Title:

Torus Housing

Summary:

Value: £1.6m
No. of Properties: 125
Location: Liverpool

Type of system installed and any associated measures

The project was delivered through funding received from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

The works included the supply and fit of External Wall Insulation. Associated measures included enabling works, structural remedial works, double glazing supply and fit, roof, roof line, RWG and loft insulation supply and fit, supply and fit communal aerial, alternations to drainage, removal of Juliette balconies and replacement with wall and window, boiler replacement and flue extensions, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and internal decoration. 

The EWI system designed for the project was the Wetherby Heck External Wall Insulation System:

  • Substrate: Concrete Soffits / Timber Joists / Brick
  • Insulation to Ginnel Soffits: 160mm Stone Wool Insulation
  • Insulation to Ginnel Walls: 110 Stone Wool Insulation

Contract values: £1.6m

Volume of properties: 125 across various locations in Liverpool

Agreed KPI’s and project outcomes

Key project outcomes required by Torus and successfully achieved were:

An increase in the overall SAP rating for the property including provision of pre-works and post-works Energy Performance Certificates to evidence required CO2 savings

Systems classified as Class 0 for fire spread and Class A1 or A2 for combustibility

External Wall Insulation systems to carry a full warranty and be fully BBA approved with a
minimum 30 year design life.

The following KPIs were monitored and achieved

% of customer complaints resolved within 10 days: 100%

No. of days overdue of delivery against
contractor’s programme: 0

4 -weekly programme submission: 100%

% of Waste emanating from site recycled: 95%

% of employees who have, or are working towards
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) qualification: 100%

No. of RIDDOR accidents per 100,000 man hours worked: 0

% of Health and Safety Files complete and produced to the
Employer at Handover Stage: 100%

Service levels
We maintained consistent delivery against the project service levels as detailed below.

EWI installs complete
Number of completions in accordance with programme
Service Level: 100%

ESIF Information requirements fulfilled
Sefton Council Accept Torus grant claims
Service Level: 100%

Waste is diverted from landfill
Report setting out % of waste which is recycled, incinerated etc.
Service Level: 95%

Improved SAP rating and CO2 savings
Improvement in SAP rating and CO2 savings shown in EPC upon zcompletion of works
Service Level: 100%

Level of customer satisfaction
Level of customer satisfaction via survey on completion of the works
Service Level: 90%

Ensure fire regulations are met
Ensure fire regulations are met throughout the project, including fire compartmentalisation
Service Level: 100%

Details on any surveys and any grant and funding applications required before works commence

Synergize held complete design responsibility, including:

Sourcing of a suitable innovative EWI system to meet the Client’s outcomes

Temporary Works including Access and Working Platforms

Management of residual hazards

Compound, amenities, materials storage, safe circulation routes

We undertook a detailed surveying process to fully scope the works and understand property conditions (e.g. asbestos, party walls etc.) and customer requirements (e.g. vulnerable, out at work during the day).

This included capturing:

Additional property information – including archetype e.g. terraced, number of bedrooms and side elevation images (where possible).

External information – to assist with access/ egress, scaffold requirements and skip locations including details of property entrance and paths, party wall works, adaptations, brickwork condition, telecommunication and IT systems, property additions, attachments, and projections.

Roof condition and space – highlighting any signs of leaning or deflection and aiding customer preparation for the works including access, loft space availability, insulation and overflow pipes. 

Services – defined specifically to identify gas and electrical appliances, fluing and fire evacuation requirements.

During the pre-contract meeting, the client provided property lists and customer information so we could understand and plan in advance before attending the survey. We also engaged with the client’s Structural Engineer, William Jones who had previously begun surveys and provided sample reports.

Quality management and inspections 

Quality Plan – develop project-specific Quality Plan for each heating installation scheme. This outlines required quality standards, best practice methods and inspection regime.

Daily Monitoring – based on site daily, our site manager monitored the correct application of the EWI system and provided support and instructions

Manufacturer’s training – all operatives received appropriate system manufacturer training provided by Wetherby, to ensure compliance with PAS and validation of warranties.

Issues you encountered and how you resolved them

Structural issues – during detailed survey visits, structural issues were identified which needed to be resolved prior to installing EWI. This included:

  • Cavity wall tie failure due to extensive corrosion
  • Insufficient cavity wall ties within the original and rebuilt cavity walling
  • Inadequate lateral floor restraint
  • Debonding mortar coupled with frost expansion
  • Possible lintol decay within the lintols spanning above the front lounge windows.

We engaged with a Liverpool-based structural repair specialist who carried out surveys to determine the level of work and completed the repairs.

Application of the EWI – we experienced an issue with the application of the EWI, whereby Silica sealing hadn’t been applied effectively on certain areas. Using manufacturer guidance and training, we engaged with our workforce to undertake additional training and toolbox talks. Additional quality inspection checks were applied as part of Test and Inspection Plans undertaken by our Site Manager, preventing further issues as the project progressed.