Case Study - Argentia Place, Bristol

SUMMARY OF APPOINTMENT
Helping provide internal and external fire safety compliance in a High-Rise Residential Asset. Appointed by Penningtons Manches Cooper, acting on behalf of Aviva (freehold owner), to undertake a comprehensive technical review of the internal and external fire safety measures at two high-rise residential apartment buildings at Argentia Place, Portishead.
Constructed by Crest Nicholson, exceeding 18m in height (HRB classification) the two buildings required detailed investigations into the compliance of its external façade and internal fire safety measures.

PROJECT BACKGROUND
The initial assessment from Crest Nicholson assessed the building as low risk under PAS 9980, but with significant known defects with the installed façade systems, including:
•Render EWI system with EPS insulation
•Potential presence of combustible insulation behind the Trespa cladding
•Suspected installation defects with missing cavity barriers

We provided a robust, evidence-based approach to support our client:
•Ongoing liaison with Crest Nicholson and their fire engineer during ongoing inspections and assessments of the building
•Detailed site inspection and internal defect analysis to inform the development of a remedial action plan
•Development of a proposed scope of remedial works
•Completion of our own independent PAS 9980 assessment
•Technical review of internal fire doors and the compartmentation between apartments and communal areas identifying the systemic defects linked to design and construction compliance.
•Development of a coordinated remediation scope, integrating both external façade improvements and internal life safety upgrades.

Our involvement led to:
•Alignment between stakeholders on risk and remedial strategy
•A comprehensive scope of works agreed with the original contractor
•Inclusion of both external and internal defects within a unified remediation programme
•Enhanced assurance of resident safety and regulatory compliance

OUR EXPERTISE IN ACTION
This project demonstrates our ability to:
•Lead complex façade and fire safety investigations in high-risk buildings
•Challenge and validate third-party risk assessments (PAS 9980)
•Provide clear, authoritative advice in legally and technically sensitive environments