Nonsuch Abbeyfield
OPTIM-R and tapered roofing systems help create a comfortable environment at a retirement village
Case Study4 min read
Situated in a picturesque canalside location, Here East provides over 110,000 m2 of flexible studio, work and retail spaces. The design adds colour and creativity to the once windowless, monolithic façade of The Broadcast Centre. The building has been opened up with a new projecting unitised curtain-wall system and recessed terraces helping to add depth and interest to the building. The stunning results saw it crowned as Building of the Year by the Architects’ Journal in 2018.
LOCATIONLondon, UK
ProductsOPTIM-R Roofing System
A pedestal floor construction was chosen for the three large recessed terraces and to ensure the space below was effectively insulated, whilst also maintaining a level transition from the adjoining space, the OPTIM-R Roofing System was used.
Unlike conventional insulation materials, OPTIM-R features a vacuum insulation core with a microporous structure. This design allows the panels to achieve a declared thermal conductivity of just 0.007 W/mK – lower than commonly used insulation materials. Rigid insulation infill panels of the same thickness are also included within the system. These are fitted around the perimeter of the terrace and can also be cut to allow for penetrations through the insulation layer or to fill spaces between the OPTIM-R vacuum insulation panels (VIPs).
Operatives from Kingspan Insulation’s OPTIM-R design service developed detailed system layouts for the three recessed terrace areas – ensuring the optimal ratio of OPTIM-R VIPs to infill panels. Onsite, a vapour control and protective rubber crumb layer were first laid above the concrete deck. 25 and 30 mm OPTIM-R panels were then laid above this in two layers followed by a 30 mm layer of XPS insulation. The floor pedestals were then fitted over the insulation layer – ready to receive the terrace floor layer.
Page updated 21/01/2026
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