Coldstore

Controlled-environment storage facilities, such as those used for food products, are now an integral part of the food supply chain. The supply of fresh vegetables, potatoes, as well as fish and meat, is unevenly distributed throughout the year. However, these foods freeze very well.

While external temperature rises very slightly, the temperature inside remains stable and cool (around 0 °C) or even very cold (-25 °C). Large-scale refrigeration and freezing systems ensure a stable temperature. The efficiency of these systems has improved considerably in recent years, but they still consume a great deal of energy, which places a strain not only on the environment but also on the wallet. One way to reduce this consumption is to opt for an external envelope with high levels of insulation properties.

When cold storage warehouses are designed in accordance with BREEAM certification, high thermal resistance values are required. Today’s cold stores are commonly built using Isocab QuadCore panels, delivering a Rc value of 12.5 (m²·K/W) at 220 mm thickness.

Because cold storage warehouses consume more energy when the sun is shining, combining a cold store with solar panels is a logical choice. Insurers will only cover the risk of an external-to-internal fire spread when the roof is built using FM Approved materials. The QuadCore IND panel is FM Approved to FM 4880 / 4881 / 4882, Class 1, with unlimited height (panel thicknesses from 40 to 220 mm).

In negative-temperature cold storage environments, the internal climate is generally non-aggressive and therefore does not impose high demands on the internal liner of insulated sandwich panels. However, where operations are carried out at positive temperatures, internal liners may be subject to much higher performance requirements.
Isocab offers a full range of internal liner finishes suitable for environments classified from corrosion categories CPI1 to CPI5.

Cold storage buildings can be constructed using a variety of design approaches. Increasingly, they are built to significant heights—such as high-bay or transtocker —reaching up to almost 40 metres. When combined with food distribution centres, cold stores are also frequently designed as ‘box-in-box’ structures.

For all construction concepts, Isocab By Kingspan provides suitable insulated sandwich panels and dedicated fixing systems. QuadCore panels are often combined with Decaroc panels, the latter offering extended fire resistance performance.

From chilled cold rooms to deep‑freeze tunnels and ultra‑low temperature blast freezing applications, Isocab By Kingspan offers high-performance building envelope solutions capable of precisely controlling the internal climate, from +40 °C to -40 °C. Our systems ensure thermal continuity, reduced energy costs, fire safety and technical reliability in sectors where temperature and safety are non-negotiable.

1. One of the best thermal performances on the market

Thanks to our QuadCore technology, you benefit from outstanding insulation performance—enabling slimmer constructions, improved durability, and greater energy efficiency.

2. Certified fire safety

Our QuadCore® and Decaroc panels meet the most stringent standards (B-s1,d0 for QuadCore and A2-s1,d0 for Decaroc), offering up to 240 minutes of fire resistance (Decaroc) depending on the configuration. This is a key advantage for sensitive buildings such as cold stores, food processing facilities and pharmaceutical plants.

3. Hygienic design for demanding environments 

With CLEANsafe finishes and non-porous surfaces designed for food contact and pharmaceutical environments, our solutions make cleaning easier, minimise the risk of contamination and ensure full compliance.

4. Perfect waterproofing for long-term performance

 Airtightness and  vapour permeability is at the heart of our panels’ design. A continuous envelope, free from thermal bridges, ensures optimal moisture control, prevents frost formation and guarantees long-term thermal stability.

5. Quick, simple and cost-effective installation

Factory‑engineered, lightweight insulated panels enable rapid installation, reduced on‑site time, lower installation costs and a reduced overall carbon footprint. 

• Food Industry

• Cold rooms, processing areas, commercial kitchens, logistics warehouses: solutions designed for thermal efficiency, hygiene and durability.

• Temperature-controlled logistics

• Distribution centres, logistics hubs, and picking areas for positive or negative temperatures.

• Pharmaceuticals & High-Tech

• Cleanrooms, anhydrous zones, laboratories and sensitive environments requiring precise temperature control and enhanced protection.

• Deep-freezing & ultra-low temperatures

• Rapid freezing tunnels, deep cold chambers, industrial freezing.

Our envelope systems include:

• insulated sandwich panels QuadCore IND or Decaroc

• Industrial IND Flat roof system

• Smoke extraction hatch

• hygienic fittings and accessories

Each component is designed to work in tandem, ensuring thermal continuity, optimum mechanical strength and full compliance.

Cold storage buildings come in many different forms and sizes, and their energy efficiency can vary significantly. Performance depends primarily on:

• the year of construction (newer buildings typically perform better),

• the insulation value of the insulated sandwich panels,

• the refrigeration or freezing system,

• the building’s airtightness,

• the type of doors used and how frequently they are opened,

• the need for specific freezing technologies, such as blast freezing or plate freezing.

Our dedicated and experienced team delivers a full service across a wide range of cold room applications. From the outset, we support you at every stage of your project—from design and specification through installation, to final completion and handover.