18
2
2024
THE CHALLENGE
Incommunities manage over 22,600 social and affordable homes across Yorkshire, predominately in the Bradford district, with a presence in Kirklees, Wakefield, and Sheffield.
They required a programme of comprehensive surveys of 18 high rise blocks to provide sufficient information to allow for the full management of the blocks and to assist with their building safety cases as required by the Building Safety Act 2022.
THE OUTCOME
AHR were appointed to undertake multidisciplinary consultancy services via the EN:Procure Consultancy framework to carry out safety surveys to 18 of Incommunities’ high-rise residential blocks to inform them on key areas such as cladding, access, life-cycle, condition, fire safety and resistance, and ventilation, as well as layout plans and evacuation routes.
AHR completed a range of technical surveys and holistic reviews to collect a broad range of detailed information from each block to inform their reports.
As well as visual surveys, their specialist in-house geomatics consultancy team carried out 3D scanning of the external elements of the buildings and to all communal areas, as well as to a select number of flats in order to provide sufficient information regarding the different types of apartments across the blocks. Using the information collected from the scans, their team also created detailed 3D models.
To assess the structural suitability, reaction to fire, and projected longevity of the main building fabric, intrusive surveys were also undertaken.
These involved the scanning of and, in select areas, drilling into concrete columns, walls, ceilings, and beams in a small number of the residential flats and to parts of the communal areas in each of the blocks.
AHR also appointed an ecology survey on the sites, considering bats, tree, and biodiversity net-gain.
The combination of all these varied surveys enabled AHR to create a detailed understanding of the tower blocks on which to base reports and provide accurate advice on improving safety and to allow successful building management, from the client side.
In order to minimise disruption, communication with residents was an essential part of delivering the survey programme successfully .
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IMPROVING RESIDENTS' SAFETY
Following the successful delivery of AHR’s comprehensive survey programme, they were subsequently appointed to project manage the delivery of repair and remediation works at a number of residential tower blocks, including extensive fire safety improvements.
Alongside their role as Project Manager, AHR also acted as Employer’s Agent, Lead Consultant/Designer, Principal Designer for CDM, Principal Designer for Building Regulations, and Cost Consultants, leading a multidisciplinary team of specialist Fire Consultants, M&E Engineers, and Structural Engineers.
Designed to support the protection of residents, fire safety enhancements include the provision of new sprinkler systems, alongside additional measures which aim to prevent the spread of fire in the event of an emergency.
Other building enhancements include re-roofing works, the replacement of windows and doors, and general refurbishment, as well as upgrades to the heating and boiler systems and M&E services.
Enhancing accessibility and providing a more welcoming approach to the buildings, entrances will be widened and redesigned.
The provision of new CCTV systems, access controls, and perimeter security to the car park will boost security at the residences, helping better safeguarding of tenants.
EN:Procure
EN:Able Futures
EN:Able Communities