Social Housing, High Rise: Refurbishment
Runner-up: Cumberland House, Peterborough

Cumberland House, St Mary’s Court, Peterborough, has been dramatically improved both thermally and visually with the use of external wall insulation. Cross Keys Homes (Peterborough City Council) wished to refurbish previously cold and damp flats housing a large proportion of elderly residents, and upgrade their thermal performance in line with current Building Regulations.

The weber.therm XM external wall insulation system was used, incorporating 90 mm of EPS insulation, and finished with a combination of render and brick slips at ground level. The finish needed to be in keeping with the surrounding buildings, in particular nearby Peterborough Cathedral. The render and brickslip colours were therefore carefully chosen with the client and conservation officers. The contract also included concrete repairs, window replacement and balcony balustrading renewal. Adherence to the building programme was critical with just 24 weeks duration during the winter months.

Consultation with residents was regarded as key with the installer, Makers, providing a full time Resident Liaison Team on site and utilising the Council’s translation service when necessary in order to communicate with all residents. A local trainee is now working on another project for the company and attending college for plastering and rendering.

The system designer was Weber Building Solutions; the installer, Makers UK Ltd – both INCA members.