Newlife Apartments, Northampton
Façade deconstruction on an occupied high-rise: render, insulation, brickwork and rainscreen panels removed one elevation at a time.
R.E.B was appointed to undertake the extensive deconstruction and preparation of the existing external façade at Newlife Apartments in Northampton. The works involved carefully removing multiple façade systems and associated components to expose and prepare the underlying structure for new construction.
The scope included the removal and disposal of render and EPS insulation, sheathing boards, brickwork, Rockwool insulation, stainless-steel support systems, cavity trays, wind posts, lintels and existing rainscreen and spandrel panels across the building's elevations.
Working around occupied apartments
Particular attention was given to working safely around occupied apartments. The rainscreen removal works incorporated temporary weatherproofing and fire-protected screens within individual flats, while the wind-post removal was carried out sequentially to maintain control throughout the process.
The project also required significant waste management and recycling, with removed façade materials transported to ground level and allowances made for recycling of brickwork, insulation, render, metalwork and other materials.
Works were planned around a one-elevation-at-a-time methodology, with access, hoisting, waste management and noise restrictions carefully considered within the delivery approach.
Key project highlights
- Extensive façade deconstruction and remediation
- Multiple façade systems removed across all elevations
- Specialist removal of structural façade components
- Temporary weatherproofing and protection to occupied apartments
- Sequential wind-post removal
- Comprehensive recycling and waste-management approach
- Complex access and logistics coordination
Project team
- Main contractor: McConnells
- Client: a housing association
On site
How it went
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