Stafford House and Alexander House
Accent Housing
Podium Surveying provided Lead Designer, Contract Administrator and Principal Designer services for a housing provider on this significant refurbishment and external wall insulation remediation project in Aldershot, Hampshire, with the scheme completed in October 2023.
This complex high-rise refurbishment project with social landlord Accent Housing began in early 2022. The contract focused on the predominantly external upgrade of two tower blocks – Stafford House and Alexander House, following completion of Fire Risk Assessments and cladding reviews completed by Podium in 2020.
The scope of work on Stafford House included removal of top seventh floor and installation of insulated flat roof, recladding of south elevation and external cyclical maintenance works. To Alexander House works included external refurbishment with new windows and doors, plus installing of a new lightning conduction system, replacement of all timber balcony dividers, external redecorations, replacement of fire doors and ancillary works.
Alexander House also required the replacement of the existing external wall insulation (EWI), consisting of combustible expanded polystyrene, with a proprietary A2,s1,d0 rated mineral wool system, including both a render finish generally and brick slip finish to the front elevation up to second floor level.
Podium Surveying’s role involved extensive relationship and contract management between Accent Housing and contractor Cornerstone, particularly when challenges arose around poor weather conditions, delays caused by a tenant access refusal and the discovery of historic roofing leaks. The final works scope included the replacement of top floor roof finishes and promenade tiles.
The works were delivered to a high standard in compliance with the scheduled programme of works and to the complete satisfaction of Accent Housing. The final Practical Completion date was extended via an Extension of Time, given delays caused by poor resident access. The visual transformation of both blocks was matched with improvements in both safety and energy efficiency, improving the environment and comfort of residents.
Our expertise continues to be recognised in all aspects of cladding investigation and the design of cladding replacement.