Ashfield District Council - External Wall Insulation, Reema properties

Ashfield District Council is a Local Authority managing council homes in Ashfield, North Nottinghamshire.

As Ashfield District Council’s capital works partner, J Tomlinson works with the council to deliver improvements to its housing stock, including replacing kitchens, bathrooms, central heating systems, electrical installations, roof coverings, windows and external doors and insulation measures.

In 2018, J Tomlinson undertook an external wall insulation (EWI) project in partnership with the Council which entailed the removal of poorly insulated pvc panels, the replacement of windows (including changing the window sizes to improve aesthetics and daylight levels), structural works, the installation of mechanically fixed EWI, the replacement of soffits, fascias, gutters, downpipes and a number of external doors across 86 Reema style properties located on a busy housing estate in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.

Popular during the mid-20th century, Reema properties are constructed from prefabricated reinforced concrete panels. As this system of construction is classed as non-traditional due to the absence of cavities within the walls, Reema properties are typically classed as ‘hard-to-heat’.

Site safety

J Tomlinson and the Council ensured the safety of all residents, visitors and operatives throughout the project through clear signage, comprehensive planning, daily toolbox talks, and clear access and egress routes.

Environmental challenges

Prior to works commencing, ecological surveys were undertaken, which identified a significant presence of birds and bats within roof areas. To avoid disruption to these protected creatures, J Tomlinson worked closely with ecologists throughout the project, constantly monitoring activity levels. During discussions with the Council, it was decided that J Tomlinson would alter the programmed works to each property’s roofline, lowering the EWI slightly and moving gables to allow sparrows to continue to access and exit their new habitat.

J Tomlinson also had to take into consideration the potential for localised flooding, sealing open joints and forming a split bead in each property’s render, meaning only a small section of render would have to be removed and replaced in the event of a flood – saving costs and time, as well as providing to be a more sustainable method.

Energy efficiency/affordable warmth

The completed EWI works have significantly improved thermal efficiency levels across all properties and will continue to help residents reduce their fuel bills, whilst contributing to the environment. The project improved the U-Value from 2.0 to .30, which is expected to help residents save up to £215 on fuel Bills and up to 1080KG (a tonne) of carbon per year per home. The system is guaranteed for 25 years and expected to have a lifetime of 40 years. During the lifetime of the system, it is estimated that each property will save approximately £8600 and 40,000KG of carbon.

RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT - At the beginning of the project, residents were invited to an open event where they could opt for their preferred colour scheme for the project. J Tomlinson worked with the Council to honour the preferences of as many residents as possible, arranging properties into designated ‘colour blocks’ according to the majority vote of the block. Furthermore, we worked with the Council to organise resident-friendly events throughout the scheme, including a coffee and breakfast morning, and a dementia awareness workshop

REDUCING FUEL POVERTY - the completed project improved the U-Value from 2.0 to .30, which is expected to help residents save up to £215 on fuel bills and up to 1080KG (a tonne) of carbon per year per home. The system is guaranteed for 25 years and expected to have a lifetime of 40 years. During the lifetime of the system, it is estimated that each property will save approximately £8600 and 40,000KG of carbon