Megan hewitt personal training, Wirral
Introduction
When the government instructed people to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, the gym where Wirral-based personal trainer Megan Hewitt worked closed down. So, Megan and partner Dan decided to build a fitness studio in their garden to allow her to conduct video personal training sessions during lockdown. To ensure the 6m x 3m timber frame building would be suitable for use all year round, it was essential to insulate the roof and walls.
The couple researched various types of insulation online and narrowed it down to mineral wool because of its thermal performance and fire safety. They had three other considerations: it had to be good at blocking noise, have excellent sustainability credentials, and be easy to install, as they planned to fit it themselves.
Project Details
- Principle Architect: Not specified
- Main Contractor: Not specified
- Subcontractor: Not specified
- Products Used: OmniFit® Slab 35
The Challenge
Their research showed that Knauf Insulation 50mm and 70mm OmniFit® Slab 35 ticked all the boxes. It is a multi-application slab, meaning the couple didn’t need to purchase separate products for the roof and walls. What’s more, it offers a higher level of thermal performance than alternative versatile slabs on the market.
It is manufactured from glass mineral wool and is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not add to the development or spread of a fire should it occur.
Our Solution & Products Involved
As any exercise fanatic knows, a good workout needs a strong soundtrack and Megan wanted to motivate clients without becoming a noisy neighbour. OmniFit® Slab 35 provides excellent levels of acoustic performance thanks to its open fibre structure that absorbs sound waves.
Insulation that doesn’t cost the earth
Sustainability was another important factor for the couple. Like all of Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation, it's manufactured from up to 80% recycled content (including glass from windows, bottles and jars).
It's also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, our unique plant-based binder. It is low-carbon and generates low-VOCs, so it can be used to create better buildings – for occupiers, for installers and for the planet. ECOSE® provides the proven sustainability performance the industry needs, backed up by extensive testing and certification.
Its softness was a benefit that Megan noticed during installation. She said: “I remember helping my Dad with our ‘old-school’ mineral wool loft insulation when I was younger and it was horrible, it irritated my skin for 24 hours after. But the OmniFit was fine – there was no irritation whatsoever.”
Results
A tight fit between joints is essential to eliminate gaps that can reduce thermal and acoustic performance, but with some types of insulation it can be difficult to achieve the high quality installation required. OmniFit® Slab 35 is manufactured to provide friction fitting to ensure all joints are sealed correctly.
Despite having no previous experience, Megan, Dan and a friend fitted the 40m² OmniFit® Slab 35 themselves over the course of a day. “Before fitting the insulation, we watched an installation video on YouTube,” said Megan. “We followed the techniques shown and it was really easy to install. We had no problems at all.” “I’m delighted with the finished result. When the fitness studio was finished, we kept turning up the stereo to see whether the insulation really was soundproof – even at full blast, you couldn’t hear the music outside. It’s amazing.” “Before we put the insulation in, I was exercising in winter gear with the radiator on full – now the studio is lovely and warm. I’m back in vests and I haven’t had to put the heating on at all.”
Thanks to Knauf Insulation OmniFit® Slab 35, Megan and her clients can enjoy a high energy workout in a warm, safe environment – without disturbing her neighbours. What’s more, the insulation is sustainable and will ensure the studio’s energy consumption and carbon emissions are low over its lifetime.
"“Before we put the insulation in, I was exercising in winter gear with the radiator on full – now the studio is lovely and warm. I’m back in vests and I haven’t had to put the heating on at all.”"
Megan Hewitt
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