Work is underway on Thorn Close in Wednesbury, on the refurbishment of 28 apartments and the construction of four new apartments.
Urban Design and Building Services (UDBS) is proud to have key roles in this project, providing architecture and landscape architecture services, quantity surveying and structural engineering support.
As well as creating four new affordable homes for Sandwell, this project is completely transforming the existing buildings. The external walls of the blocks will receive insulated, full-height rainscreen cladding – not only improving the look of the buildings but improving energy efficiency and helping to lower tenants’ fuel bills.
The buildings will also benefit from new entrance porches, a new pitched roof, replacement windows and external doors, and improvements to balconies. Inside, there will be improvements to communal areas and staircases.
Outside, the area around the buildings will be modernised to provide much-needed car parking spaces and a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Hard and soft landscaping works will include planting, and the addition of cycle and bin stores.
Sandwell Council’s Neighbourhood Services department is our client and SWG Construction Build & Renovate is the main contractor. We expect the work to be completed during the summer (2024).