The upgrade is heralded as a flagship project for innovative practices, in four areas: environment; social innovation; construction innovation; and technology.
Nigel Brooke, chief executive of Citywest Homes says: "The refurbishment project has already highlighted many ideas and opportunities to improve the quality of life and care of our residents."
The building will be low energy, using district heating with top up from renewable energy sources. Electricity will be generated by wind turbines and photovoltaic panels. Water use will be kept low with such aids as rainwater harvesting.
Residents will be able to stay in the block during construction through 'invisible contracting'. Installation of a new service core outside the building will mean that building services can be completely replaced on a floor-by-floor basis. Networked cabling for IT, telephony and digital tv will also be installed, as well as an integrated system for social care, access control, communications and building services controls.
Brooke adds: "A twenty two storey tower with time-expired utilities and services is hardly an ideal environment. Minimising disruption and reducing whole life costs are important. Integer has demonstrated that these can be achieved through thorough planning and the involvement of residents."
Source
Building Sustainable Design
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