Sudbury House

Following the shocking and unprecedented tragedy at Grenfell Tower in June 2017 BPG were directly engaged by Wandsworth Council to undertake urgent reviews of two previously over-clad tower blocks – Castlemaine Tower and Sudbury House.

We undertook a full assessment on site and using record drawings and other information to identify the systems used and their likely future suitability in relation to the new testing regime and conclusions coming from the BRE and the Department for Communities and Local Government regarding cladding systems and materials used previously on high rise blocks.

Our initial report concluded, in conjunction with the various departments within the Council, that full renewal with a modern compliant over cladding system was the most satisfactory way forward. This would ensure in the shortest practical timescales that the highest safety standards for residents could be achieved. These works were to go ahead separate to other measures being undertaken direct by the Council including the introduction of sprinkler systems.

Sudbury House has been fully designed and a negotiated tender process held with the Council’s own Operational Services contractor with results received just prior to Christmas 2017.

Enabling works started in September 2017 with a partial cladding strip and also in procuring and designing the technical solution for accessing the block to facilitate the works. This has involved the construction of a gantry partially supported by bridge type beam and column sections to span over the Shopping Centre and car park that entirely surrounds the base of the block. The full strip of existing cladding and then replacement with new, including all fenestration, together with associated/consequential works to the building envelope and passive fire protection was completed during the following 18 months.