INCA Case Study: Long Meadow Court, Vale Of Glamorgan

The Transformation of Long Meadow Court: A Story of Renewal

Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the historic town of Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, Long Meadow Court had long been a hidden gem with a tarnished exterior. Constructed in 1975, this sheltered accommodation scheme housed 27 flats, each home to residents over the age of 55 with varying disabilities. For years, the building’s once-promising design had faded into an unremarkable eyesore, with crumbling bay windows and cold, damp interiors.

The Call for Change

Residents of Long Meadow Court were no strangers to hardship. The leaking bay windows, inadequate insulation, and unsightly black mould had been persistent issues, turning potential new residents away and leading to numerous repair calls. Despite temporary fixes, the problems persisted, eroding the residents’ comfort and quality of life.

Residents also complained about how cold the blocks were and that they suffered with black mould growth. It was found that the blown cavity insulation had gathered in areas leaving several cold spots.

The turning point came when the local community’s pleas for a better living environment reached the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Determined to rejuvenate Long Meadow Court and improve the lives of its residents, the council devised a comprehensive renovation plan. This project would address not only the aesthetic and structural issues but also enhance the building’s energy efficiency, ensuring a warmer, safer, and more inviting home for its occupants.

A Vision Realised

The design brief was ambitious: remove the problematic bay windows, install External Wall Insulation (EWI) with 100mm EPS, replace the roof covering, add new entrances and external ramps, and replace all windows. The chosen insulation system promised to reduce the U-value from 1.56 W/m²K to an impressive 0.28 W/m²K, dramatically improving the building’s thermal performance.

The project’s complexity demanded a skilled and dedicated contractor. SMK, a trusted name with extensive experience in similar projects, was awarded the contract. Their proposal, emphasising safety, communication, and innovative solutions, stood out. The journey to transform Long Meadow Court began in earnest in January 2023.

Overcoming Challenges

From the start, the project faced significant challenges. The removal of the bay windows, each containing asbestos and serving as structural supports, required careful planning. SMK devised an ingenious solution: constructing protective enclosures to ensure residents’ safety during the removal process. These enclosures were insulated, completely sealed, and aesthetically pleasing, maintaining the building’s appearance throughout the work. They provided useful input for the mono ridge design and included a plan for working with the ecologist so that the programme would have as little disruption as possible.

Nature presented another hurdle. The discovery of bat roosts and nesting birds necessitated close collaboration with ecologists. Temporary bat boxes were installed in nearby trees, and new-entry bat boxes were integrated into the EWI system. The project timeline had to be adjusted around the nesting periods, but SMK’s proactive approach ensured minimal disruption.

The residents of the scheme were also known for their high level of complaints. The Contractor would need to be extremely proactive and a clear presence while work took place.

Due to the nature of the project the contractor would not be able to start work on one area without completing another, they were heavily reliant on each trade completing their work ready for the next trade to move in. This was especially difficult with the EWI as weather conditions could affect the programme.

 Comment from Chris Nunn Vale of Glamorgan Council Contract Administrator

“The original design had numerous flaws which could have caused a lot of down time and did cause confusion. It was extremely important that SMK work closely with the Vale Council to agree alternatives. It is common practice to have one pre-start meeting for a project of this size. SMK were happy to meet weekly to run through the schedule to find ways to address each issue regarding the design, these were as follows: –

• No colours chosen for the external render, mosaics and brick slips – Residents were consulted with a large amount of input from SMK.
• No protection for the render, brambles and ivy were growing up the wall which could have damaged the system. A fin drain was designed and was hand dug by SMK due to the proximity of the render system.
• Mono ridge design that would work with the system and not look out of place.
• A design for the bay window removal that would limit the impact on elderly residents and can be done without compromising the structural safety of the building. It was decided that SMK would remove one from an empty flat to gauge any risks.

All design changes were made by the Vale Council, but SMK provided extensive input and recommendations to ensure it would work. They provided days where the work could take place in a manner that could be inspected by myself and Building Control to ensure everyone was happy”.

Product Specific

Considering the relatively long history of the Long Meadow Court Project, it was obvious that the original EWI specification would require review and subsequent amendments. We engaged with Soltherm at contract award and, in consultation with Chris Nunn of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, were able to work with Soltherm to quickly provide a suitable spec for the project. We have a longstanding working relationship with Soltherm and had no problems in establishing design changes and materials procurement for the project. Soltherm Project Manager Scott Walker was engaged with the project from day one, and we were able to continue the honest and cohesive relationship we have enjoyed on other projects. Some of the issues we resolved in consultation and subsequent instruction with Scott included bay removal areas design, fire break design, mono ridge roof details, and the implementation of a ‘fin drain system to the soft ground perimeter of the blocks. Supported by Soltherm Business Development Manager Angharad Hughes, Scott worked closely with Richard and Chris to maintain the quality control and product implementation through site visits and stringent inspection of all phases of installation. We believe that this connected working partnership enabled all parties to complete the Long Meadow Court Project to a high standard of finish on all levels.

A Community United

Communication was key to the project’s success. SMK putting the needs of the residents first, established extensive lines of communication with the residents, their families, and various stakeholders. Weekly on-site meetings and monthly progress updates in the communal lounge kept everyone informed and involved. The team’s transparency and responsiveness built trust and cooperation, turning a potentially disruptive renovation into a community effort.

One particularly challenging aspect was working with an elderly resident who was a hoarder. SMK’s Resident Liaison Officer, Dale Baldock, provided sensitive assistance, helping her clear space for the necessary work and ensuring her comfort and safety throughout the process.

Triumph Over Adversity

The winter of 2023 brought harsh weather conditions, threatening to derail the project. Yet, SMK’s commitment never wavered. They adapted the schedule daily, maintaining open communication with residents and stakeholders to manage expectations and minimise delays. The result was a seamless, high-quality finish, despite the weather’s best efforts to hinder progress.

A New Dawn

By February 2024, Long Meadow Court stood transformed. The once-dilapidated building now gleamed with new life. The installation of the EWI system, along with new windows and roof, ensured the flats were warm, dry, and free from the dreaded black mould. The building’s fresh, modern appearance no longer repelled potential residents but welcomed them warmly.

The project’s success was a testament to the collaborative effort of SMK, the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and the residents. The innovative solutions, meticulous planning, and unwavering dedication turned a once-derided building into a beacon of community pride.

Reflections

SMK’s project manager, Richard Tamlin, and Resident Liaison Officer, Dale Baldock, were pivotal in this transformation. Their experience and empathy ensured that the residents felt supported and involved throughout the process. Chris Nunn, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Contract Administrator, praised SMK’s proactive approach: “Their commitment to finding solutions and maintaining open communication was crucial. The project exceeded our expectations. I believe that without the early planning undertaken by SMK, including several long meetings, the site would not have been a success. Everyone involved with the scheme (residents, staff, housing officers etc) are extremely happy with the final result. It was a pleasure working with the site Manager Richard Tamlin, he was well respected by the residents and worked hard to ensure as little disruption to the project. The Contracts Manger Al Wilson spent many hours working with me to ensure the success of the project which I believe was over and above what was expected. Finally, the resident Liaison officer Dale Baldock was always on hand to meet with residents if they had any concerns and especially the time she spent working with a resident that was hoarding, to assist her with clearing space for the workers.”

Conclusion

The transformation of Long Meadow Court is more than a story of bricks and mortar; it’s a story of renewed hope and community spirit. The successful renovation has not only improved the building’s energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal but also significantly enhanced the residents’ quality of life. This project exemplifies what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a better future.

By embracing modern techniques and maintaining a steadfast commitment to resident welfare, Long Meadow Court has become a model for future projects. This holistic approach to renovation, combining technical excellence with community-focused solutions, makes it a deserving candidate for an award.