INCA Case Study: Bayliss Walk, Crawley
Bayliss Walk, Crawley
Project Type: Refurbishment
Building Type: Low Rise, Residential
System Designer: Soltherm External Insulations Ltd
Installer: Mears
System & Finish: Soltherm Deco W HD Brick ID – 120mm DDMW
U-Value Before: 0.88W/m²K
U-Value After: 0.26W/m²K
The Transformation of Broadfields Estate: A Success Story
In the heart of Crawley, on Bayliss Walk, Broadfields Estate stood a cluster of 59 semi-detached and terrace houses. These homes, with their distinctive brick-sheathed timber frames, were crying out for a transformation. Constructed in a bygone era, the properties had become energy inefficient and increasingly difficult to maintain, with U-values lingering at a poor 0.88 W/m²K.
The Call for Change
Broadfields Estate had seen phases of retrofit works in the past, addressing mid-terraced properties with simpler forms. However, the more complex corner and end properties, with their extensive brick facades, had been left out due to the prohibitive costs. Enter the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 1 grant, a beacon of hope that enabled Crawley Borough Council to secure £690,000 in funding, complemented by a substantial £1,600,000 contribution, making the ambitious project feasible.
A Vision Realised
The design brief was clear: transform these homes into energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing residences. The chosen solution was Soltherm Deco W HD Brick ID with 120mm DDMW insulation, designed to preserve the brick appearance while significantly enhancing thermal performance. The project aimed not only to improve energy efficiency but also to alleviate fuel poverty, enhance internal comfort, and improve air quality.
Overcoming Challenges
- Planning and Aesthetics:
The extensive brick facades on corner and end properties required full planning approval. The proposed retrofit involved wrapping the brickwork with External Wall Insulation (EWI) finished with a thin brick slip system, projecting approximately 120mm from the original brick face. This approach maintained the aesthetic integrity of the estate while ensuring efficient insulation.
- Technical Hurdles:
The project encountered several technical challenges. Previous phases had utilised different insulation methods, but the extensive brickwork in this phase necessitated a different approach. The team decided against dismantling and rebuilding the brick facades due to the high costs and environmental impact. Instead, they opted for the innovative EWI system, which provided consistent insulation without the need for extensive brickwork removal.
- Environmental and Safety Considerations:
The presence of asbestos in certain areas, like fascia’s and ridge vent tiles, required careful and controlled removal. Moreover, the discovery of nesting birds early in the project demanded a halt in roofing works. SMK’s proactive approach included working closely with ecologists to safely manage wildlife and minimise disruption.
The Impact
The comprehensive upgrade brought numerous benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: The installation of EWI reduced the U-value to an impressive 0.26 W/m²K, significantly lowering energy consumption and costs.
- Comfort and Health: Improved insulation led to more consistent indoor temperatures, reduced drafts, and better air quality. The risk of condensation, damp, and mould was also minimised.
- Aesthetics and Value: The thin brick slip system maintained the traditional brick appearance, enhancing the visual appeal of the estate. This not only improved the residents’ quality of life but also boosted property values.
Community and Collaboration
The success of this project was a testament to the strong collaboration between Crawley Borough Council, Mears PC, N&J Building Services, and other partners including Keegans, ECDA, Soltherm, Geoff Tarran and Jack Veaney, Jonson & Sons, and Ordex. Weekly meetings and transparent communication ensured that challenges were promptly addressed, and residents’ concerns were managed with sensitivity and care.
Reflections from the Project Team
Mears PC:
“We are extremely happy with the completion and successful output of the project. Everyone involved did a brilliant job, and we would like to thank our project partners. We look forward to working with Crawley Borough Council through to completion of SHDF Wave 2.1.”
Crawley Borough Council:
“We are delighted to confirm that the project was a complete success with great collaboration working with all partners which enabled us to deliver on all intended outcomes.”
Jack Veaney, Decarbonisation Manager, Crawley Borough Council:
“The project has transformed not just the buildings but also the lives of the residents. The enhanced energy efficiency and aesthetic improvements have made a significant impact, and we are proud of what we have achieved together.”
Conclusion
The Crawley project at Broadfields Estate is more than just a renovation; it is a story of transformation, innovation, and community spirit. By addressing the technical challenges and prioritising the residents’ needs, the project has set a new benchmark for energy efficiency and sustainable living. The holistic approach, combining advanced insulation technology with a commitment to maintaining the estate’s traditional aesthetics, makes this project a standout example worthy of recognition of an award.
The project has transformed not just the buildings but also the lives of the residents. The enhanced energy efficiency and aesthetic improvements have made a significant impact, and we are proud of what we have achieved together.