Brunswick Square, Hove

Grainger PLC

External Mansion Block Major Works

A listed residential block of flats in central Hove

block logo

THE CHALLENGE

  • A listed building with works closely controlled by the Conservation Architect.

  • A leaking slate roof.

  • A corroded and unstable disused fire escape to the rear.

  • A crumbling bungaroosh party wall with large pieces of flint falling onto neighboring properties.

  • Cracked and water damaged entrance path.

WHAT WE DID

  • We erected a scaffold with a full temporary roof to protect the building from water ingress.

  • We stripped up the existing slate roof coverings and removed all lead gutter linings before replacing with new Welsh slate and lead valleys, cover flashing and abutments.

  • We liaised with the Local Authority to take up and repair the marble entrance tiles after repairing the substrate below.  We used and restored as many of the original materials as was possible and sourced and supplemented with salvaged Victorian materials where required.

  • We carried out extensive render repairs to the rear of the property where previous water had been slipping from the roof down the masonry and into the flats.  This included the repair of the bungaroosh wall and its protection against future bird infestation.

  • The dangerous and unstable rear fire escape was temporarily propped and eventually removed, making good all affected render upon completion.

WHY WAS IT A SUCCESS

  • We made sure the project was undertaken in a safe and organised manner where it was key to liaise very carefully with all residents and managing agent.

  • At the end of the project the building was fully refurbished in line with the local authorities listed building guidelines.

  • We solved the issue of water leaks which had been persistent for a number of years by repairing the slate roof and central valley gutter as well as resolving the issues with the rainwater disposal and masonry.

  • The building was fully refurbished in order to safeguard the fabric of the building for the next 10 years.

  • The unsafe fire escape was removed creating more light to the flats at the rear of the property.

  • The falling masonry from the party wall was repaired and made safe.

  • We renovated the black and white Victorian tiling at the front of the property in line with local authority guidelines, eventually securing agreement from the Local Authority.

Under our Contract Administration, A S Ramsay undertook extensive repairs to Bunswick Square. They were, as always, thoroughly accommodating throughout and completed a project which required careful planning to a very high standard. I would recommend them and intend to put them forward for similar work in the future.

Matthew Aldridge MRICS