The objective
In June 2017, following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster, Mountjoy assisted Portsmouth City Council with the removal of cladding from two tower blocks in the city.
Horatia House and Leamington House in Somerstown are 18-storey housing blocks which underwent fire testing, the results showed that the cladding was a risk to residents and their properties.
The solution
Mountjoy mobilised in less than 24 hours following an urgent request from the City Council to get the cladding removal works underway on Horatia House.
The cladding has been removed to the high-rise levels on each elevation through a mast-climber system and cradles.
Leamington House followed on from Horatia, with additional works including waterproofing works to the windows, fire stopping works and remedial works internally where the cladding removal had disturbed the building fabric.
Due to the complex and important nature of the works, constant communication with residents has been integral to the project. A resident liaison officer held weekly drop in sessions, and letters were regularly issued to residents.
A 24/7 fire watch was in place on the building whilst the works were carried out, this ensured that there were no potential fire hazards such as waste materials gathering in communal areas, doors left open or people smoking.
Mountjoy maintains 8,000 of Portsmouth City Council's homes as well as their corporate assets. The Special Projects department also regularly refurbishes the Council's properties and carries out cyclical works.