Refurbishment: Social Housing: High Rise Flats
Runner-up: Eglinton & Devonshire Towers, Sunderland

The Eglinton & Devonshire Towers, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, are Bison high-rise blocks that had to be refurbished to a U-value at least 10% ahead of Building Regulations. The specifier, Ian Darby Partnership for the Sunderland Housing Group, also required the look of a new modern development.

PermaRock's insulated render system, incorporating 70 mm of mineral fibre, achieved U-values of 0.30 W/m_K. Contrasting colour acrylic textured renders were used to give a metallic look, with windows picked out as features. At ground floor level a scratch render finish with ashlar features was utilised. A new roof gave the appearance of a modern development. The system designer was PermaRock Products Ltd; and the installer George Howe Ltd - both INCA members.