Design: Refurbishment

 

Project: Quinqennial Inspection and works to Almshouses at Barnard Castle and Brough.

Client: The Trustees of Dawson's Cottages Trust.

Above: photographs of the existing cottages at Barnard Castle and Brough (far right).

The Trust was founded with the aim of providing accommodation for distressed ladies. It owns residences in Barnard Castle and Brough, both built during the 1950's. Working with the property management team at George F White LLP, who manage the property on behalf of the Trustees, we prepared a Quinquennial Inspection Report upon the fabric of the buildings in 2011.

Following an Inspection and Report we were asked to prepare a Schedule of Works for upgrading all six cottages at Barnard Castle to improve their thermal performance, and to deal with other matters recorded by the Inspection, including possible subsidence, and drainage problems. An acceptable tender was received, and we have now commenced refurbishment Works on Site, and are acting as Contract Administrator and Principal Designer under the CDM Regulations 2015. The Works will be completed in two sections to allow for the transfer of three existing residents from their existing cottages to newly refurbished properties, following which the remainder are to be refurbished.

The scope of the Works includes thermal insulation to all external walls; new electric heating throughout; upgrading the insulation to all lofts; the provision of new double glazing and new external doors; new wetrooms and, the enlargement and replacement of Kitchens; and, replacement of all floor coverings, and decoration. Externally, paths are being relaid; new ramps are being provided to allow residents to move freely between the gardens of the properties; lighting is being upgraded; and, asbestos is being removed.

It is anticipated that the dry lining of the walls will reduce the energy loss by conduction through the fabric by 80%. The Works are almost fully funded by an HCA grant delivered via the Almhouses Consortium. The Works to both Sections achieved Practical Completion in 2016.

In addition to the scheme at Barnard Castle, we completed in 2015 a scheme at Brough to repair and replace sections of roofs to three Almhouses. This included localised removal and replacement of the eaves and verges; the removal of asbestos soffits; the introduction of thermal insulation to reduce thermal bridging; and, the provision of new cast-iron rainwater goods. The project has extended the lives of the buildings, renewed long-standing roof problems, all at modest costs to the Trustees.

 

Below: drawings of the proposed Kitchen layout.

Below: photographs of the Kitchen and Living Room to one refurbished property.

Below: photographs of the new ramps and paving to the rear of the properties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value: Private.

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