INCA Case Study: ELHAP Adventure Play Centre

Executive Summary

ELHAP (Every Life Has A Purpose) is a long-standing adventure play charity that provides life-changing play experiences for disabled and disadvantaged children, young people, and adults. The building, located in Woodford Bridge, was in dire need of an energy-efficiency upgrade due to its solid wall construction and outdated thermal envelope. This project delivered an essential retrofit using high-performance external wall insulation (EWI) alongside roof and drainage upgrades, to ensure the building remains functional, sustainable, and welcoming for years to come.

Project Scope and Technical Details

The scope of the works included the installation of 182m² of 110mm Rockwool EWI system with silicone render finish. Rockwool was selected for its superior breathability, non-combustibility, and enhanced thermal performance, exceeding that of conventional 90mm boards. The work also involved: – Full replacement of soil stacks and wastepipes. – Installation of powder-coated roofline elements. – Strip, cleaning, and priming of a concrete roof. – Application of a high-grade GRP flat roof system, including renewed outlets and upstands. – Comprehensive cleaning of guttering to restore proper water drainage.

Innovation and Technical Excellence

The use of 110mm Rockwool in this project marked a deviation from standard practice, providing improved breathability and insulation. The integration of a GRP flat roof system alongside the wall insulation was a bespoke detail tailored to ELHAP’s specific building needs. These upgrades enhanced thermal performance and extended the lifespan of the roof and drainage infrastructure, representing a comprehensive, fabric-first approach to whole-building performance improvement.

Project Delivery and Challenges

The ELHAP retrofit was constrained by a strict February 2025 completion deadline, dictated by the terms of the charity’s external grant funding. Despite winter weather risks and scheduling pressure, the team completed the work on time and within budget. Kooka managed to work efficiently around ELHAP’s service schedule to minimise disruption to its vulnerable users.

Benefits and Impact

Thermal Efficiency: Rockwool insulation significantly reduced thermal bridging and heat loss, creating a warmer, more stable environment inside the facility. Cost Savings: The upgrade is expected to substantially reduce energy bills, supporting the charity’s long-term financial sustainability. Visual Improvements: The transformation of the building façade was dramatic, moving from a dated and tired appearance to a clean, bright, modern render finish that reinforces ELHAP’s welcoming ethos. User Wellbeing: Children and adults now benefit from warmer spaces, especially during colder months, enhancing comfort and health.

Social Value and Community Legacy

The improved aesthetics and thermal performance contribute to a more dignified and supportive environment for ELHAP’s service users. The retrofit has ensured the charity can continue offering vital services in a safe, warm, and inspiring building reaffirming the project’s value beyond energy savings. The visual uplift also enhances ELHAP’s presence in the community, potentially increasing support and visibility for its work.

Conclusion

This project is a model of how grant-funded retrofit can achieve technical excellence, social impact, and sustainability in a community-focused context. The use of high-spec EWI, combined with thoughtful detailing and timely delivery, has given a new lease of life to one of the UK’s most unique charitable play centres. This is not simply a story of insulation, it’s a story of renewal, resilience, and reinvestment in community value.