Delivering sustained building performance for a vibrant retirement community

The project:

Our initial scope included visual surveys and targeted investigations, which identified areas requiring remediation and compliance improvements across several blocks.

These findings informed a staged remediation programme, for which we acted as Lead Designer, Project Manager, and Weathertightness Specialist, prioritising the highest‑risk buildings and sequencing to minimise disruption to residents and reduce the need for resident relocation.

Across all buildings, the remediation scope typically involved full replacement of external wall cladding and joinery, including the enclosure of existing balconies and walkways, together with associated fire, structural and compliance upgrades, coordinated alongside targeted building services improvements where required.

Our considered approach balanced programme efficiency with resident wellbeing and safety. Defined hold points following demolition and investigation phases allowed design refinement prior to physical works, reducing risk, rework and unforeseen costs.

The project presented technical challenges, particularly around the enclosure of balconies and walkways whilst maintaining architectural consistency. Delivering the works in stages enabled cladding systems and detailing to be proven in early buildings, informing subsequent stages and providing a more efficient, lower‑risk rollout across the village.

Our value add:

Leveraging our in‑house expertise, we ensured seamless communication across disciplines, efficient coordination and a robust quality assurance process that supported timely delivery and successful Code Compliance Certificates. Despite client‑initiated scope enhancements during construction, delivery was accelerated to achieve programme, resulting in weathertight, modernised buildings that provide improved comfort and amenity for residents.

Following the success of earlier projects, we continue to be engaged by Metlifecare to design and project manage remediation works within the village. This includes the main communal facilities building, where a separated staged consent strategy has been developed, to allow ongoing use of the facility during construction.