Case Study: Karbon Homes St Oswalds

Elvet were initially appointed by Karbon Homes to undertake an external measured survey of 4nr. multi-story dwellings in conjunction with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s information gathering exercise which focussed on external wall systems. The brief included two simple stages:

1. Quantify and confirm the materials which have been used to form the fabric of the external wall construction and associated finishes.
2. Calculate the percentage of windows or other glazing within the external envelope.

Our surveyors utilised our 3D Digital Scanner to produce high quality, as-built drawings and photo-realistic realistic models of the buildings (Mandarin Lodge, Harlequin Lodge, Mallard Lodge & Merganser Lodge), which facilitated the quantification of the external finishes together using robust documentary evidence.

Following on from the success of this commission we were asked to complete an Energy Appraisal of the same high-rise buildings, which are collectively known as ‘St. Oswald’s’. This necessitated a full measured internal survey of each tower block and a thorough inspection to determine the construction and fabric which determined the u-values of all key building elements. Furthermore, our qualified Energy Assessors undertook domestic Energy Performance Assessments to each individual apartment and SBEM calculations for all communal areas.

Using the collated information, we were able to undertake a feasibility study, which included an options appraisal, detailing the impact of various investment packages in energy efficient measures and thermal upgrades e.g., renewable heating, window replacement etc.

Our study enabled the client to make informed decisions on where to allocate future expenditure to ensure their assets were well maintained and operating to their optimum performance.