Self Build and ThermoPlan Ziegel

The Maidstone Bungalow featured the ThermoPlan clay block system. Used and proven on the continent, ThermoPlan is know as 'Ziegel' or brick in German. As a system for self builders, ThermoPlan has many benefits - a reduced reliance on skilled labour (it is very simple to lay), speed is typically 3x that of block/cavity/brick systems and a very high level of performance.

NBT ThermoPlan® system is a thin bed insulated structural solid wall, with render finish externally. Other finishes (claddings such as stone, brick, timber etc) are available as NBT ThermoPlan® Clad Systems. Superinsulated systems are available with external insulation as NBT ThermoPlan® Plus

The ThermoPlan® blocks are fired aerated clay, planed to a tolerance of less than 1mm. The mortar bed is applied by roller, without mortar in the perps. The systems come with a full range of lintels, corner blocks, fixings, tools etc. The render and plaster systems are mineral, and are guaranteed for the blocks

ThermoPlan® Systems are suitable for low rise buildings (up to 4 storeys) of all kinds including housing, flats, offices and schools.

When designing, it is important that the design is tailored to use ThermoPlan - the blocks are 250mm x 250mm on the face. Designing to this size means fewer blocks are cut on site, speeding up the build.

ThermoPlan is particularly cost effective for larger projects (<150m2 of wall), where the speed of the system is maximised.

Insulated basements and cellars can also be built with NBT ThermoPlan® systems, with suitable tanking.

It is important to realise that the U-value of a wall is not the only factor when assessing thermal performance. A house wall will have many 'cold bridges' - typically at wall/floor/roof junctions; at window and doors; or where un-insulated structural elements are exposed. These cold bridges are measured as psi values, and added together to provide a 'Y-Value'. Thermoplan offers a Y-Value of 0.04W/m2/K - this is at least twice as good as other masonry or timber frame systems.

• External walling: A full range of standard blocks and specials, including corner blocks, reveal blocks, make up blocks, insulated clay lintels, blocks for ring beams etc.
• Mortars: Thin bed mortar is provided free with the blocks. Insulated mortar: is available for cuts and repairs.
• Internal walling: Acoustic load bearing ThermoPlan® blocks and mortar for partitions and party walls
• Fixings: Fixings for internal walls, wall plates, windows etc.
• A full range of tools is available for all tasks.
• Renders: Compatible, guaranteed external through coloured mineral renders with over 200 colours
• Plasters: A range of guaranteed lime, clay, lime-cement and gypsum internal plasters.

• Design support: Full design support including assistance with detailing, thermal and other calculation, suggested engineering details. We will work with your architect to maximise the design using ThermoPlan
• Training: NBT offers training for self builders on sustainable building - and specific days on ThermoPlan. Please email the office for more information.
• Site Support: NBT will assist on site, giving advice on technical, application and quality issues. NBT have a service to work with contractors who are new to the product with full training available.
• Approved Applicators: NBT have a list of trained and approved applicators for the various systems processes - click here to download.

To download a basic system sheet for ThermoPlan - please click here.

To download a full technical manual for ThermoPlan - please click here.

To download a price outline and information for self-builders - please click here.

Please visit our Thermoplan Ziegel download pages for all technical manuals, information and certification.