The document describes the Ziegel system, an innovative honeycomb clay building block system that provides structure, insulation, and air quality benefits. It is faster to build with than other masonry, offers good thermal and air performance, and has been proven over thousands of buildings. A case study describes how the system was used to build a Sure Start facility and allowed the architect to achieve design goals of ecology, cost, and performance through its single-skin masonry construction.

1. INOVATIVE
CONSTRUCTION
(ZIEGEL SYSTEM)
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2. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
 ThermoPlan Ziegel is a honeycomb clay
building block.
 It is faster and simpler to build with, will
out perform other masonry systems and
yet offers similar built costs.
 ThermoPlan (known as Ziegel on the
continent) is proven over hundreds of
years and many thousands of buildings.

3. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
 Very simple
 quick
 robust construction method.
 Typically aThermoPlan Ziegel build is 3 or 4
times as fast as other masonry systems - with
less potential for problems.
 Excellent thermal insulation :
 good U-Values and very low psi (Y)Values allow
ThermoPlan Ziegel to perform incredibly well,
with no other insulation required.

4. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
 Good over heating control due to thermal
mass of block.
 Simple route to good, long-lasting
airtightness.
 Breathing construction - improving indoor air
quality.
 Full system including all external and internal
blocks, lintels, mortars, plasters, renders,
fixings etc.

5. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
 MMC approved system
 Sustainable, achieving BREEAM Green Guide
A rating
 30% less embodied CO2 than comparable
cavity wall
 Non-toxic and sustainable materials.

6. ZIEGEL SYSTEM

7. Case Study
 Sure Start Sheerness is one of a
programme of centres being built
across the country under the
Government’s programme to
provide better facilities and
support for preschool age children
and their families.

8. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
 It comprises 1100 sqm of multi
purpose accommodation in three one
storey blocks and one two storey
block.
 The facilities include the Sure Start
administration offices, a fifty place
day-nursery, a family services unit and
a wing for primary care trust patient
services for the local area.

9. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
• The architect’s objective was to design a
building with a good ecological profile
• consisting of a single skin of masonry
which provided both the structural shell
and the insulation required to exceed the
current building regulations.

10. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
• The architect also wished to minimise the
use of cement based materials and utilise a
system which encompassed robust detailing
throughout.
• Natural BuildingTechnologies(NBT) role in
project

11. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
• NBT provided the system for the structural
shell and external and internal finishes of the
building.
• This necessitated close liaison with the
architect from early on in the design phase of
the project as the system was an innovative
method of construction in the UK.

12. ZIEGEL SYSTEM

14. Performance
• The external walls were constructed using 365mm
Plan-Ziegel, fired clay insulating blocks with a thin
joint system, to achieve a U value of 0.30W/m2K.
Internally dense acoustic Ziegel blocks were used.
• Internally lime gypsum and lime plasters were
used, also from Baumi Bayosan.

15. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
• The blocks are highly vapour permeable with a
very low equilibrium moisture content.
• In conjunction with the Baumit Bayosan
renders and plasters this ensures a
“breathable” and dry construction, providing a
healthy and thermally efficient structure.

16. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
15mm Mineral Render-System & Mineral Paint
300mmT11 Ziegel Block (thin bed mortar system)
12mm Mineral Plaster NBT BreathableTrade Emulsion 365
The blocks also have good thermal mass, keeping the building
cool in summer and warm in winter.

17. ZIEGEL SYSTEM

18. Buildability
The thin bed system means no restriction on the
height of build per day.
Plan Ziegel blocks offer a fast method of
constructing a masonry
shell with robust detailing throughout.

19. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
All membranes, cold bridging and
damp, cold cavities are eliminated with this
form of construction.
The dry interlocking perps allow fast, easy
building without the risk of
acoustic or thermal leakage.

20. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
Standard profile blocks were used to
create in-situ cast lintels and vertical
service ducts for soil pipes.
A pre-cast concrete floor with a span of eight metres which
rests directly on the Ziegel blocks was used at first floor level in
one section of the building.

21. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
Design Issues:
From architect:This method of
construction though standard in
much of Europe did throw up some
design challenges, but none which
could not be satisfactorily
addressed.

22. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
The system allowed us to
achieve our design
objectives particularly in
respect of:
Ecology
cost and performance.

23. Build Issues
Progress in constructing
the masonry shell was
fast.
There are clearly
important advantages
to be gained through
single skin construction.

24. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
Cost:
 Commentary:The project was late in starting
due to unforeseen circumstances at tender
stage.
 A full cost appraisal will be undertaken by the
architect/contactor once the project is
complete.
 Speed of build and robustness give additional
cost benefits

25. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
 Ziegel Smartwall is suitable for
buildings up to 4 storeys high for
housing and apartment
developments, and can also be
used for basement and cellar
areas.

26. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
 The system is easy to work with
on site and can easily be cut using
an alligator saw.
 The adhesive layer is applied
using a roller applicator ensuring
that the correct quantity is
delivered onto the block surface.

27. ZIEGEL SYSTEM
 The product can be finished externally with
any lightweight cladding system such as
render, brick slips or decorative cladding
board.
 Ziegel Smartwall can also be used in
conjunction with external woodfibre
insulation for added thermal performance.