contractors doing maintenance on the solar inverters.
Discrete recessed opening mechanism.
The results…
The full potential of the Designo timber loft ladders will not be realised until the building project is complete and the new homes are being lived in. However, Shingler Construction have installed two-thirds of the ladders and commented on how easy it was. They also praised the functionality of the Designo…
“The ladders are very strong, well balanced and light weight to use, which compliments the high end the homes they are building.”
Hugh, Site Manager – Shingler Construction
Premier Loft Ladders will continue to follow the project and provide a further update upon completion.
Case study photo gallery
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Other timber loft ladders…
Premier Loft Ladders offer a selection of timber loft ladders to meet a range of unique needs. These include two Passivhaus certified loft ladders, as well as the more traditional Cadet 3. Furthermore, the ProfiLine offers up to 60-minutes of fire protection.
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