Technical intelligence and expertise for UK annexe projects
INDPENDENT GARDEN ANNEXE FOR A CHILDRENS HOME IN BLACKHEATH
●‘KEEP ON CARING’ AND STAYING CLOSE INITIATIVE
The ‘Keep on Caring’ policy was published by the UK Government in 2016, and outlines various steps and strategies that are being undertaken to support young people leaving care. It focuses on how to improve services, support and advice for young care leavers.
‘Staying Close’ is a model which provides an enhanced support package for young people leaving care from children’s homes through the provision of ‘move-on’ accommodation, as well as practical and emotional support, provided by their former children’s home. The aim of these bespoke packages is to offer support to help develop the young person’s confidence and skills for independent living, as well as ensure that their emotional health and wellbeing is looked after during this period of transition.
YOUNG PERSON PEER REVIEW
“Once you are in your own flat you are on your own…just alone, basically, you can struggle, especially if you’ve had any issues with mental health, which I have. So once I was completely alone, I really struggled with the silence. So with Staying Close, you still have a friend, you still have someone around.”
In the Royal Borough of Greenwich alone, the percentage of young people entering care at ages 15-17 has reached 25-40% between 2016 and 2020, peaking at 45.6%in 2018/19. This sustained increase in the volume of young people aged 15-17 entering care suggests a need for the ‘Staying Close’ initiative, as a significant amount of young people in the borough would benefit from it.
This scheme provides a self-contained unit located to the rear of the existing Children’s Home, to be used in association with the children’s home as part of the ‘Staying Close’ initiative.
● DESIGN
The proposed ground floor and roof plans, as well as the proposed elevations, show that the proposal has taken the site into consideration, and is sensitive to the surrounding context. The Ground Floor Plan also shows some changes to the proposal in response to the feedback received during the pre-application process.
● STRUCTRUALLY INSULATED PANNELS
SIPS panels are energy efficient with a slow transfer of heat, air and vapour. They are also are strong but lightweight as they are mainly made of insulation.
WALLS – 175mm Hemsec Commercial SIPs Panel with 15mm OSB3 Faces and rigid PUR insulation core. Framed with 47x145mm C24 Timbers. 0.18 W/m2K
ROOF – 200mm Hemsec Commercial SIPs Panel with 15mm OSB3 Faces and rigid PUR insulation core. Framed with 47x170mm C24 Timbers. 0.15 W/m2K
FLOOR – 47×220 C24 Ring beam with 47×195 C24 internal framing, 180mm Celotex Rigid PUR Insulation between joists. Cement Particle Board Soffit. 0.15W/m2K.
●WALL AND FLOOR BUILD UP
●ROOF BUILD UP
●SECTION M1/M2 COMPLIANT FOR ACCESS
●FIRE STRATEGY
Approved Document: B: Fire Safety
B1 – Means or Warning and Escape:- smoke and heat alarms with battery supply / backup were installed in accordance with BS5839-6:2004 Grad D Minimum. Means of Escape, the habitation space is served by the main entrance door, in addition an escape window is provided in the kitchen area.
B2 – Internal Fire Spread (Linings):- Internal finishes are finished with a single layer of gyproc FireLine providing at least 30 minutes fire resistance.
B3 – Internal Fire Spread (Structure):- Fire Stops and cavity barriers are installed around all penetrations in the external walls to resist fire spread into the timber structure, and behind the wall junctions for the bathroom.
B4 – External Fire Spread:- The walls are constructed from fire resisting construction with cement particle board and render finish. The roof is a flat roof finished with Restrix roof membrane meets BROOF(t4) classification.
●INTERNAL COMOFRT
All extract ventilation is provided by Single Room MVHR units with trickle / boost functionality controlled by humidistat. These are through wall units using Vent Axia Tempra Lo-Carbon model 442211 in continuous operation. Trickle vents are included in windows -6-9 L/s adjustable, boost 15L/s up to 74% heat recovery.
The accommodation includes 1 electric Shower, 1 basin, 1 toilet & 1 kitchen. Hot water is provided via an unvented 10L hot water cylinder mounted in the kitchen area, serving the kitchen sink and bathroom basin.
Lots of light and natural colours created a simple and safe space for the occupant to reflect and adjust to life as an independent adult.
●BUILD
Timber frame was supplied by Building With Frames along with all other materials. ANX supplied all the trades required to complete every element of the build.
SERVICES ENGAGED
Building Control | Mobilisation | Ground | Joinery | Electrical | Decoration | Kitchen | Plumbing | Solar | Commissioning | Landscaping.
Planning and building control approved.