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4th October 2024
Queens Wharf Refurbishment, Reading
This Queens Wharf project is the replacement of the external rendered insulation, metal cladding insulation and under croft soffit insulation with new improved fire resistance and reduced spread of flame products and accessories.
Client Requirements
Surveys have indicated to the client that the existing external insulation is polystyrene based and could be a fire risk. It was also identified that there was no fire stopping or barriers included within the cladding system and the balcony decking is non-compliant with the current building regulations and is also being replaced. BSAC Ltd were initially approached to undertake the building principal designer role for the design stages of this work, and as our relationship developed and the client recognised the expertise demonstrated by our team, they engaged with BSAC Ltd to prepare the Gateway 2 application to the Building Safety Regulator and continue the Principal Designer role throughout the construction.
Our Approach
As we were mindful that this building, along with many in the UK, held a similar history to the materials and fire stopping strategies, we were passionate about completing this as a high priority. We reviewed the design very closely, leaving no room for non-compliance and supported the client to deliver the design with building safety at its focus. This residential property with 7 floors of apartments is remaining in occupation during the works which means the BSAC team, along with the standard comprehensive set of compliancy documents, included an occupation strategy within their accompanying documents the to BSR.
The Result
As this project developed, we gained a strong relationship with the client as we helped navigate them through the new building regulations and get them compliant. After undertaking the role of Building Regulations Principal Designer the design, we commenced works on the HRB application documents to the BSR and kept a strong focus on the relationships for the residents of this building to ensure the highest level of safety for all involved.
This type of project is not an isolated project, and there are many across the UK which are doing cladding remedial works and upgrading the fire escape, materials and systems. We at BSAC are passionate about proactively ensuring that all buildings meet the new standards and become compliant, and each day have dealings with the BSR to progress these applications along.
