Whitemore House

Our client, a property management company, sought to address critical fire safety concerns and modernise the exterior appearance of their six-story building. The project involved the removal of outdated, combustible timber cladding, supports, and insulation, followed by a complete overhaul of the building envelope.  The works included;

• Structural Rehabilitation: Stripping the building back to its core CLT structure and repairing any decayed elements.
• Fire Safety Upgrades: Implementing a new, fire-engineered cladding system featuring compliant insulation, fire stopping, and cavity barriers on a robust metal support system.
• Facade Enhancement: Installing a modern facade with insulated render and Corten finishes to improve the building's aesthetic appeal.
• Roofing Repairs: Re-roofing the area beneath the fire escape stair and removing the existing stair to facilitate roofing works.

This project presented several unique challenges:

• Live Building Operations: The building remained occupied during the project, requiring careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.
• Canalside Location: Scaffolding had to be erected over a canal, necessitating obtaining the necessary licenses and permits.
• Structural Issues: Extensive rot was discovered in the existing CLT structure, necessitating additional repairs and adjustments to the project timeline.
• Unexpected Challenges: The project encountered unforeseen challenges, such as the need to replace a rotten balcony, which was addressed with a lightweight steel frame.

Through meticulous planning, expert craftsmanship, and a commitment to safety, we successfully completed this complex project, delivering a significantly enhanced building that meets modern fire safety standards while maintaining its architectural integrity.