INCA Case Study: Ocean Village, Southampton

Removal of existing B rated system and replacement with Alsecco Ecomin 300 A rated system to two residential blocks on Southampton waterfront was a challenging scheme. From site logistics ,working alongside a working marina and the multitude of detailing required ,the TSL team alongside Alsecco delivered a high quality instal on time .A Rigorous QA system was in place to ensure delivery was to a high quality

“more first class support from the Alsecco team to deliver this scheme” Charlie Pidgley-Contracts Manager TSL

Background

Sapphire Court and Cobalt Quarter, originally developed by Linden Homes, are two residential apartment blocks situated in the heart of Ocean Village Marina, Southampton. They comprise circa 132 flats up to 10 storeys in height, with ground-floor residential flats on both blocks, as well as commercial units on the ground floor of Sapphire Court.

Working in partnership with Vistry Special Projects Group and its subsidiary divisions, Bovis Homes, Countryside and Linden Homes

The flats were constructed during the 2000’s and comprise of a reinforced concrete frame construction with SFS infill. The external walls of both blocks comprise of an EPS polystyrene render, high-pressure laminate, timber cladding and glazed curtain walling.

Due to the nature of the products used within the original construction under the BSR, Vistry is required to remediate all materials of a combustible nature and has employed TSL to help navigate the government gateway application process.

Scope of Service

Initially required to replace the timber and high-pressure laminate cladding, our investigations revealed that the render zones also needed replacement to meet compliance.

Overall, Scope of works

• The façade replacement will include the removal of the existing rain-screen cladding (high-pressure laminate), timber cladding, pod features, projecting window features and all support substrates, as well as the existing EPS render system and the existing 8mm sheathing board specifically localised in areas of render.

EPS Render System Replacement

• Remove and replace the existing EPS render system along with any aluminium rails, as well as the existing 8mm sheathing board. Replace with a new 12mm WeatherKem board, followed by the make-up of the Ecomin 300 render system, which consists of a 150mm insulation, directly adhered back to the WeatherKem board, followed by the installation of a render base coat, mesh & pins, slurry coat and Topcoat application.

High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Replacement

• Remove and replace the existing HPL cladding system. Inclusive of the existing aluminium support rails/brackets, phenolic insulation and breather membrane. The existing 8mm sheathing board is fixed back to the existing SFS and will stay in situ. Supply and install a new Rockpanel cladding system. Inclusive of new aluminium sub-grid, mineral wool insulation, and breather membrane.

Cavity Barriers

• New cavity barriers to be installed to all floor levels, party walls, window/door openings and to the perimeter of the cladding. This applies to the Timber Claddings zones and HPL areas
• The building is to be scaffolded, shrouded with FR debris netting and segregated from the public and residents. Resident access and egress will be retained throughout the duration of works.
• All materials being reinstated will have the same aesthetic values but will conform to current legislation.

Materials used

Removal and replacement of the existing EPS render system. Supply and install a new 12mm WeatherKem board, EPDM detailing to the window surrounds, followed by the make-up of the Ecomin 300 render system.

Remove and replace the existing HPL and timber cladding systems. Inclusive of the existing aluminium support rails/brackets, phenolic insulation and breather membrane. Supply and install a new Rockpanel cladding system. Inclusive of new aluminium sub-grid, mineral wool insulation, and breather membrane.

• Rockwool duo slab insulation.
• Rock Panel Cladding System
• Cedral Click Ventilated.
• Sub-Grid provided by RJ Facades
• Siderise Horizontal & Vertical Cavity barrier.
• Ryton’s ducting, Grills, and cowls.
• Kingspan K-Roc slab.
• Alsecco (Caparol) render ecomin 300 full system.
• 12mm & 9mm WeatherKem cement board.
• A1 Photon Wrap Membrane.
• Triflex liquid waterproofing.
• Trueline Metals includes Rails, C-Channels and flashings.
• Obex EPDM.

Programme

Working in conjunction with the client, TSL’s project team populated a bespoke construction programme to accommodate the needs and requirments of both the client and its building residents.

The programme detailed each stage of the construction process, from guiding the client and consultant team through the initial planning submission and determination process, into a bespoke design and build package, bulk orders and procurement to reserve stock to facilitate speed and efficiency, to the physical on-site application, thus ensuring TSL deliver an unrivalled construction experience from conception to completion.

Challenges and Solutions

The render package was added near to start date, which had to be sequenced by the senior team to run alongside cladding works.

One of the specialist requirements requested by Vistry is to undertake the fire remediation works on a live and occupied building. To achieve this both TSL, Vistry and the residents worked closely to define the project sequence, ensuring we did everything so far as reasonably practicable to minimise disruption to the building occupants.

Logistical Challenges

In order to facilitate the scaffold installation to the podium slab which resides above a two-story carpark, the project team were required to undertake a series of intrusive core investigations to validate the consistency of rebar and determine the grade of concrete, omitting the requirement for back propping, which would have significantly impacted the building occupants. 

Ground-floor and podium slab residential apartments led directly into proposed scaffold zones and work areas. Bespoke walkways and pedestrian-segregated routes were implemented to ensure all residents retained the use of their balconies/walkways, as well as the use of a communal space leading down into the two-story carpark

Occupied Building & Ground-floor Commercial units remaining live and operational

We were required to develop bespoke logistical proposals and access strategies to ensure the building remained live and operational for its residents.

Bespoke scaffold tunnelling was designed into the access strategy to ensure residents retained access to and from their apartments and ground-floor flats, as well as access to a communal space residing on the podium slab, which also provides access to a two-story under-ground car park. 

Walkways were implemented to ensure the ground-floor commercial units remained operational for the duration of the works. TSL engaged with both the fine jewellery store and dentistry so that we could accommodate their branding requirments within our hoarding design. Bespoke signage was developed to ensure that existing clients and pedestrians had clear visibility on how to access the operational business.

MDL Marinas

Due to MDL’s rights of land ownership to all areas surrounding the marina, a bespoke access strategy was incorporated within our logistics proposal and hoarding layout to ensure that we retained access from the road, through our site compound and into the marina. In addition, TSL assisted with Traffic Management solutions for the proposed boat shows through the summer of 2024.

What made this project unique

What made this project unique was its proximity to the water’s edge, which presented significant environmental and logistical challenges. Working so close to a sensitive marine environment required us to implement strict environmental controls to prevent any contamination. We developed and followed a robust environmental management plan, including the use of spill containment systems and regular water quality monitoring. Through careful planning, team coordination, and proactive risk mitigation, we completed the project without any environmental incidents, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and responsible site management.

The Marine Environment

A bespoke design was engineered to ensure all products, fixings and materials used conformed to a marine-grade environment and provided the necessary warranties to facilitate a minimum of a 15-year life expectancy.

Client Summary

The site is Live and is made up of owners and tenants, along with 2 businesses on the ground floor.

All access routes were maintained, and additional light was installed for safe passage at night.

Privacy film was installed on all windows on both buildings whilst works were completed.

Also, businesses were supported with additional advertisements on hoardings and windows showing they were open and the location on them.

Occupants were kept informed by our screen in the centre of the pavilion area, Nappier also emailed residents with any information.

Successful Outcome

This would emphasise the fresh and modern quality installation we achieved.

As a Team, we also kept a good professional rapport with all clients visiting to site with consistent great feedback from the client.

Always maintain progress and the high quality of our refurbishment works on site.

Delivered the project in good condition, even with project extensions due to delayed additional works.

I believe Warm Roof Rendering have been a pivotal part in the success of the render installed to Cobalt Quarter and a percentage of Sapphire Court.

The Quality is one of the best I have seen over the projects I have had the pleasure of seeing, the high quality of installation.