Founding and Early Development of Partel

Partel was founded in 2011 by Hugh Whiriskey, who possessed a strong passion for passive construction and sustainable building methods. Recognising a growing market for energy-efficient buildings, he aimed to develop specialised materials for passive houses. The company’s initial focus was on creating airtight and windtight solutions that help reduce energy use in low-energy residential and commercial buildings. Starting in the West of Ireland, Partel quickly gained recognition for its high-performance products. Its technical emphasis centred on meeting strict energy standards by offering advanced, reliable systems. As demand increased, the company expanded its reach across Ireland, the UK, North America, and mainland Europe. From the outset, Hugh’s vision was to set a new standard in building envelope performance, bringing innovative, sustainable options to the construction industry. Partel’s commitment to technical excellence and innovation has positioned it as a pioneer in the green building sector.

Product Portfolio and Core Offerings

Partel’s product portfolio centres on high-performance materials designed to enhance building energy efficiency and durability. Their range includes airtight and windtight membranes that aid in creating energy-efficient building envelopes.

They also offer liquid-applied vapour control layers, such as Acrabond adhesive, alongside VARA breathable membranes for external walls and IZOPERM membranes for internal climate control. Partel's products are compliant with rigorous European standards, ensuring safety and reliability in building projects.

EXOPERM sheathing membranes ensure weather resistance and breathability. Additionally, Partel supplies specialised adhesives and sealants, including Acraprime primers, Kabseal foam sealants, and Conizo joint sealants, which are suitable for various substrates and complex joints.

Their tape solutions encompass self-adhesive butyl tapes, foam tapes for windows, and fabric tapes for seam reinforcement, all designed to enhance airtightness and long-term performance.

The core offerings are engineered for durability, energy savings, and seamless system integration, making them ideal for the UK market.

Advancements in Building Physics and Innovation

Recent advancements in building physics focus on enhancing the performance of building envelopes, rendering structures more energy-efficient and durable. Partel integrates sustainable materials and innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of each project, minimising thermal bridges and moisture-related issues. These innovations contribute to the creation of healthier, longer-lasting buildings that adhere to high standards, such as Passive House certifications. Knowledge of building physics is essential to designing effective insulation and airtightness systems that improve indoor environments and energy performance.

Enhanced Building Envelope Performance

Advancements in building physics and technology are significantly improving the performance of building envelopes in the UK. New insulation materials such as XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) offer exceptional thermal performance, making buildings more energy-efficient. These materials are also environmentally friendly, producing fewer emissions during manufacturing. Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) help to reduce thermal bridging and air leaks, thereby conserving energy and enhancing occupant comfort. Furthermore, moisture-resistant technologies, including XPS panels, minimise maintenance requirements by preventing moisture accumulation. Strategic building orientation optimises the utilisation of natural light and heat, thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems. In addition, thermal imaging cameras and structural health monitoring systems are valuable tools for detecting heat leaks and assessing the overall health of the building envelope. These innovations work in harmony to create stronger, more efficient, and longer-lasting building envelopes that enhance comfort and sustainability, ultimately fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Sustainable Material Integration

Innovations in building materials now incorporate advanced physics-based models and artificial intelligence to enhance the sustainability and performance of construction components. ProperTune, for example, utilises these tools to accelerate the development of materials such as wood and polymers by 50%, making them more eco-friendly. Virtual durability testing replaces costly trial-and-error methods, thereby reducing environmental impact through predictive simulations. Microstructural analysis aids in designing materials that can better withstand stressors like temperature and humidity. Additionally, digital fabrication techniques optimise material composition, substituting non-sustainable ingredients like petroleum-based plastics. These advancements have broad applications across industries, including textiles, packaging, and construction. ProperTune's integration of AI and physics-based modelling continues to revolutionize how sustainable materials are developed and implemented across various sectors.

Project-Specific Solutions

Building physics-led design plays a vital role in creating more efficient and durable buildings by focusing on optimising thermal, air, and moisture performance from the outset.

With tailored solutions, Partel emphasises integrated modelling to guarantee energy efficiency and long-term durability. Their membranes, such as EXOPERM and IZOPERM, incorporate monolithic and self-adhesive technologies for faster installation and seamless sealing, thereby reducing weak points.

They develop custom solutions, including fire-resistant membranes and tapes suited for various substrates, while integrating BIM for precision. Reliable materials are essential for nearly zero-energy buildings, ensuring performance and compliance.

Decentralised ventilation systems from LUNOS provide hygienic, zone-controlled airflow, supporting the Passive House standards.

These project-specific solutions combine engineering expertise with field data, aiming to enhance occupant comfort, reduce embodied carbon, and meet stringent sustainability standards.

Commitment to Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Partel demonstrates a robust commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency through the utilisation of environmentally friendly materials and innovative design strategies.

They've launched eco-friendly products such as paper-based membranes, including IZOPERM Plus ECO and VARA Plus ECO, which contribute to reducing environmental impact.

The company employs low-carbon product ranges in projects like Whitethorn Village and Drumhierny Woodland lodges to enhance airtightness and energy efficiency.

In the healthcare sector, IZOPERM PLUS A2 offers weather protection and sustainability in buildings such as the University Hospital Limerick.

Timber and steel frame solutions are prioritised for ecological responsibility, as evidenced by a timber frame home in Tuam.

Furthermore, Passivhaus-compliant materials are utilised in eco-homes, ensuring adherence to strict energy standards and supporting long-term sustainability efforts.

Certifications, Collaborations, and Industry Recognition

Partel's products have achieved a variety of certifications and industry recognition that underscore their quality and reliability.

In 2022, several airtight membranes received Passive House certification, making them suitable for Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) and Passivhaus projects. They also bear CE marking, demonstrating compliance with EN/ETA standards across all markets, and possess specific certifications for internal airtightness, fire resistance, and international safety standards. These certifications confirm that Partel’s products meet rigorous industry standards and are trusted by professionals globally.

The company offers training programmes approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), assisting professionals in learning best practices for low-energy building construction. Their collaborations with architects and builders focus on developing cost-effective, high-performance solutions tailored to diverse climates and regulations.

Industry recognition includes case studies in sustainable projects, endorsements by building experts, and inclusion in technical guidelines, all of which illustrate how Partel’s commitment to quality benefits communities across the UK and beyond.

Global Reach and Market Expansion

Since achieving industry recognition and certification, companies like Partel are now looking beyond local markets to expand their reach globally. They operate in Ireland, the UK, North America, and mainland Europe, showcasing a strong international presence. Their growth has been rapid and steady, primarily focusing on materials and solutions for passive construction. To succeed in new markets, Partel adapts to local preferences, conducts thorough research, and builds partnerships that support their expansion. They utilise multiple marketing channels to convey their message and evaluate performance regularly. This strategic approach helps them navigate challenges such as cultural differences, regulations, and economic factors, which can vary significantly across markets. Understanding macro-environmental challenges is essential for their sustained success in diverse regions.

Role in Passive House Building Standards

Partel plays a key role in meeting Passive House building standards by providing products that guarantee air tightness and improve thermal performance.

Their components support certification processes, helping buildings achieve energy efficiency and low emissions.

Ensuring Air Tightness

Achieving airtightness is a vital aspect of meeting Passive House standards, as it directly affects a building’s energy efficiency and indoor comfort. To ensure this, strict standards are set, such as no more than 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pa pressure.

Builders employ continuous barriers like membranes without gaps and focus on sealing junctions between walls, roofs, and floors. Materials that balance airtightness and ventilation are chosen with care, while penetrations such as ducts and pipes are sealed with gaskets or tape.

Blower door tests are conducted post-construction to verify airtightness, and any leaks identified are rectified using thermal imaging.

• Proper planning prioritises airtightness from the outset
• Consistent testing ensures standards are met
• Sealing of penetrations is essential
• Collaboration between trades prevents gaps

Enhancing Thermal Performance

Thermal performance is crucial in achieving Passive House standards by minimising energy loss and enhancing overall comfort.

Partel provides PET-based thermal break insulation that effectively reduces thermal bridges within building envelopes. These thermal bridges allow heat to escape through walls, ceilings, corners, and connections, resulting in cold spots and potential moisture issues.

Partel’s lightweight, compact insulation materials feature low thermal conductivity, which enhances thermal performance and aids in energy conservation. Composed of 100% recycled PET, these products are sustainable and recyclable, aligning with eco-friendly building objectives.

Supporting Certification Standards

Supporting certification standards plays a vital role in ensuring that building components meet strict Passive House requirements. Certification guarantees that products, such as airtight membranes, are tested and approved, assisting builders in achieving energy efficiency goals.

Highly certified components, like Partel’s membranes, are essential for attaining airtightness and thermal performance. They undergo testing under realistic conditions to ensure reliable results. Certification helps create a shared standard, allowing communities and professionals to feel confident that they're contributing to sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. This fosters a sense of belonging among those committed to environmentally friendly construction.

• Guarantees that components meet strict standards for airtightness and insulation
• Confirms that products are tested under realistic, practical conditions
• Provides confidence and trust among builders and homeowners
• Supports the creation of sustainable, energy-efficient communities

Technological Integration and Material Innovation

Innovations in technology and materials play an essential role in enhancing the performance of building envelopes, and Partel has made significant progress in these areas.

Monolithic membrane technology creates strong, continuous surfaces that improve durability and structural integrity. Self-adhesive membranes such as EXOPERM MONO SA 250 make installation safer and easier, while breathable membranes guarantee excellent weather tightness for both internal and external use.

These advanced materials support faster construction and better integration with offsite building methods. Partel's vapour-permeable membranes balance moisture protection with vapour exchange, helping to prevent dampness.

By using eco-friendly, high-performance materials such as PET-based solutions and advanced adhesives, Partel offers durable, wind-tight, and waterproof barriers.

All these innovations promote a secure, efficient, and long-lasting building envelope that meets the highest standards.

Future Directions and Growth Strategies

Partel is actively shaping its future by focusing on strategies that address climate change, market growth, and policy influence within the UK. The company is advancing building designs suited for hotter summers and milder winters, integrating heat-protection measures, and collaborating with policymakers to update construction guidelines for extreme weather.

They're also expanding educational resources such as webinars, tutorials, and case studies targeting both professionals and homeowners, particularly those involved in self-build projects.

Additionally, Partel is working with industry partners to standardise passive house solutions and influence regulations to promote energy efficiency. Their efforts include:

• Influencing energy efficiency mandates for airtightness and ventilation standards
• Advocating for retrofit subsidies and climate-adaptive design requirements
• Strengthening cross-industry partnerships for sustainable innovation
• Streamlining operational processes to accelerate project delivery

Conclusion

Partel has established itself as a leader in building materials, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, sustainability, and innovative technology. Its commitment to high standards and collaborations within the industry has facilitated the expansion of its global presence. By supporting passive house standards and advancing building physics, Partel continues to drive growth and improvements in sustainable construction. With ongoing research and development, the company is well-positioned for future growth, maintaining a robust focus on quality and environmentally friendly solutions tailored to the UK market.