Sheltered Housing Cladding Replacement at Mendlesham for Mid Suffolk District Council

Challenge

Mendlesham, a sheltered housing scheme owned by Mid Suffolk District Council and Babergh District Council, required the removal of its existing wood cladding, which no longer offered the thermal or fire performance the timber framed, single skin properties needed. A replacement solution was required across 11 properties, made up of five and a half semi-attached dwellings, that would improve insulation, ventilation and fire safety.

Although the works were entirely external, removing and reinstating the facade would be noisy and would vibrate through the timber framed properties. The scheme remained fully occupied throughout and housed vulnerable elderly individuals, terminally ill patients, individuals suffering from substance dependency and non-English speaking residents, all of whom had questions and concerns about the works taking place.

A month before completion, COVID-19 arrived in the UK. Considering the risks to the vulnerable tenants living in the properties and the wellbeing of our staff, we made the site safe and put down tools until it was safe to return.

Solution and Delivery

DMDI removed the existing wood cladding, then reinsulated and reventilated the properties in A2 Fire Rated Fibre Cement Cladding, with warm roof insulation also installed on the outbuildings. As a brand leading the way in  A2 fire rated cement cladding installations in East Anglia, DMD was able to offer advice and tailor the specification, knowing the properties would benefit from this specific product.

As part of our commencement of works process, we ascertained the cross-section of residents living in the properties and held a pre-mobilisation meeting to ensure every concern was addressed before work began. All residents also received a What to Expect frequently asked questions sheet on our arrival, reassuring them that the works were not invasive and explaining how long the programme would run. This meant every stakeholder felt comfortable and well informed from the moment we arrived on site.

Once COVID-19 guidelines had been introduced and the lockdown had eased, our fitters returned to site with new precautions in place following government guidance. We revisited our commencement of works process and re-addressed the tenants via our point of contact to explain the measures protecting their safety as well as that of our fitters. During this period one of our teams sadly discovered that a resident had passed away. The team notified the relevant authorities and DMD immediately arranged mental health support for everyone working on site that day, a response the on-site management was extremely thankful for.

Outcome

Despite the unprecedented circumstances, DMDI delivered a high quality cladding installation within a reasonable timeframe and to budget, with all retention paid and zero defects reported. The new cladding increases the U-value of the dwellings, reducing residents’ energy costs and, in turn, helping to improve their quality of life through lower bills.

“How DMD Installations approached this contract was incredible. Working with tenants in the way they did was a skill set I didn’t know we needed until they arrived and eased every concern our tenants had and worked with them continuously throughout. How they dealt with COVID-19 and everything that was thrown at them was brilliant. And even better, the work they provided us was seamless and done to a high standard.” Peter Statham, Building Surveyor, Mid Suffolk District Council.

Planning a cladding refurbishment or external upgrade? Contact DMD to discuss your project and discover practical solutions tailored to your building, programme and site requirements.