Wraptite complements the health benefits of timber in stylish new Sydney Seed house.
Increasingly architects and designers are turning to natural products such as timber
in seeking to bridge the disconnect between our increasingly busy lives and our
opportunity to connect with nature in the everyday. International studies have long
sought to demonstrate the benefits associated with the use of natural materials in
our homes and workplaces linked to improvements in physical and mental health.
More recently a study by Australian research consultancy Pollinate has been able
to demonstrate benefits links to lower blood pressure, reduced levels of stress and
improved productivity.
One such project which endeavours to maintain these close links and benefits with
nature is the home of leading Australian architect James Fitzpatrick on the Sydney
North Shore, which incorporates Wraptite, from the A. Proctor Group, as an
external air barrier system. A key environmental focus of the design was intended
to ensure that the building would sit comfortably within the natural landscape and
efficiently assist with the heating and cooling of the home.
Cross laminated timber (CLT) was used within the main design, with its excellent
structural properties with some of the walls being up to 300mm thick.
The concept for the Seed House came from spending time in the natural
landscape, collecting seed pods with the intent to use them as plant stock for the
property. The proposed building pods close themselves off from the surrounding
cacophony and leave themselves open to an ever-changing aspect. All pods can be
closed down through doors or curtains from the main dwelling to create a sense
of enclosure, separation or individual thermal control.
Wraptite, a self-adhesive membrane, can fully bond to multiple different substrates
to provide a continuous, self-adhered, airtight, and watertight finish. The unique
characteristics of Wraptite allow moisture vapour to escape the building interior,
whilst maintaining the integrity of the airtight building envelope. Wraptite also
prevents lateral air movement, further enhancing the buildings overall thermal
performance. Wraptite is available in Australia and New Zealand from the Proctor
Group Australia.
The correct management of moisture vapour within buildings is an important
aspect of ensuring the longevity of not only the building fabric but also the health
of the occupants. As today’s structures become increasingly better insulated, more
airtight, and more energy efficient, taking management of moisture into account in
the design process becomes more critical, to ensure that it provides a durable, fit
for purpose environment throughout the building’s lifespan.

Wraptite Sydney Seed House

Photography John Gollings
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