A £5 million project to fully renovate and refurbish three blocks of flats in Foxhill, Bath, has been completed by housing association Curo, global interdisciplinary design practice BDP and affordable housing construction company Mi-space, part of the Midas Group.
All 48 flats in the 1960s Bradford Park buildings have been fully refurbished to create homes fit for the future and the first new residents are now moving into the previously vacant properties.
Designed by BDP, which is committed to re-using, refurbishing and refitting existing buildings as the most sustainable solution wherever possible, the project is part of a programme of refurbishment across much of the Foxhill estate.
The importance of re-using buildings was highlighted in a recent report by leading engineering organisations urging the government to stop buildings being demolished, due to the level of CO2 emitted during the construction process and creation of materials. The report argues the construction industry should, where possible, re-use buildings, employ more recycled material and use machinery powered by clean fuels in order to help the UK achieve net zero carbon emissions.
The extensive renovation of Bradford Park flats included the installation of new kitchens, bathrooms and gas boilers as well as fire safety improvements and a full electrical re-wire.
The fully refurbished flats have increased natural light and ventilation, through new floor-to-ceiling, energy efficient windows in homes and communal areas, new roofs and improved insulation. These upgrades are helping to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs for residents.
Work also included fully remodelled internal layouts designed around modern family life, the reconfiguration of communal areas and improvements to external landscaping.
Matthew Mayes, architect director in BDP's Bristol studio, said: "Bradford Park Flats is an exemplary project showing how dated buildings can be given a new lease of life, to provide safe, healthy, affordable, and sustainable homes and regenerate a thriving community."
"Reusing, refurbishing and refitting existing buildings is by far the most sustainable solution to creating homes for the future. This major renovation has transformed the previously dated flats to create stylish and comfortable homes, with more natural light and improved contemporary layouts, whilst increasing energy efficiency and cutting running costs."
