77 Trafalgar Avenue, Peckham

Anthony and Roderick House, Southwark
5th August 2019
St Faith’s, London
27th October 2017

77 Trafalgar Avenue, Peckham
Brick by Brick

Brick by Brick initially engaged Podium to assess some significant condensation and damp ingress problems in relation to 77 Trafalgar Avenue, Peckham London. Following the detailed investigation and feasibility stage, this role then expanded to full design and on-site Contract Administration and quality control of the works.

77 Trafalgar Avenue was of modern construction built some 13 years before, given this it was surprising to find these type of condensation and damp ingress issues.

Upon access to the loft void and removal of some ceilings it became apparent that the cause of the condensation was due to the incorrect positioning of insulation causing poor natural ventilation routes and the damp was not penetrating but due to the fact that soil vent pipes and extractor fans had not been terminated to the outside air but had been either terminated within ducting in the dwellings or within the loft void. This was leading to a build-up of moisture within the ducts and loft void, thus simulating water penetration.

During our investigation, we managed to obtain the original building control documentation and realised that the roof was not being adequately supported over the central spine wall which was leading to the early stages of roof spread.

Whilst in the loft void Podium used expertise in fire safety to assess the construction and found that the fire stopping between flats had been installed incorrectly.

Concerns relating to fire stopping led to further checking of the fire integrity between flats and it was discovered that there was no fire stopping between dwellings where the soil vent pipe passed from one dwelling to another. In addition, other service penetrations within the dwellings namely between the kitchen and the bathroom had also not been fire stopped.

Following a detailed design stage and bearing in taking into account that the client wished the residents to remain in occupation for the duration of the works, a scheme of repairs was formulated.

Brick by Brick benefitted from our involvement during the pre-contract stage and our role included the production the contract documents, management of the tender process, assessment of the tender returns and advising on contractor suitability.

Whilst on site we chaired monthly client meetings, produced minutes of matters discussed and dealt with general contractual matters, such as valuations, contract instructions, final account etc. Our diligence ensured all matters were dealt with in a timely manner and in accordance with the contract.

Brick by Brick also benefitted from our comprehensive site quality inspection service by making regular quality checks as the works proceeded.

These checks ensured the works were carried out to a high standard and that there were no issues that would affect the system manufacturer’s warranty or in terms of general quality of the works at completion.

We also carried out regular site reports to ensure Brick by Brick were kept fully informed of the stage of works, issues raised and the agreed resolution of any defects/additional works.

Through working in combination with both the residents and the client we were able to complete the scheme on time with minimal disruption of the residents who remained in occupation for the duration of the works.

Number of homes

12 units

Project value

£45,000

Form of contract

JCT Minor Work Building Contract

Services provided

Contract Administrator
Fire Safety Advisor
Quantity Surveyor
Site Inspector