Senior Building Surveyor Phil Booth, of Building Advisory Services at Stoke On Trent Council has contributed his comments on the retrofit project at St Lukes St so far. Phil Booth has been inspecting the works as they've progressed, and we grateful that he's offered his comments and views below.
"I think it is a very good idea to gather everyone's comments on such an innovative scheme as this, although I remain skeptical about the cost effectiveness unless the construction methods are used on much larger schemes.
From the onset, our relationship with the Building Contractors (Seddon) and in particular the Site Agent, (Ian Davenport) have been extremely good. Any potential problems on site have been dealt with mutual consent and a common sense approach.
The cellar was filled with concrete in layers. This allowed each layer to set before additional load was imposed. This prevented any lateral loading to flank party walls and removed the danger of collapse into neighbouring cellars.
Structural alterations internally such as the removal of chimney breasts, was carried out with minimum disruption. Excavations and introduction of designed raft foundation were to a high standard.
The below ground block work was not installed as per the Architects original design due to availability of materials. Architect and Structural Engineer were consulted and the revised design was acceptable.
Existing drainage layouts were not as the Architect had originally envisaged but this is to be expected on such a scheme as the property is approximately 100 years old and drainage at construction stage would have been very much ad hock.
A visit was requested by Ian of Seddon and agreement quickly reached over how to overcome the changes in level and direction of flow. The introduction of a new inspection chamber in the rear yard solved this problem.
Internal fit out, including first fix services insulation and membrane fixing would again appear to have been carried out to an exceptionally high standard. For example, even the staples holding the membrane in place, were taped over to allow the best possible are pressure test. Electrical fittings were sealed with intumescent sealer, again to increase the property's robustness in sound transmission and heat loss.
Windows are of a very high specification of triple glazing and needed to be toughened and provide emergency egress in the case of a fire within the property. However, they were supplied by a company in Poland. I'm not sure how this can be seen as Eco friendly, transport etc.
The overall scheme is of a very high standard and the proposed residents have been consulted over the position of all sockets, switches etc to remove the possibility of breaches in the envelope to the building.
I look forward to being summoned to carry out a a completion inspection before handover."
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