Bamburgh Close, Reading

Refurbishment of the low-rise residential block at Bamburgh Close

Sector: Residential
Client: Reading Borough Council
Value range: £1.5m-£2m

This project involved extensive external refurbishment works including thermal upgrades to the building envelope, new façades, fenestration, ventilation system upgrades, and heating replacement via air-source heat pumps, all while the flats remained occupied.

Scope of work

Building Envelope & Façade:

  • Removal of existing façade and replacement of structural lintels above window openings.
  • Repair of timber-framed construction where damaged by water ingress or interstitial condensation.
  • Installation of fire breaks within the frame to compartmentalise the building and reduce fire spread.
  • External sheathing of frame with STS panel boards before applying final façade finish.

Insulation & Thermal Upgrades:

  • Installed Permarock external wall insulation (mineral wool) with a render system above DPC level.
  • Below-ground EPS insulation applied to tanked wall surfaces to insulate ground floor slab and prevent condensation at floor/wall junction.
  • Ceiling-level insulation removed and replaced; new insulation wrapped down to new wall insulation to eliminate thermal breaks at the eaves.

Fenestration, Doors & Openings:

  • Replacement of all windows and doors with thermally broken aluminium units to complete the thermal envelope upgrade.

Heating & Ventilation Systems:

  • Removal of existing gas boilers and gas supplies.
  • Installation of air source heat pumps for heating.
  • Ventilation systems upgraded in line with client design.

Ancillary & External Works:

  • New fascia, soffits and adapted rainwater goods.
  • New balcony and canopy details.
  • Upgraded internal communal flooring.

Resident Liaison & Occupation Management:

  • All work carried out while flats were occupied.
  • Close coordination with residents and the local housing/buildings teams to ensure safety, continuity and minimal disruption.
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