From Fire Risk Assessment to A1 Fire Safety Rating
From Fire Risk Assessment to A1 Fire Safety Rating
Wildheart Residential Management resolve issues identified by a fire risk assessment to achieve an A1-rated EWS1 within a single year.
The Eastbourne team at Wildheart Residential Management helped their client, a volunteer-led RTM company, resolve issues identified in a fire risk assessment to complete a complex fire safety project at Eastbourne Harbour.
Restoring Safety to Bermuda Place
Bermuda Place is a popular residential development in Eastbourne. Its prime position overlooking Sovereign Harbour makes it a desirable place to live. The wonderful sea views, direct beach access, and excellent proximity to local amenities make Bermuda Place attractive to residents.
However, this Exclusive South Harbour development was not without problems.
Following a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW), Bermuda Place was identified as having a fire risk from the stacked combustible timber balconies. The original timber balcony floors were a problem, as fire could spread rapidly from one to another.
For the client, making the properties safe and saleable was a top priority. Taking client input on board, Wildheart’s Eastbourne team stepped up to help navigate the process.
Under the leadership of Gemma Newsome (Head of Projects) and Victoria Ledger (Regional Portfolio Manager), Wildheart spearheaded a comprehensive strategy. They secured funding, designed a sustainable solution, and had the works executed with minimal disruption.
Before - The wooden composition of the balcony floors posed a fire risk.
Before - The stacked position of the balconies was flagged in the fire risk assessment, as fire could spread from one to another.
Strategic Compliance & Funding
Remedial works on a project of this scale can be costly. Although grants are available, funding is subject to strict criteria that require expert knowledge. So the project began with Wildheart leveraging industry-leading expertise to ensure financial feasibility for the residents.
- Expert Assessment: Wildheart appointed Elev8 Fire Engineering to conduct a PAS9980 assessment. As Elev8 is a member of the MHCLG and Homes England Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) panel of approved assessors, this provided the technical foundation required for a successful funding application.
- Grant Success: Wildheart successfully navigated the application process, securing full funding under the CSS for the remediation works.
Bespoke Design for a Coastal Environment
Because Bermuda Place is managed by a volunteer Right to Manage (RTM) company, Wildheart focused on a solution that addressed specific resident concerns beyond basic fire compliance.
- Acoustics & Wind: Neighbouring buildings in the harbour had experienced “whistling” and noise issues caused by the default aluminium decking. So, Wildheart and Focus Consulting (appointed to lead the tender) selected materials that avoided this “bottleneck” effect in high winds.
- ESG & Sustainability: In line with the client’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, the chosen materials are fully recyclable and were selected to minimise the project’s carbon footprint.
- Local Knowledge: Gemma Newsome vetted consultants, with a heavy weighting toward firms with local expertise, ensuring the design accounted for the harsh salt-air environment of the Eastbourne coast.
Technical Execution & Project Management
The project was managed with a “boots on the ground” approach from Wildheart’s local office at Pacific House.
Resident Engagement
Wildheart acted as the vital link between the RTM board, the fire engineers, and the residents. By managing expectations and maintaining transparent communication, the team ensured the project remained on track, with work completed in a timely manner.
After – The new balconies reduce fire risk, improve durability and enhance the appearance of the building.
The Outcome: From Fire Risk Assessment to A Gold Standard for Fire Safety
Wildheart transformed the building’s safety profile and financial standing owing to the successful completion of works:
- A1-Rated EWS1: The building is now free of combustible materials, achieving the highest possible safety rating.
- Improved Saleability: Compliance with safety standards makes the building more attractive to buyers and lenders.
- Improved Insurance Position: With the removal of fire risks, the RTM company is now in a significantly stronger position regarding building insurance premiums.
- Aesthetic & Functional Upgrade: The new balcony systems offer a modern aesthetic and enhanced durability without the noise issues common in inferior aluminium retrofits.
In summary, Wildheart Residential Management effectively addressed issues highlighted by a Fire Risk Assessment.
Their industry expertise allowed Wildheart to keep the client’s costs to a minimum with grant funding. And, owing to their professionalism and local knowledge, the whole project was completed in less than a year.
