Nanogel® aerogel lights up the kitchen

From dawn until dusk, Phil Mutter is viewing the world through a softer, warmer light since renovating and extending the kitchen in his south London home, where he recently installed a new Kalwall®+ Nanogel translucent aerogel skylight. The installation was the first of its kind in Europe.

Original plans called for a large glazed roof. However, local authorities rejected this because it did not meet the UK energy-saving regulations which had become much more stringent. Undaunted, Mr. Mutter set out to source a daylighting system with high insulation while still allowing the maximum amount of daylight in the small, restricted space.

Mutter found what he was searching for -- the Kalwall+ Nanogel aerogel translucent skylights -- on the Internet. He found that the new combination of Kalwall panels filled with Nanogel aerogel insulation provided an aesthetic and design solution, and it met all the code requirements of the Building Regulations. The innovative new product allowed him to install the 3660 x 1220mm-monopitch skylight that he originally wanted.

Nanogel is a silica aerogel; the world's lightest and best insulating solid material. Using it within the standard Kalwall fenestration system can provide energy savings equal to a solid roof or wall. It also allows daylight to be transmitted through the opaque surface. With an achievable U value of 0.28 W/m2K, the system is four times better than insulating glass units.

Unlike glass, Kalwall+ Nanogel eliminates shadows, glare and hot spots, reduces maintenance, and ensures privacy as the glazing obscures sight of the house next door.

Phil Mutter comments, ‘Now that the kitchen extension is complete I am more than pleased with all aspects of the project. However, the `star of the show' is the Kalwall + Nanogel roof panels. When the sun shines, the panels transmit uniformly distributed 'museum-quality' light but without the normal solar gain and shadow problems associated with glass. Conversely, during winter snow the panel continues to transmit lots of light, without any cold air drafts. These benefits are important considerations, especially with a panel of that size.’

Kalwall + Nanogel systems are available a skylights and wallsystems in an endless variety of sizes and configurations. Standard skylights, such as this application, range from 1220 mm wide x 3660 mm in length and are 70 mm thick. Units are supplied by Stoakes Systems Ltd (tel +44 208 660 7667) or visit www.stoakes.co.uk or www.rooflights.net.

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