Forming part of an extensive £12 million programme of improvement works at the Barnfield Estate in Woolwich, Lawtech Group is carrying out a number of energy efficient and cost effective refurbishment initiatives to bring homes up to the highest modern day standards whilst at the same time minimising disruption to residents.
The two-year scheme for the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s new Greenwich Homes Standard is set to benefit 570 homes across 30 blocks on the Barnfield Estate including Barnfield Gardens, Alford House and Maxwell House. To ensure the homes are fit for the future, the key priorities of the scheme will ensure buildings are better insulated, resulting in warmer homes and lower fuel bills for residents. Other improvement measures include new roofs, boilers and windows while interior works included improved bathrooms.
Following extensive Damp and Condition surveys which identified damp in the pre-war, brick built solid wall blocks, Lawtech worked with the client’s Contract Administrator to compile a detailed Scope of Works. A key element of the design was the over-cladding works which would provide a waterproof yet breathable coat to the building.
Prior to the re-cladding, extensive structural work had to take place first, including concrete repair and balcony treatments to restore and bring surfaces back to their original quality. Lawtech completed approximately 2950 linear metres of balcony repairs across all blocks of the estate.
David Smith, Marketing & Business Development Manager at Lawtech Group, commented: “We were able to complete replacement glazing works at Barnfield Gardens at an impressive rate of five properties per day, five days per week. We were also able to offer the client an alternative to the integral vents through the installation of glazing fitted with Ventrex units which sit at the top of the glazed panel.”
Lawtech also identified leasehold properties and worked with the client to establish responsibilities for re-wiring the mechanical extractors.
The management of logistics, access and resident engagement required the full support of Lawtech’s two on-site Resident Liaison Officers (RLOs). At a weekly coffee morning held by the Friends of Barnfield Estate, the RLOs were able to answer residents’ queries and concerns, updating them on the progress and advising on the operation of new equipment, including how to get the best performance from energy efficiency measures.
In May 2015, Lawtech held two Open Days at ‘The Hub’ on the estate where residents could learn more about forthcoming bathroom refurbishment works. Refreshments were provided and the Lawtech Customer Care team were on hand to answer any queries. To maximise resident engagement, residents were offered a choice of four colour options for new bathroom floors. The RLO co-ordinated publicity for the selection process and obtained sign-offs in good time for procurement.
“We pride ourselves on completing refurbishment works to the highest standard whilst minimising disruption to residents. Being open and transparent is the key to managing resident expectations,” added David Smith. With the comprehensive programme of improvement works set for completion in July 2016, Lawtech has once again demonstrated their experience in delivering large scale refurbishment schemes that minimise the impact on residents but also provide them with modern, energy efficient homes.
