Case study: Wellington Close

The newly refurbished Wellington Close shows how innovative cladding, together with VELFAC composite windows, can transform old and sub-standard homes into energy efficient, stylish and desirable places to live.

Built in 1967, Wellington Close comprises 132 apartments in three 10-storey tower blocks, each with a two-storey extension. By 2018 the blocks required continual maintenance and repair, with the original single-glazed windows causing particular problems including poor insulation, leaks, condensation and mould growth. Energy bills were also unreasonably high and rental incomes were falling as residents moved away.

After / Before

Aluminium over-cladding plus VELFAC

Rather than demolish Wellington Close, management company GCS Estates Management Ltd asked d+b facades to refurbish every facade with a combination of aluminium over-cladding together with 2,600m2 of high-performance, low maintenance VELFAC composite windows.

Stylish and contemporary, the distinctive, slim-framed VELFAC system was specified for its low maintenance design and excellent thermal insulation which retain heats during the winter and mitigates the impact of solar gain to keep living spaces cool during summer. VELFAC has also become a d+b facades preferred supplier - the glazing has a proven reputation for quality, durability and performance, and has been used in multiple d+b facades over-cladding projects during the last 10+ years.

Fixed and opening units, and glazed doors

Every apartment now features a range of fixed and opening VELFAC windows, together with VELFAC glazed doors opening onto balconies. The inner VELFAC timber frame is painted white to enhance the feeling of space in every room. External aluminium VELFAC frames are finished in grey which, together with uniform sightlines across every unit, ensures a seamless finish with the d+b over-cladding system.

A great success with 70% reduction in energy bills

Both cladding and windows were primarily fitted from the outside, allowing works to be completed while the flats were still occupied. VELFAC installation was then finalised internally, a process which took under a day to ensure minimum disruption for residents.

The refurbishment of Wellington Close has been a great success – it was finished on time and to budget, and has made the buildings much easier to manage and maintain. Leaseholders are also delighted with the transformation, and especially the new windows, not least because their energy bills have been reduced by around 70% while the value of their properties has risen.

Video credit: Doherty Associates, www.dohertyassociates.tv