Client
Needs
Harris associates were commissioned by the client to undertake an external wall investigation and to provide a piece of expert advice on Building Safety Fund eligibility.
Previously, other consultants had carried out external wall assessments. However, they were not conclusive enough to assess whether the cladding system complied with the Building Regulations at the time of construction. In addition, the fire rating of the cladding panels was not established during the previous investigations. The BSF found the cladding to be ineligible for the remediation works so the client wanted to benefit from our expertise to appeal the decision since we are familiar with such cases and specialise in undertaking this work.
What
We Did
- We coordinated the work with the access contractor to safely investigate the façade system
- Identified all areas of the façade envelope/cladding materials, investigated the materials used in the façade sub-structure construction behind the façade(s) to determine if the façade materials are suitable for the property and its use.
- Directed all site findings and coordinated with the fire engineer to holistically assess the external wall.
- Due to the significant risk of external fire spread, the full remediation of the aluminium composite panel cladding was recommended by the Fire Engineer.
We
Provided
Carried out the preliminary external intrusive site investigations to identify the nature of all areas of the façade envelope/cladding materials, investigate the materials used in the façade sub-structure construction behind the façade(s) to ascertain if the façade materials are suitable for the property and its use.
Coordination of cladding and materials sampling for laboratory testing to understand its behaviour during the fire testing and to assess the fire rating
Provided an External Wall Assessment report and EWS1 coordination and delivery
Provision of remediation fund assistance
Provided technical due diligence and advice in the context of Building Regulations compliance and BSF eligibility
Final
Result
Based on the information we gathered, the client was able to prepare a case for the Building Safety Fund application which was approved and full funding was received.
