SOCIAL HOUSING

Not all structural elements are viable for refurbishment. A key aspect of advising on 20th Century buildings is the experience to spot the elements that cannot be economically retained.

Refurbishment of a Wimpy “No Fines”, tower block in association with Sunderland City Council, required little structural work as concrete beams and walls were well within their capacity.

Changing social patterns create structural problems even on lower rise buildings where major alterations are needed. The sheltered home in York (left) was converted from single bed-sits to flats and the loads to the foundations became the critical restraint for the Architects. However, eight blocks in a Tower Hamlets estate (right) were modified with few structural changes.

As illustrated on the page dedicated to High Rise Buildings, the Practice has considerable expertise with high-rise flats, and, with the Ronan Point-type Large Panel System towers in particular.