Atholl House Assisted Living Care Home Refurbishment

Residential Assisted Living— London Borough of Barnet

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Client London Borough of Barnet

Duration September 2024 - April 2026

Sector Public Sector/Healthcare

Type Residential Assisted Living

Overview

WG Wigginton Ltd successfully delivered a major multi-disciplinary refurbishment and compliance upgrade at Atholl House on behalf of Barnet Homes. The project involved a comprehensive programme of mechanical, fire safety and internal refurbishment works within a fully occupied residential care environment. Originally comprising heating and bathroom refurbishment works, the project developed into a wider building compliance programme incorporating ventilation upgrades, fire safety improvements, door replacements and associated building fabric works.

Throughout the project, Atholl House remained fully operational, requiring detailed phasing, close resident liaison and careful coordination to ensure residents continued to receive uninterrupted care in a safe environment. The project was led by Senior Contracts Manager Mike Parker, supported by site supervisors and resident liaison officers to ensure safe access and minimal disruption.

What We Delivered

Mechanical & Heating Upgrades

  • Full replacement of the LTHW heating distribution system

  • New radiators throughout the building

  • Electric towel rail installation

  • Building Management System (BMS) integration

  • New heating controls

  • Testing and commissioning of all mechanical systems

Fire Safety & Compliance

  • Communal fire doors

  • Flat entrance fire doors

  • Fire stopping and compartmentation works

  • Compliance certification

  • Associated fire safety improvements

Ventilation Works

  • MVHR installation

  • New ventilation ductwork

  • Extract ventilation systems

  • Airflow balancing

  • Testing and commissioning

Refurbishment

  • Complete bathroom refurbishment programme

  • Floor reconstruction

  • Drainage upgrades

  • Ceiling removal and reinstatement

  • Suspended ceilings to communal areas

  • Internal decorations

  • Making good throughout

  • Associated fire stopping works

Results And Impact

The completed project delivered significant improvements to both the building and resident environment.

The new heating and ventilation systems provide improved comfort, reliability and long-term operational performance. Extensive fire safety improvements ensure the building now meets current compliance requirements, while the refurbishment works have modernised key resident facilities.

Despite the complexity of working within a live care environment, the project was completed whilst maintaining resident wellbeing and continuity of care.

Social Value

Throughout the Atholl House refurbishment, WG Wigginton delivered a programme of social value initiatives designed to improve resident wellbeing, support social interaction and enhance the home's communal environment. Activities were delivered throughout the construction programme by the project team, helping to build positive relationships with residents while minimising disruption.

Resident Wellbeing & Seasonal Events

WG Wigginton organised and funded a number of activities that brought residents together throughout the year. These included hosting Christmas celebrations with festive lunches, food, refreshments and music, creating enjoyable social occasions that supported resident wellbeing and community spirit.

Improving Outdoor Spaces

The team invested in enhancing the care home's external environment by providing new garden furniture and undertaking extensive garden maintenance. Works included lawn mowing, pruning, weeding, re-grassing garden areas, planting wildflowers and herbs, installing bird feeders and creating welcoming outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy.

Community Engagement

Residents were encouraged to participate in gardening activities through tea and coffee mornings where they helped plant flowers and herbs alongside the project team. These sessions promoted social interaction, gentle activity and a sense of ownership of the outdoor spaces.

Supporting Daily Life

To encourage social engagement within the home, WG Wigginton donated a wide range of indoor games for communal areas, providing residents with opportunities for recreation, conversation and group activities beyond the construction programme.

PROJECT AT A GLANCE

Properties Assisted Living Care Home

Rooms 51 Flats & All Communal Areas

Heating System Full LTHW Replacement

Building Status Fully Occupied Throughout

Disciplines 4(Mechanical,Ventilation Fire & Refurbishment)

SERVICES DELIVERED

  • Fire Safety

  • Heating

  • Mechanical

  • Plumbing

  • Ventilation

Related Projects

"Working in partnership with W.G. Wigginton has been from day one a solid and professional relationship, every member of the Wigginton team has a can do attitude, they have a focus on the fine detail in all aspects of their business producing exceptional quality through all departments."

Paul Rose,

Senior Project / Contract Manager Mechanical & Electrical

Project Outcomes

  • Comprehensive Building Compliance

    The project transformed Atholl House into a fully compliant residential care facility through extensive fire safety, ventilation and mechanical upgrades.

  • Modern Mechanical & Heating Systems

    A complete replacement of the LTHW heating distribution system, ventilation upgrades and BMS integration has improved reliability, resident comfort and long-term operational performance.

  • Enhanced Fire Safety

    New fire doors, fire stopping, compartmentation works and associated compliance measures significantly strengthened life safety throughout the building.

  • Successful Delivery in a Live Care Environment

    The refurbishment was completed while the care home remained fully occupied, maintaining essential services, resident wellbeing and uninterrupted care through careful phasing and stakeholder coordination.

  • Modernised Living Environment

    Refurbished bathrooms, new suspended ceilings, decorations and making-good works modernised the building, creating a safer, more comfortable and welcoming environment for residents and staff.

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