Jigsaw Homes Group - Walton Court

Jigsaw Homes Midlands is part of the Jigsaw Group and owns around 3,300 homes across Nottinghamshire.

J Tomlinson was appointed by Jigsaw to undertake internal and external thermal efficiency and aesthetic upgrades to Walton Court in Carlton, which comprises of two six-storey, multiple-occupancy tower block flats containing circa 75 apartments.

Works would include communal area refurbishments, redecoration, thermal efficiency and insulation upgrades, and the installation of a sprinkler system across both blocks, with the end goal of the project being reduced fuel bills and carbon emissions, and increased resident wellbeing and comfort. Almost all flats were occupied throughout the scheme.

The scheme was awarded via the EEM Property Improvements framework, which is designed to support organisations in procuring high quality regeneration and refurbishment schemes with ease.

COVID-19 safe working

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic placed a three-month hold on the project during the first national lockdown period which commenced at the end of March 2021. During this time, only external works could be completed, including installation of a sprinkler tank and fire detection system in the basement area of one of the blocks, where then connected to all flats once government restrictions lifted. Other improvements undertaken to the basement area included decoration works, general repairs, and the installation of new LED lighting.

Throughout the project, our core focus revolved around protecting residents, visitors, the public and operatives, and preventing infection spread. Working in strict adherence to government social distancing guidelines and our own robust risk management procedures, we maximised safety via clear segregation of works, creation of temporary access and egress routes, practising excellent hygiene, and close communication with the client and wider project team – all supported by toolbox talks delivered on site on a daily basis.

Once works fully recommenced, the site team were able to undertake sprinkler installations within each individual flat, working in separate rooms to occupants and ensuring working areas were well-ventilated. Our resident liaison officer and site team worked with residents and Jigsaw Homes to understand changing circumstances amongst individuals, including those who were shielding due to vulnerabilities, or self-isolating. If an individual disclosed COVID-19 symptoms, we returned to complete the installations when it was safe to do so.

Improving thermal efficiency

Prior to the project, one of the main issues experienced by residents was high heating bills caused by poor thermal insulation.

J Tomlinson worked with Jigsaw to upgrade the thermal performance of each building and flat by replacing installing fibreglass insulation to the cavity wall panels and bricks at the front of each block. By trapping pockets of air, fibre glass installation helps slow the spread of heat and cold, which will help to keep flats cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In addition, it will help minimise outdoor noise levels – a key advantage for residents of Walton Court, who live next to a busy main road.

The project was completed on budget and to an excellent standard, with residents immediately experiencing increased comfort levels thanks to thermal upgrades undertaken across both blocks.

IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Upon completion of works, both blocks of flats benefit from significant thermal efficiency upgrades, helping to lower resident fuel bills, reduce future maintenance, keep carbon emissions down, and improve comfort levels

EEM PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS FRAMEWORK - The scheme was awarded via the EEM Property Improvements framework, which is designed to support organisations in procuring high quality regeneration and refurbishment schemes with ease

ON TIME HANDOVER - The project was completed on budget and to an excellent standard, with residents benefitting from improved thermal efficiency levels, lower fuel bills, improved fire safety measures, and aesthetic improvements to both building’s external and car parking/garage areas

HEALTH AND SAFETY EXCELLENCE – Working in live, occupied properties throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, J Tomlinson’s uncompromising approach to all aspects of health and safety was commended by the client on a weekly basis and supported via regular site and Covid-19 specific toolbox talks delivered to all operatives