The project commenced following a non-intrusive survey undertaken by MAF Fire consultants which in turn triggered a waking watch requirement which was costing the developer over £3k per week. We were initially approached to undertake a fully intrusive survey via cherry picker. The cladding panel could not be damaged during this process as the product was no longer available to market. We successfully navigated this process and reported the wall build up and insulation back to the consultants.

By this point the Lessees had appointed their own consultants and there then followed a period of exchanges and negotiations between all parties. After weeks of inertia we proposed that we should at least remove the cladding and insulation to remove the need for the waking watch and the associated costs per week.

This was agreed with the caveat that all of the existing cladding had to be retained as part of the process in case there was an option to reuse. We managed to remove all of the 440 Cladding pieces without damaging them and retained the fully bonded rail system.

Following the removal of the external envelope a specification was agreed by all parties for the reinstatement and BCS were appointed on a design and build contract with the risk on the installation sitting with us. The proposed scope involved reinstating the existing cladding panels but replacing all Celotex FR500 insulation and fire barriers.

We were also liable for replacing the rail system where required or supplying pull stress testing results for any retained areas. We also assumed the liability for the replacement insulation and Part L requirements including appointing the approved inspectors. A further complication arose when numerous windows had to be removed and reinstated instantly to ensure no combustible materials were used during the original installation. These works were all undertaken whilst lessees/tenants were in occupation and required internal making good.

We managed to maintain to a retain a strong direct relationship with the occupants and the property management company during this difficult process. We were also heavily embedded in the approval process between the consultants appointed by both the freeholder and the lessees which involved a level of diplomacy and independence in order to facilitate a positive outcome for all.