Client

Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing

Location

Huddersfield

Project Value

£3.7m

Architect

Watson Batty Architects

Contractor

Clugston Construction

Project Brief

Kirklees Council and Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) embarked on a £3.7m project to refurbish Huddersfield’s former Richmond Flats to create the iconic Harold Wilson Court. It involved the complete remodelling of the individual flats as well as major changes to the structure of the 11-storey tower block, constructed as a reinforced concrete frame. This director led project was completed in 2012 both on time and within budget. Adept were appointed by Clugston Construction, strengthening their on going relationship with the company.


Solution

Breathing new life into the provision of council housing, the impressive re-design of Richmond Flats incorporated rendered insulation wall panels and Photovoltaic panels to the roof. Integrating this modern energy efficient design within a 1960’s build required thoughtful engineering.

Adept commissioned an extensive wall tie survey and worked closely with this sub-contractor in order to ascertain the effectiveness of the existing components. As a result of this, it was necessary to specify a new wall tie system. Additionally, detailed internal surveys were undertaken to facilitate the reconfiguration of the walls. The structure consisted of a number of concrete shear walls and so careful engineering consideration had to be provided.

Adept closely collaborated with Clugston throughout the project, offering various problem solving solutions. This constant provision of choice enabled the contractor to utilise engineering strategies to best suit their needs whilst maintaining the architects vision.

As a testimony to the success of the project, KNH were awarded Winner of the ‘Managing Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty’ category at the NFA (National Federation of ALMOs) Awards for this scheme.