NEWS

Warwick House, Wimbledon, London - A masterclass in Urban Facade Remediation

In our latest project update, Starfish Construction's Senior Project Manager, Robert Morgan, provides a progress report on Warwick House in Wimbledon, one of our London Residential Façade replacement projects. Our integrated divisions have worked closely and tirelessly to ensure the project is on track and meets our exacting standards.

As the single-source principal contractor on the project, we carried out an assessment of the client's specifications for Warwick House. We emphasise robust technical surveying, planning, and design, all conducted in-house, to deliver the information and strategy to ensure the highest standards and strict adherence to our methodology. With an expected completion timeframe of 35 weeks, this project undertaking will transform the residential block. The project scope includes:

Designing a bespoke access and scaffolding system, including a raised gantry with a site office and store, directly delivered by Starfish Access Services.
Remove and replace the existing 510m² of brickwork, including sheathing board, all membranes, brick channels and ties, DPCs, fire breaks, and insulation.
360M² of render system removed and replaced.
145M² of replacement timber cladding with aluminium cladding system.
Replacement spandrel panels and decking.

As the principal contractor and designer for the project, we manage all aspects of project delivery and work in close partnership with all project stakeholders. Our procedures, comprehensive online systems, and applications drive a culture of single-point contact and open communications.

Innovative Design and Access Build

The in-house Access and Scaffolding Division at Starfish Construction Group, Starfish Access Services (SAS), ensures we design and manage all installation elements with precision and safety, adhering to our and the industry’s strict Health and Safety standards. Due to minimal space around the site's perimeter, the project required a creative scaffolding plan, and maintaining resident access to the underground car park was critical.

Due to the Minimal lay-down and welfare space available, we have built a large scaffold gantry above the car park ramp, which contains all site welfare and some extra storage space. A crane was required to lift our site office into position on the gantry, which required planning to minimise disruption to road use on this tight and busy residential street.

Because of a nearby school, which caused heavy foot traffic at the site, we provided a safe walkway for pedestrians and pupils, including delivering only after 9 a.m. and before 3 p.m. This measure ensures the safety of the school community and shows our commitment to being a responsible contractor and supporting the local community.

Overcoming the Challenges of Urban Façade Remediation

All Urban projects bring unique challenges, and Warwick House was no exception. The Starfish Construction team faced and expertly navigated several obstacles:

The project was located on a busy high street, so deliveries were carefully managed during off-peak hours to minimise disruption and keep traffic moving smoothly. With limited space available, a just-in-time delivery strategy was adopted to reduce congestion and avoid unnecessary disturbance to residents and road users.

As the apartments remained occupied throughout the works, resident safety and communication were a top priority. The Residents Hub Portal played a key role in this, providing a central platform for regular updates, work schedules, and an open forum where residents could ask questions or share feedback. This approach helped maintain transparency and fostered a positive, collaborative relationship with everyone affected by the project.

The project is progressing steadily and remains on schedule, with several key milestones already achieved. Design drawings have been issued for final approval with the client and consultants, ensuring all works align with agreed specifications. The scaffold gantry has been fully completed, including the successful crane lift of the welfare unit, and the overall site setup is now complete. Phase 1 scaffolding is also well underway, marking another important step forward.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the project continues and to celebrating the successful completion of Warwick House, along with other projects across the UK.