Linden's green development

When complete, the Market Quarter development in Chippenham will comprise 256 homes ranging from one and two bedroom apartments up to three and four bedroom family homes. It is scheduled that a total of 2,766 m2 of EcoTherm’s Glass-Therm rigid PUR roofing board will be supplied by Raven Roofing Supplies to contractor Colman Roofing, both from Swindon.

The Market Quarter development is designed to achieve the highest possible rating for energy efficiency as set out in the BREEAM-recognised EcoHomes scheme. The scheme allows for four levels of recognition – Pass, Good, Very Good and Excellent – with the ‘Excellent’ rating only going to homes that demonstrate outstanding energy conservation, minimal pollution and a commitment to use green building materials.


EcoTherm PUR and PIR (polyisocyanurate) boards combine exceptional thermal insulation properties with impeccable green credentials. No ozone depleting chemicals are produced in the manufacturing process and the energy consumed during manufacture is repaid after only eight months of energy saving in service. Because they are extremely durable, the boards provide the same high levels of insulation performance almost indefinitely. This means that the energy-conservation capabilities of the building are maintained throughout its full life, with no need to use extra energy to make up for degraded performance or expend further resources in manufacturing and fitting replacement insulation.

Glass-Therm, the EcoTherm product selected for the Market Quarter development is particularly suitable for use with single-ply non-bituminous waterproofing membranes that are required to be fully adhered to the insulating layer. Because Glass-Therm is faced with clay-filled glass tissue on the top surface, and plain glass tissue on the underside, it provides a much better substrate for adhesive bonding than foil facings. This is a major advantage for the single ply pitched roofs in the Market Quarter development and the flat ‘living roof’ that is being created on top of the main apartment block.

The ‘living roof’ has a special drainage layer which is placed over the waterproof membrane. This in turn is covered with soil and seeded with grass and other plants to provide an attractive feature, which also helps to retain rainwater after heavy rainfall, preventing drains from overflowing, and creates a welcome and safe habitat for wild flowers, butterflies and birds.

Dale Kaszycki Marketing Manager of EcoTherm commented, “The Market Quarter development is really paving the way for eco-friendly housing. We are delighted that our products are demonstrating their environmental advantages on such an innovative project.”