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Cowan Architects recently completed a critical cladding remediation project in collaboration with Guildmore, the principal contractor. This work was at The Kings Chelsea Estate, a prestigious residential complex on London’s iconic Kings Road. This project focused on the penthouses of seven buildings, with an objective to improve the safety, thermal comfort, and peace of mind of their residents.

A PAS 9980 FRAEW (Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls), revealed significant concerns with the existing cladding system. Specifically, the use of metal sandwich panels containing expanded polystyrene insulation raised serious fire safety issues and did not meet current regulations. The assessment underscored the critical need for remediation works to the façade to ensure the safety of residents. It also emphasised the importance of adhering to statutory guidelines, including the use of cavity barriers and the fulfilment of stringent fire performance criteria.

To address these critical concerns, Cowan Architects replaced the combustible, non-compliant cladding with a new non-combustible cladding to meet minimum fire rating requirements of A1/A2, s1, d0.

The project involved a detailed specification of works, which was carefully crafted to address the specific issues identified within the FRAEW, including the installation of cavity barriers, fire-stopping elements, and thermal improvement of the building envelope.

Throughout the project, clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders was paramount, ensuring residents felt engaged and reassured at every stage. Recognising the sensitivity of working within a bustling urban environment, Cowan Architects provided a detailed design and risk assessment to minimise disruption to residents’ daily lives and ensure health and safety during the works. Over the course of the project, the principal contractor, Guildmore, meticulously planned logistics, including site access, material deliveries, and waste removal.

The collaboration between Cowan Architects and Guildmore addressed critical safety concerns and elevated the aesthetic appeal of these homes. Residents can now enjoy greater comfort, along with confidence that their homes meet the highest standards in fire safety and thermal efficiency.