Manhattan modular apartments feature Wraptite membrane

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The building has been designed by Brooklynbased Think! Architects, and comprises sixty-three volumetric modules, manufactured in Turkey by OCCA Offsite.

“The superior airtightness performance of Wraptite from the A Proctor Group is an ideal solution for offsite developments, delivering huge benefits to the combination of in-factory manufacture and on-site construction,” said Keira Proctor, managing director of the A Proctor Group. “One key benefit of Wraptite concerning offsite is that it is designed to ensure that the performance of the factory fitted membrane is not compromised during transportation from factory to site. Wraptite offers a simplified system and provides a fully self-adhered vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the important properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane.”

The self-adhesive membrane was applied in the factory, bonded externally to the exterior walls and roof. Ensuring the membrane was held firmly in place was critical to maintaining the quality of the system during ocean transportation and stacking at the construction site.

“Applied externally on the outside of the structural frame, Wraptite simplifies the process of maintaining the envelope’s integrity, as there are fewer building services and structural penetrations to be sealed,” said Proctor. Window frames were installed offsite and detailed with the Wraptite self-adhesive membrane to attain a watertight window and facade system. Each of the volumetric modules was fully furnished with bathrooms and kitchens, including mechanical electrical and plumbing systems, as well as fire sprinkler systems. A rainscreen façade made from natural stone was mechanically installed on site.

“The installation of Wraptite was a rapid process due to its advanced, easy to apply self-adhesive design and ensured complete water tightness during all phases of manufacturing and the final installation on-site,” added Proctor. “The high vapour permeability of Wraptite allows the substrate beneath to dry quickly and moisture vapour to escape, and reduces the likelihood of mould, mildew, condensation, timber distortion and metal corrosion.”