Schoeck finds the French connection

摘要

Bermondsey Spa in south London is an award-winning scheme of more than 2,000 homes, offices, shops and open spaces. The latest phase, for which Willmott Dixon is main contractor, involves four blocks of up to 10 storeys high. These are post-tensioned concrete frames and 220 mm deep, two-way post-tensioned flat slabs. With concrete having such a high thermal conductivity, the prevention of thermal bridging at connectivity points throughout the project is a critical consideration, but there are other factors too. If low internal temperatures around the thermal bridge are below the dew point of the air, condensation will form. This can lead to structural integrity problems with absorbent materials. Worse, it encourages mould growth.