Peter Cox has announced the completion of regeneration works to 350 properties on the Bransholme estate in Hull. As one of the biggest council estates in the UK, works continue on an additional 100 properties. External wall insulation is being installed to the existing outer layer of brickwork on the homes on the estate — helping modernise the properties’ infrastructure.
The majority of the estate’s homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s. Due to the design and construction methods of the time, some properties within the estate have developed issues relating to heating and condensation. Peter Cox was appointed to undertake structural repairs to ensure the brickwork could withstand the additional loads generated by the installation of the external wall insulation on the properties.
The buildings are constructed of 70mm by 45mm internal timber frames with an 112mm outer layer of brickwork, with ‘I’ shaped brackets fixed to the timbers. To make sure the new external wall insulation would be safe and secure, additional structural ties were inserted to attach the inner timber frame to the outer brickwork.
This process is an adaptation of the typical structural repair service offered by Peter Cox, which was made to meet the requirements of the project’s architect. Peter Cox followed the architect’s specification provided by Fortem, and Installed Helifix Dryfix ties to battens to secure the outer and inner layers. These ties are proven to carry a required load of 0.5Kand can reach a maximum load of 1.5K. Once installed the ties were tested by Peter Cox technicians.
Tom Barber, Area Manager for Peter Cox Yorkshire, said; “The work carried out by Peter Cox is essential to lay the groundwork for a much larger refurbishment project of the entire estate. We are proud to be part of a project which will help improve people’s homes while also helping to protect residents’ safety with the installation of structural wall ties. We were also happy to donate a climbing frame as part of the community project to renew the playground in partnership with Fortem for Sutton Park Primary School.”
As of September 2021, Peter Cox has finished the work on over 350 properties within the estate, with another 100 in progress.
