The façade enhancement scheme sees ISG upgrade two multi-storey tower blocks – Abbey Court and Cornwall Court. These are the last two of six residential tower blocks that Eastlands Homes is doing up.
ISG recently had a similar project to re-clad three tower blocks for Your Homes in Newcastle.
The Manchester tower blocks will get a layer of high-performance external insulation added beneath a new aluminium and terracotta cladding system. All windows will be replaced with aluminium and timber composite framed ones. These, combined with the new façade, should significantly improve the thermal efficiency of the buildings and reduce fuel costs for residents.
ISG will also open up all the enclosed balconies across both tower blocks and install glass and stainless steel balustrades in these areas. Significant work will be carried out at roof level to redesign the structure, creating upper and lower roof levels to house a new Eco-Pod pre-fabricated plant room with photovoltaic cells, which will provide part of the power supply for communal areas in Abbey Court. At Cornwall Court, the Eco-Pod will incorporate solar heating panels that will augment the building’s hot water system.
Internally, ISG will upgrade the common areas within each of the buildings, installing new fire doors and re-decorating throughout, with new floor finishes on the staircases. The scheme also incorporates extensive hard landscaping and external works, including the provision of new parking, residents’ allotments, secure bicycle stores and electric car charging points.
ISG northern regional managing director Andy Mallice said: “Modernising and improving the environmental performance and aesthetic appeal of existing social housing is a key objective for providers across the UK. At a fraction of the cost of new build solutions, these retrofit projects not only make economic sense but are also delivered without displacing tenants.
“By building a real specialism in this niche area of the social housing sector, ISG continues to secure projects with many of the UK’s largest operators by demonstrating meticulous planning and a considerate approach to site management.”
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