Erith Park
Erith, London

Working with Wates Construction

Wates Construction approached InstaGroup to provide a solution to fully-fill the cavity left after the construction of 10 blocks of residential flats. Our team were asked to recommend a suitable barrier product and manage the installation.

Background to the project

The Wates Construction team has worked with InstaGroup on three previous projects and trusted our expertise. Pre-tender and Pre-start meetings were held to organise logistics of the site and timescales before contracts were signed and works commenced.

Project scope

The insulation specified was InstaFibre White Wool Retrofit System. Main contractors and developers now recognise this product as an effective solution for bringing existing buildings up to today’s building standards.

The project started in November 2023 and will completed in early 2025. Altogether, a total of 19,196m² of specialist insulation is to be installed across 10 blocks of flats.

Seven of the blocks contain 90+ flats, with each of these blocks requiring 2,000-2,400m² to be installed. Three of the blocks contain 45-60 flats, with each block requiring 1,000-1,600m² to be installed.

Meeting challenges on-site

The project requires constant supervision, along with the use of cherry pickers and access via scaffolding.

To support the efficiency of completing the full fill of the cavity across all 10 blocks we are using the CRM system ‘Field View’. Field View fully-integrates project delivery, closeout, quality control and Health & Safety requirements. We are able to take photos and record snags in real-time and send them directly to clients and/or the back office.

InstaGroup solution saves valuable time

InstaGroup’s retrofit barrier solution will save both time and money for the client. The alternative would be to remove the entire front façade of the building to carry out remedial work to insulate or incapsulate the cavity construction.

Choosing InstaGroup for the retrofit installation has taken years off the potential duration of programme, and significantly cut costs. Tenants and residents are also able to continue living in their homes whilst work is carried out, making further financial savings while minimising disruption to lives.

Building on trust

InstaGroup has built a good working relationship with Wates Construction, who are very pleased with the delivery of our work and the standards set.

All works are currently progressing to timescales, with Building Control signing off on Block A – the tallest building within the project – at the end of January 2024.