MORE than 70 residents in Wellingborough are benefiting from new high-quality modern accommodation, thanks to a partnership between Wellingborough Homes and Sywell-based architectural practice Sursham Tompkins.
Sursham Tompkins has been working with Wellingborough Homes on the regeneration and refurbishment of homes in the borough. The brief for this major remodelling scheme was to identify a cost-effective design-led solution for two blocks, comprising 72 one and two-bedroom flats.
MORE than 70 residents in Wellingborough are benefiting from new high-quality modern accommodation, thanks to a partnership between Wellingborough Homes and Sywell-based architectural practice Sursham Tompkins.
Sursham Tompkins has been working with Wellingborough Homes on the regeneration and refurbishment of homes in the borough. The brief for this major remodelling scheme was to identify a cost-effective design-led solution for two blocks, comprising 72 one and two-bedroom flats. The brief was to address the issues with the existing homes, including poor thermal insulation and high maintenance costs over the longer term and to introduce a mix of homes to help meet local housing need.
The proposals developed by Sursham Tompkins avoided the need to demolish the blocks whilst providing a sustainable solution by removal of the building façade, walkways, stair towers and balconies but retaining the existing concrete frame. The external leafs of the cavity walls were removed and solid walls were constructed. The whole envelope of the blocks was then over clad using an insulated render system to provide a significant reduction in fuel bills for residents and reduced maintenance costs for Wellingborough Homes.
The regularity of the horizontal and vertical lines of the existing elevations were broken by the use of different render colours and cladding panels in less formal patterns. Visual emphasis was given to the building corners with added monopitch roof sections to give roadside impact and a more modern feel. New stair towers, walk ways and balconies were applied as galvanised steel work to provide articulation to the built form.
The removal of all internal walls also gave the opportunity to reconfigure the internal layouts, maximise the floor area and re-align the front entrances to the courtyard area, encouraging a ‘street feel’ while aiding the natural surveillance philosophy.
Internally, the vast majority of the flats were completely refurbished with acoustic flooring and ceilings as well as new kitchens and bathrooms. Heating, lighting and ventilation systems were installed to minimise any required maintenance as well as improving efficiency.
The external landscaping was reconfigured to improve car parking and dense areas of mature trees were removed to increase natural daylighting. Planted areas in the courtyards were defined to help soften the entrance and create individual access routes.
The multi-million pound completed scheme has transformed the visual impact of the blocks on the local street scene and acts as a gateway building to this part of the town.
Denise Lewis, director of asset and development at Wellingborough Homes, said: “We have received a great deal of positive feedback from residents on the refurbishment. We are absolutely delighted to be fulfilling our ongoing commitment to creating high-quality living environments that reduce fuel poverty and deliver value for money solutions for poor performing assets, thanks to generation of additional rent income and reduced on-going maintenance costs.”
For further details contact Sursham Tompkins on 01604 646566 or visit the website www.surshamtompkins.co.uk