INCA Case Study: Basildon Housing Project

Backgound

Basildon council has a large stock of aging, thermally inefficient properties ranging from system-built properties, town houses and traditional build.

The council wanted to provide more energy efficient homes for its residents while also refreshing the local area in a bid to provide dignified housing for the residents of the whole community. The brief was to extend the life of the original properties by using products that would improve its thermal performance and provide a more pleasant place for people to live.

The solution and specification

Alsecco’s Ecomin 300 and Ecomin 500 systems were specified for this project because of their high-performance qualities that fulfilled the criteria for the scheme. The system has all the required testing certifications for fire as well as BBA approval.

Throughout the last eight years Alsecco and PJ Mears along with Basildon Council have worked continuously to run U-values and specifications on each house type to achieve the required U-value of 0.28 w/km2.

Various finishes were used on the scheme from dash to silicone (1.5mm). As per the clients’ requirements to give a visually pleasing mix of aesthetics around the streets of Basildon. These finishes are highly weather resistant, vapour permeable and UV stable, helping to protect the building fabric, reducing the need for maintenance and improving durability.

The installation and challenges on site

Building restoration specialist PJ Mear Ltd, was appointed by the Principal contractor, Morgan Sindall to install Alsecco’s Ecomin systems. Prior to any work starting, as well as during, Morgan Sindall carried out a series of toolbox talks to the contractors site management team so that they fully understood the system specification.

To maintain positive relationships with the residents, a liaison officer made regular contact throughout the works to address any issues and share when access to communal walkways would be limited for safety in advance of any temporary closures. This helped to keep the impact of construction works to a minimum.

The fact that these were hundreds of houses meant that there were myriad unique and repeating issues on site. With the combined experience of the PJMear team and our expertise, nothing as little as foiliage in our way to as large as re-enforcing whole housing timber frame structures proved to be too difficult.

As we worked on so many houses the true challenge was the diverse needs of the residents we interacted with, from retirement communities and single family dwellings to HMOs. The residents of Basildon were very invested in our works. Winning their trust to the point they would welcome our arrival to their street as we set up site was very rewarding for the whole team.

Problems overcome

As with any refurbishment project, working with building constructed decades ago using older methods and built to different standards presents its own set of challenges. At PJMear we pride ourselves on being part of the solution not part of the problem. This meant we were invested in the solutions for all issues we uncovered in the refurbishment project. Some of those issues included; insufficient substrates, disabled access t areas, re-routing plumbing an soil stacks, providing pattresses for all the residents needs and, installing canopies.

The end result

The refurbishment and clean, modern aesthetics has huge social value and will improve both the mental and physical wellbeing of Basildon residents and the wider community. The project has since provided a blueprint of best practice for Basildon Council.

Work on the project started in October 2016 and was completed in March 2024 resulting in the creation of over 600 properties over an 8 year period. Nearly 1 million saved in energy bills and over 2.3 million kg (2300 tonnes) of CO2 emissions.

Client comments

 Clint Borley, Project Manager for Basildon Borough Council.

“It had been a pleasure working with PJ Mear as it is very reassuring working with such a professional, efficient & reliable contractor that is so knowledgeable in this specialist work.

The difference made within in the Basildon Borough for residents & our housing stock has been amazing not only from a green/efficiency point of view but the cosmetic effect is incredible.

Thank you again to you & your teams for all the hard work & the time you have spent in Basildon over the years.”

 Jim Holman, Alsecco UK 

“Having finished this project and now reflecting, we feel as though this project has been a huge success and has really given Basildon a new lease of life. The area has been transformed into somewhere its residents are proud to call home.

It has been a pleasure working with the guys on site and solving some challenging specifications for specific house types to ensure we meet the required U-values.

We also particularly enjoyed holding regular tenant liaison meetings for all the residents to keep them informed about the schedule of works, as well as being on hand to answer any questions they may have had. We look forward to future projects with PJ Mears. “

 Brad Priest, Morgan Sindall Contracts Manager

“Having been Project manager for Morgan Sindall since PJ Mear first began in Basildon   8 years ago, I have watched as they have transformed numerous houses and buildings, from run-down tired accommodation to vibrant modern residential dwellings that the occupants are proud of.  These works have also assisted in improving U Values and cutting cost with fuel bills.”

 Tony Stavri ; Morgan Sindall Partnership Manager

“Working within tight programs, PJM worked well with the scaffolders, roofers and window installers, to produce a neat and tidy finish in sometimes difficult conditions. The Basildon residents were often complimentary about the improvement of the visual appearance/efficiencies due to the render finishes. We received many appraisals from our client BBC with the outstanding works that PJM were carrying out in the borough. Not to say the least resident’s satisfaction.”

 Mr S. Garwood    Resident; Holgate, Basildon

“The insulation has made a big difference through all seasons. Instead of relying on our gas heating, it is now sufficient to just turn on some electric heaters briefly and it lasts us all day”