Background

Recently launched sheeps wool manufacturer Black Mountain Insulation (BMI) is the first UK company to invest in a dedicated factory to manufacture wool insulation for projects across the UK and Ireland from its factory in North Wales. With numerous technical and environmental advantages, including the ability to manage condensation and ease of installation, natural insulation such as wool is becoming more and more popular amongst specifiers and builders. After taking a small equity investment in the business, Seddon is the first to use BMI on a range of different projects.


Project

The first project to benefit from BMI was Seddons development of six, three-bedroom semi-detached houses for Maritime Housing in Liverpool. With a brief to provide efficient properties that would have a direct benefit for Maritime Housing residents, Seddon insulated the homes with BMI, which is expected to lower energy bills for occupants. Adam Smith, Development Officer at The Regenda Group, says: We always strive to find sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions to our build projects, so when Seddon proposed using Black Mountain Insulation, it was a natural progression for us, and we are delighted with the result. Another Seddon project featuring BMI is a development of two, 24 hour care, adjoining bungalows for four disabled tenants and two live-in carers in Farnworth. Working to eco-level three, Seddon needed to source eco-friendly materials and modern methods of construction, and BMI is contributing to achieving this status. A third Seddon development to incorporate BMI is Knights Grove in Swinton, Manchester. This traditional development of 12, three-bedroom semi-detached homes is working to Eco-homes Standard Very Good, and using sustainable sheeps wool insulation will help to achieve this.


Endorsement

Peter Wilde, site manager in Farnworth, says: Using Black Mountain has meant there has been no irritant to skin as you would normally associate with Rockwool. There is also a lack of air-borne particles, meaning labourers can work for a longer period of time in confined areas, therefore reducing installation time. In addition, sheeps wool is far easier to handle and use and is much less fibrous.