While offsite construction is relatively well established, CLT manufacturing is a relatively immature market in the UK. Yet Ecosystems Technologies is not only leading on it, but doing so using only Scottish homegrown timber. This ensures it is fully traceable and keeps transport to a minimum.
Such a commitment to sustainable materials and local supply chains is reflected in all of the company’s material specifications, and is how they came to recommend the Proctor Group’s membranes to Social Bite.
“We use the Proctor Group’s membranes pretty much as standard,” noted Owen Young.
Proctor Group has supplied three different membranes to the project:
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Wraptite® UV, which combines properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering product, and is specifically designed for use behind open-jointed cladding. Applied externally, Wraptite UV acts as the main airtightness layer for the units.
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Procheck® Adapt is a variable-permeability vapour control layer which is capable of adapting to changes in humidity levels, becoming more resistant in winter and more permeable in summer. Applied to the units internally, it protects the fabric from potential condensation risks and is also an airtight barrier.
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Proctor Air® is an air and vapour permeable, highly water-resistant roofing underlay. Normally used on pitched roofs, in this case it was installed on the flat roofs to provide temporary protection and help to retain the wood fibre insulation.
Speaking about the decision to supply the membrane products and associated tapes, Proctor Group’s Managing Director, Keira Proctor, said:
“Being involved in the Social Bite Villages project has been an incredibly rewarding experience for all involved at the Proctor Group. Supporting such a transformative initiative with our membrane solutions aligns with our values of community and sustainability. It has been a privilege to contribute to spaces that are not only built to last but also meaningful in the lives of those they support.”
More than 17,000 people live in temporary accommodation in Scotland, often spending long periods in sub-standard conditions – isolated, under curfews, and without access to proper cooking facilities.
In contrast, Social Bite villages offer high-quality homes where people can build skills and confidence through support and wellbeing activities, as part of a community, while they wait for permanent housing.
“We spoke to Ecosystems Technologies’ preferred suppliers to try and work with a familiar supply chain as much as possible,” said Richard Miller. “So many of those companies have been really supportive, to a level I haven’t experienced before. Social Bite is very grateful to the Proctor Group for the products supplied and the very helpful technical advice and support.”
