Capital acted as Design Coordinators, Structural Engineers, CA and Principal Designers for the Phase 1 project and were responsible for managing the initial opening up and investigation works, agreeing the method of stripping and temporarily waterproofing of the block and for management of the works on site.

In addition to the above we also carried out an Option Appraisal Report (for the Phase 2 reinstatement options) which set out the proposed design solution and costs for reinstatement. Procurement of the Phase 2 reinstatement works is currently being consider as part of a large scheme to the block for a new ground source heat pump heating installation and internal fire upgrade works.

The scheme came about following the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Governments advice to owners of residential buildings with respect to building safety. Enfield Council subsequently commissioned investigation works to all their blocks, including Walbrook House, to determine the fire performance of the cladding materials. This was in addition to other fire safety improvement works that were proposed to internal communal areas and common parts.

The results of the investigations established that the existing cladding panels to Walbrook House didn’t meet the current standards in respect of fire safety and other deficiencies were found. As such removal of the existing cladding panels was instructed by Enfield Council.

A specialist cladding contractor was appointed, and the method and extent of access and stripping was agreed through a series of design team meetings with the contractor and the design team. The block was made safe and fully stripped within 12 weeks. The Phase 2 reinstatement works are due to go on site this year.