Ibex House
Delivered for London & Quadrant Housing Trust
Project introduction
Following a successful PCSA, Lawtech completed remediation works at Ibex House, ensuring compliance and safety.
Scope of Works
Removal of the existing non-compliant cladding systems - EWI, terracotta, aluminium panels, spandrel panels, timber deck balconies, insulation boards, cavity barriers etc. - and associated insulation, fixings, brackets etc. back to the structure.
Removal of associated mechanical and electrical services to facilitate replacement of the EWI (Lightning protection, light fittings, conduit, etc.)
Alterations to boiler flues and other penetrations.
Design, supply, and installation of new EWI system: Envirowall Dual Density mineral wool insulation boards and Envirowall Silicone Render.
Design, supply, and installation of new rainscreen system: Rockwool Duo Slab mineral wool insulation and Rockpanel FS-Xtra.
Replacement of timber decked balconies with AliDeck Senior Boards.
Installation of AIM Cavity Fire Barriers where appropriate.
Challenges
Space Constraints
Given the limited space around site, welfare facilities and site compound were established on the level 5 roof terrace. Remaining available throughout the contract, these facilities comply with CDM Regulations 2015.
Railway Lines
The block is located next to Maryland Rail Station, on the TfL underground line between London Liverpool Street Rail Station and Shenfield Rail Station. To allow works to take place safely, a BAPA (Basic Asset Protection Agreement) was procured during the PCSA following liaison with Network Rail.
Commercial Units
Access to the commercial units was maintained throughout, and signage was placed on the hoarding where existing shopfronts are covered by the scaffold. Similarly, the nursery school entrance was re-routed through the main entrance of Ibex House to avoid children/parents walking through scaffolded work areas. A series of signs around site highlighted the new route.
Customer Service
Regular newsletters were provided to residents/commercial occupiers, ensuring progress is detailed throughout. Regular Resident Meetings/Coffee Mornings facilitated regular discussions/feedback.
Zikora Nursery is located on the ground floor at the rear of Ibex House. Lawtech’s Customer Service Manager and RLO regularly liaised with the nursery with regard to restrictions, ensuring the safety of their staff and students.
Social Value
During the project, we organised various Social Value Initiatives, including:
Bike Day
Our RLO invited ‘Doctor Bike Graham’ to the block, providing safety repairs on residents’ bikes. We received excellent feedback from the client and residents, who were elated to be able to use their bikes again. This benefitted residents and the local economy through support of the local business. The client, L&Q, also loved this initiative and sent us great feedback.
Barking Football Club
On every project, we aim to invest in local communities. At Ibex House, this included our sponsorship of Barking Football Club, local to the works. As well as sponsoring a new home kit, their stadium was renamed ‘Lawtech Stadium’ until the 2024-25 season. This investment provided young people with new equipment to harness their development.
Rob O’Brien, the Director of Barking F.C., commented: “From all of us at Barking F.C. we thank you so much for your support. The kit looks fantastic and the lads really like it.”
Fundraising
A Macmillan Coffee Morning was held at Ibex House in September 2023, organised by the project’s RLO. This provided an excellent opportunity for residents to get to know Lawtech staff and raise money for an amazing cause. The site team and residents at Ibex House raised £300 in total.
