Eco-refurbishment of 227 non-traditionally constructed properties in Corby, delivered in three phases
Westdale Midlands Ltd were appointed the principal contract to project manage and deliver an investment and regeneration programme to 227 properties of varied non-traditionally constructed archetypes, including Wimpey-No-Fines, Wates, Easiform and Unity four-storey flats.
Scope of Works
The investment programme required the survey and subsequent removal of non-licensed asbestos, enabling works and the installation of External Wall Insulation, coupled with the replacement of soffits, fascias, gutters and rainwater goods, providing a long-term solution to these tired-looking properties.
Programme of Works
The works were phased in a logical, intuitive manner, based upon geographic locations and property archetypes. Phase 1 of the measured-term contract saw the successful delivery of 85 Wimpey-No-Fines properties.
Pilot Property
The client identified two pilot properties in prominent locations, which were completed prior to the delivery of the main programme. This approach served two purposes. It provided residents with an opportunity to visualise the uplift to their homes, whilst also allowing all site-based operatives and sub-contractors the opportunity to fully understand and communicate their individual requirements. This enhanced understanding between delivery partners facilitated a more efficient and seamless delivery of the main programme.
Our Marketing Approach
Corby Borough Council was keen to include private householders in the programme, who had purchased their homes through the Right-to-Buy scheme. Through an effective community engagement campaign, consisting of ghost-written Press Releases, multimedia and targeted direct-mail co-branded marketing campaigns, Westdale ensured that private householders were offered the same best-value rates as procured by the client. In accordance with BS EN ISO 6946 : 2007 and BRE Report BR 443 : 2006, achieved a thermal conductivity (U-value) of 0.032 W/m–1·K–1.
Aesthetic Uplift
Westdale worked closely with the client, who had no firm design code or fixed architect-led plans for the four-storey flats. Our in-house architect-led design service proposed over a dozen different solutions. This iterative process provided a comprehensive refinement of the final design solution, which facilitated the Planning Application Process, as well as the ‘Section 20’ leaseholder consultation process.
Fire Rating
Westdale specified a non-combustible EWI system with high polymer/standard cementitious base coat render prior to applying the topcoat finish. This was tested and validated by BBA (certificate 13/5065 Product Sheet 1,2,3,4 &5). The EWI system included EPS insulation, which when tested as a completed system, achieved a European Fire Classification B, s1-d0 (BS 476 fire class ‘O’). The system complied with the following:
- The Building Regulations 2010 (England and Wales) (as amended)
- The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (as amended)
- The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012
- NHBC Standards 2014
Engagement with Local Schools
Westdale proactively engaged with local schools to ensure that children living in the vicinity were fully-briefed over the potential risks of active construction sites. Our mascot, ‘Westy’, helped to deliver a serious message in an interactive and fun manner.
