Project Progress Update: Ketley House, London
We are delighted to share with you our latest project update from Ketley House in London, another Starfish Construction residential façade remediation project. Continuously, our commitment to excellence in design, engineering, safety and project delivery is demonstrated throughout all our projects, including Ketley House, which is more than a construction project; it's a transformation that will enhance the living environment for the residents and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the local community. Moreover, we are implementing sustainable practices and materials to minimise the project's environmental impact.
Façade Remediation Project Inception
Our journey with Ketley House began with a meticulous assessment of the client's exacting specifications. As the single-source principal project contractor, our experience and expertise across building surveying, planning, and design, all conducted in-house by our integrated divisions, ensure the highest standards and strict adherence to our methodology.
With an expected completion timeframe of 25 weeks, this ambitious undertaking will transform the residential block. The project scope includes removing the existing 507m2 of façade and designing, supplying, and installing a new, safe cladding system.
The first phase of this extensive project began with removing the existing cladding system, which included a timber backing system, HPL cladding, and EPDM.
Once cleared, the installation of the new façade has commenced, including the application of new EPDMs and breather membranes, the erection of a new backing structure complete with fire breaks and insulation, and the installation of new aluminium cladding panels and pressed metal. Additionally, we conducted fire door surveys to ensure compliance with safety standards.
As this project's principal contractor and designer, we have dual responsibility, highlighting our comprehensive approach to the design and execution phases, ensuring a seamless and efficient project progression.
We visited the site today, and it looks like Starfish Construction has made a good, solid start. Their site management team is very professional, giving us the right level of confidence that these projects could be delivered as planned. I'm looking forward to the next progress meeting. I was really impressed by everything.
Client Feedback on Project Progress.
Design and Access Build
As a multifaceted construction group, Starfish Construction has an in-house Access and Scaffolding Division, which ensures we design and manage the installation and adhere to our strict Health and Safety standards. The project required a creative scaffolding plan due to limited space around the site perimeter and restricted access points.
Overcoming Project Challenges
Urban projects in London come with unique challenges, and Ketley House is no exception. The Starfish Construction team faced and expertly navigated several obstacles:
- Busy High Street Road Location: Managing deliveries during off-peak hours to minimise disruption
- Limited Space: Employing just-in-time deliveries and optimised available space to maintain high welfare standards while maintaining access to the parking area through the building archway
- Occupied Apartments: Keeping residents informed through our Residents Hub Portal, providing regular updates and work schedules
- Operational Commercial Units: Ensuring the safety of staff and visitors is our top priority. We have designated walkways and additional signage for commercial unit patrons, demonstrating our commitment to safety standards.
Robert Morgan, Senior Project Manager at Starfish Construction, emphasised the team's resilience in the face of project constraints: "Our ability to adapt and maintain high standards of safety and quality has been crucial. The team's solutions and effective communication with residents and commercial stakeholders have been pivotal to our progress. Our innovative Residents Hub keeps all owners and occupiers updated with all project stages and any restrictions that affect them. It's a game-changer for residential projects."
Current Onsite Progress
The project is advancing steadily, with significant milestones already achieved:
- Phase 1 - EPDM works have been completed
- Phase 1 - Breather Membrane works are completed
- Phase 1 - Cladding brackets works have been completed
- Phase 1 – Insulation install works are near completion
- Phase 1 – Cavity Barrier installation has commenced
- Phase 2 – Scaffold is 100% complete
- Phase 2 - EPDM works have been completed
- Phase 2 - Breather Membrane works are completed
- Phase 2 - Cladding brackets installation has commenced
- Phase 3 – Scaffold is 100% complete
- Phase 3 - EPDM works have been completed
- Phase 3 - Breather Membrane works are completed.
Our highly experienced Senior Site Manager has worked exceptionally hard to ensure he meets all challenges. With a fully occupied residential building with parking accessed via an archway, diligence is required to ensure the access is not blocked unnecessarily. Along the front of the building are several business units requiring safe access for staff and clients. We’ve also ensured passersby can safely use the pavement during the project.
Starfish Construction remains dedicated to delivering outstanding results while overcoming each project's unique challenges. We look forward to sharing further progress and celebrating the successful completion of Ketley House.
