Project Doric
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Summary
Project Doric is a two-phase project which has been undertaken to carry out improvement work comprising the decarbonisation of social housing by refurbishment of 50 properties.
Phase one comprised of 29 properties in the Mastrick, Sheddocksley, Northfield and Summerhill areas of Aberdeen and Phase two in Bridge of Don. Various property types were retrofitted with energy improvements.
Improvements in occupied properties consisted of cavity fill replacement/external wall insulation and render, supplying and fitting windows/external doors, fitting PV panels, air source heat pumps fitted in lieu of gas boilers, PHV fans and loft insulation. Minor works included exterior repairs to walls, roof and gutters; damp treatment and replacement dMEV extractor fans.
The majority of phase 1 homes were cavity filled homes which meant they required triple glazed windows to be installed. Some properties also required replacement of existing roofs with new tiles/slates; and front/rear doors. Phase two properties had external wall insulation.
Scope of works:
- Air source heat pumps
- Triple glazed windows
- External wall insulation
- Damp treatment
The Domestic Optimised Retrofit Innovation Concept (DORIC) will see existing social housing retrofitted to improve building fabric and energy efficiency. All homes will benefit from external wall insulation, efficient windows and draughtproofing, with some receiving technology such as solar panels, heat pumps and behind-the-meter battery storage.
Ensuring quality in project delivery
An integral part of project planning on this programme of works was the appreciation of constraints impacting delivery. We identified, tracked and actively resolved constraints during preconstruction and incorporated any key milestones into the programme.
Our site management team controlled the project by conducting daily quality checks, independently auditing subcontractor performance and material installation to ensure works were completed to the highest standard and defect free, as part of our right first-time strategy. Our compliance management tools and technology such as Autodesk Construction Cloud was used to collect, record and report on the outcomes of our quality control audits.
Each property was inspected prior to any repair/replacement works commencing, including detailed MEP surveys. We also worked in partnership with the ACC Clerk of Works and tenant liaison officer to identify properties with structural issues (including render) that required further investigation and repairs.
Understanding our customer - achieving successful delivery
Being based in the city and having undertaken 20 projects (total value of £413.1 million) for Aberdeen City Council, we understand what their short-term and long-term strategic objectives are.
Our experienced team converted every identified project objective into a successful outcome by creating a positive environment and working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council at every level.
Identifying opportunities to achieve best value
We identified and suggested value engineering/cost reduction initiatives during the project, including use of alternative/equivalent materials from those specified and altering the sequencing of works to provide greater efficiency.
Successful delivery was achieved through adoption of a PAS 2030 & 2035 certified retrofit model on all 50 homes. To establish good practice in the retrofit of these properties we combined a fabric first approach with microgeneration, energy efficient storage and smart control systems. The level of quality of each home was substantiated by the project being accredited through the Government’s endorsed Trustmark quality scheme.
