Lon Cymru Case Study

The Objective

Lon Cymru in Llandudno recently benefitted from energy efficiency improvements as part of Cartrefi Cymunedol’s, a social landlord based in Gwynedd, refurbishment project.
The client, Cartrefi Cymunedol required an upgrade in thermal performance, a comfortable living environment for its tenants, improved aesthetics and a cost effective solution for the improvement of two blocks of flats on Lon Cymru.

Carried out over the duration of 16 weeks, works began at the start of August 2016 with minimal disruption to residents. By providing computer generated images, samples, u-value calculations, specifications and material costs on time and to the client’s brief, SPSenvirowall was able to prepare various aesthetic solutions for the client and following a tenant consultation it was agreed that the SPSenvirowall clay brick solution on the ground floor with a silicone finish above would be used.

SPSenvirowall supplied 1500m2 of 90mm grey EPS with a clay brick slip and silicone finish to be applied over the existing substrate of the properties, improving the thermal efficiency dramatically. From a u-value calculation of 1.68 W(m2K) before the works were carried out to 0.24W(m2K) after the works were completed, the client achieved its objective and the residents now live in warmer and a visually far more superior block.

The Challenges

While large scale refurbishments have its own set of challenges, such as potential disruption to residents during works, SPSenvirowall ensured that the customer received a continuity of materials and was provided with full technical support for the duration of the project allowing it to be delivered on time. Stakeholders, Cartrefi Conwy, SPSenvirowall, Wates Living Space and JM Renderwall worked closely with tenants and provided consultation with the utmost attention. The tenants were able to choose the colour combinations, while the local authority planning department were fully consulted during the whole process.

Located on the main road in Llandudno, the buildings not only required an improved energy performance, the client also wished to enhance the built environment of the area and was concerned the block of flats would be vulnerable to graffiti attacks. The solution was to be found by using a brick slip detail on the ground to first floor level to deter graffitists from defacing a light coloured render which is often used for an entire property.

Further challenges presented themselves due to the structure of the buildings that are nontraditional cross wall constructions. Many flats suffered severe damp from a rotten flat roof system with damp penetrating through the eroded mortar joints. The stakeholders worked closely together to ensure all aspects of the design and specifications of the system resolved this issue.

Using a new single ply membrane roof, tied in with a new roof and external wall insulation construction detail provided the solution to the water and damp ingress.

The Benefits

The newly renovated buildings are a fantastic replacement to the original drab brick buildings. Cartrefi Conwy received numerous complementary comments from residents and members of the public. Tenants have reported that their homes are warmer and draught free and will benefit from lower fuel bills as a result.

An additional benefit was found in the local community with local labour being used on this project, providing people within the community extra work and training and putting money back into the local community. Cartrefi Conwy are delighted with the improvements to the buildings and thoroughly pleased with the SPSenvirowall, the main and sub-contractors and the whole team who delivered the project on time and to the entire satisfaction of the client.