The Du Cane Road Project
This major Proport Eco-Services project has been selected as one of 14 projects to form part of the BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment Scheme pilot.
The project consists of the refurbishment of 112 existing one bedroom and three bedroom flats in 5 blocks. The blocks were built in the late 1970's using the Bison construction method resulting in what has been described as a rather 'brutal' form of building. Each block is serviced by a central
service shaft containing stairs and a refuse chute. The dwellings are poorly insulated with only 25mm of insulation in the external walls of each block. The flats contain some asbestos ducting, have poor ventilation and are often subject to condensation.
As well as refurbishing the existing dwellings to Ecohomes Very Good standard 44 new dwellings are being constructed. These will forma an extar floor on each of the five blocks as well as 'infill' between two pairs of blocks. The new dwellings are pre-constructed off-site and esigned to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3.
At the same time new access arrangements will be made with improvments to the existing service shaft including lifts and new and improved facades to all of the blocks creating a more pleasant and aesthetically pleasing environment for tenants.
The clients, Du Cane Housing Association, have also specified that the dwellings meet Decent homes standard, Secured by Design, as well as meeting the requirments of the London Plan.
The refurbishment will take the form of removal of all existing services and the installation of thermal 
insulation and render to the external walls to of all dwelings and insulation of the exposed floors of dwellings over open car parking areas. All doors and windows are to be replaced along with energy efficient lighting internally and externally. The existing space and water heating system will be completely replaced with a more energy efficient system and upgraded controls.
The site is well served by public transport but secure bicycle storage will be provided and all dwellings will have provision for a home office. Replacement bathrooms and kitchens will incude water saving devices and fittings.
The project developer is the Apollo Housing Group who specialise in working with Housing Associations to refurbish and build new homes. Others involved in the project include UKSaps, UKSoundtesting, UKAirTesting, Arc7 architects and Easton Bevins chartered surveyors (daylight calculations).
Proport Eco-Services look forward to working with all its partners on this important project and contributing to the development of the new BREEAM refurbishment scheme.