Brims Construction were successfully appointed by Sunderland City Council in partnership with Homes England, to develop the former Washington Old School, Albert Place.
The scheme involved the conversion and extension of the existing ‘Old School’ building to create a supported residential facility for adults with learning difficulties. The residential facility consists of fifteen single-person (single-bedroom) accommodation units, each containing an individual kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living area. Overnight accommodation for supporting staff is also provided, including a staff bedroom, lounge and kitchen and facilitates the requirement for 24-hour support for residents. There is also a landscaped communal garden.
The scheme is low carbon in line with the local and national agenda for decarbonisation and to assist in addressing fuel poverty. The development includes renewable energies throughout the development: PV panels and Air Source Heat pumps, meaning zero gas emissions for all units. The use of MMC (timber frame) for the 5nr units constructed as part of the extension of the existing building.
Internal and external specifications were developed with Adult Social Care, including bespoke items such as anti-ligature fixtures and fittings, outside courtyard furniture and planting and secure entry into the grounds – to ensure the homes were developed with the end user in mind ant to mitigate any practical issues during occupation.
The scheme faced several challenges, due to inspections issued at tender stage only being visual, once we commenced works on site we uncovered extensive wet rot, dry rot and defective timbers in the roof structure, ground floor and timber lintels to the external windows.