INCA Case Study: Millard Road, Deptford

BACKGROUND

Two high rise blocks in Deptford, south-east london have been refurbished to provide residents with an energy efficient home but also enhanced the appearance of the local area.

Hyde Housing  selected Equans to refurbish the flats and bring the buildings in to line with the standards of new build properties.

Hyde Housing  wanted to provide more energy efficient homes for its residents whilst also refreshing the local area and extend the life of the original building by using products that would improve its thermal performance and provide a more pleasant place to live.

SOLUTION & SPECIFICATION

• Removal and replacement of existing combustible external insulation system
• Cavity rail, External Wall insulation, textured silicone finish.

INSTALLATION & CHALLENGES

As experienced applicators of many Wetherby specifications, the rendering system did not prove to be a challenge for our team. The cavity rail system that lay beneath the rendering works was fixed into a Y-wall board with a strong consistent KN reading providing the support for all the Wetherby manufactured materials. One challenge we faced was the desire to make the works as level as possible. To improve the level of the building we confirmed with all manufactures that we were able to use steel packers on the rails. This method allowed us to overcome a fluctuating substrate. Given that these blocks are timber frame we also installed movement joints at eery floor level allowing the building to expand and contract without affecting our finished works.

PROBLEMS OVERCOME

As with any retrofit works the consistent challenge is the unknown. Investigations before the commencement of the full-scale works can only reveal some of the challenges any given project will face. Whatever the challenge that surfaces, the solution needs to be decided on through a cohesive and clear methodology. Weekly request for information meetings with the principal contractor and a comprehensive tracking document allowed us to create a golden thread of communication that led to a solution in the many unforeseen challenges of this job.

Two problems were poorly secured balconies and a wider range of firestopping than originally known.

The case with the balconies is a success story for the ownership, that our health and safety culture ask all employees to take upon themselves. When stripping the existing build-up our operatives spotted that the balconies were not fixed safely to the timber frame but rather to one piece of timber that had been turned outward in a dangerous and reprehensible attempt to save time and resources. Upon the discovery, our management team documented and put forward the issue to the PC. In short order advice was provided from the structural engineer laying out a plan for safe balconies for the many flats within this project. After purchasing and having the elusive C4 timber posts delivered to site, the operatives were able to secure the balconies safely for all residents.

Another issue we faced was firestopping within the timber frame. The twin blocks of Millard and Marlowe house are timber framed residential structures with a mix of private and social housing. Their design meant that when the renewal of EWI works was taking place we were revealing the internal plasterboard from the outside. We discovered a mix of electrical outlets that needed making safe. PJMear engaged a FIRAS accredited team to work along side as new areas were revealed daily. After the several designs to overcome each issue were settled on, PJM worked hand in hand with the fire stopping team daily to make sure no single item was missed providing another layer of safety for the current and future residents.

END RESULT

Millard and Marlowe House now show tell the story of a job that involved many hands working together to prove a safe environment and an improved aesthetic for all residents and the local community. The refreshed blocks back onto Peyps Park and no longer pose an eyesore or a safety risk.

CLIENT COMMENTS

Andy Flood, Equans Senior Site Manager

“I think this job shows what can be achieved with a collaborative approach. It was a pleasure to work with yourself and PJ Mear, and I’m sure we will do so again.”

Lewis Morrell, Equans Project Manager

“Thank you to all the team at P J MEAR LIMITED, it was a pleasure to work with you all on this challenging project, with special thanks to Michael Lyon, Samuel Turley and Josh Turley”

Henriette Hunniche, Project Manager (Major Fire Projects), The Hyde Group 

“Though a challenging scheme, due to it’s original timber frame structure, we were able to collaborate and find the best solution for our customers, who remained in their flats while the work was carried out. The success of this project is something that all involved parties should be proud of. Resident safety is of absolute importance to us, and we have a safe building that our customers can be pleased to call home.”