Silk House & Shoelands Court

Fire Safety & Building Services Upgrades — London Borough of Barnet

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Client London Borough of Barnet

Duration September 2018 – July 2021

Sector Public Sector Housing

Type Residential

Overview

WG Wigginton Ltd delivered a complex, multi-disciplinary project of works at Silk House and Shoelands Court, delivering fire safety improvements, electrical rising mains, district heating upgrades and new water main installations across occupied residential buildings.

The project covered 67 flats across five floors at Silk House, along with 6 studio flats and 22 maisonettes at Shoelands Court. This project was led by Senior Contracts Manager Mike Parker supported by Resident Liaison Officers, with a strong focus on safety, access planning and client compliance throughout the project.

What We Delivered

Fire Safety & Compliance Works

  • Fire doors and screens replacement throughout both buildings, restoring compliant fire compartmentation

  • Fire precaution upgrades to refuse chute systems to enhance fire containment

  • Provision of an LD1 fire alarm system with interfaces to support building-wide addressable system

  • FP200 enhanced cabling loops at each level for future proofing

  • Fire detection coverage extended to roof spaces at Silk House

Electrical Rising Mains & Power Upgrades

  • Electrical rising and lateral mains with compliant containment systems

  • Upgrade of electrical intake and distribution equipment including Ryefield boards

  • Construction of new external electrical switch cupboard with FD60 fire doors

  • Communal LED auto-test lighting upgrade across shared areas

  • New audio access control system with cloud-based monitoring

Heating & Mechanical Works

  • New modular plantroom incorporating integrated fire safety systems

  • LTHW district heating distribution installed internally and externally

  • HIUs provided to all dwellings

  • Full system flushing, cleaning, water treatment and commissioning

Water Main & Plumbing Works

  • Existing water main infrastructure replacement with new loft containment

  • Provision of 63 new water mains serving individual flats

  • Fire-proofing and sealing of all floor and roof penetrations

  • System pressure testing, chlorination and TVC sampling

Results And Impact

The project significantly improved fire safety compliance, service reliability and building performance across Silk House and Shoelands Court. Fire safety upgrades restored effective compartmentation and enhanced life safety systems, providing the client with increased assurance against current regulatory requirements. Electrical, heating and water infrastructure upgrades improved resilience, efficiency and long-term maintainability, while access control improvements enhanced security to communal areas. All works were delivered within occupied homes, with careful planning to minimise disruption and maintain essential services throughout.

PROJECT AT A GLANCE

Properties 95 units

Silk House 67 flats, 5 floors

Shoelands Court 28 units

Duration 34 months

Disciplines 4 (MEP + Fire)

SERVICES DELIVERED

  • Fire Safety

  • Electrical

  • Mechanical

  • Access Control

  • Water Mains

Related Projects

“Having Worked with W G Wigginton for in excess of 10 years, Barnet Homes have found that they are a can do Company with a very client facing attitude. They are both professional and empathetic when dealing with our customers, and have been acknowledged by Barnet Homes Senior Management for their Social Value contributions. Barnet Homes would not hesitate to recommend W G Wigginton if questioned.”

Paul Rose Senior Project / Contract Manager, Barnet Homes

Project Outcomes

  • Enhanced Fire Safety and Compartmentation Compliance

    The project restored compliant fire compartmentation and containment by replacing fire doors, upgrading refuse chute systems, and extending advanced fire detection to roof spaces.

  • Upgraded Electrical Infrastructure and Power Resilience

    Teams replaced electrical rising and lateral mains, modernised intake distribution equipment, and upgraded communal areas with automated LED emergency lighting.

  • Modernised District Heating and Plant Infrastructure

    The transition to a modern district heating system included a new modular plantroom, internal and external LTHW distribution, and individual heating interface units.

  • Improved Communal Security and Cloud Access Control

    Security was strengthened across shared spaces by installing a new audio access control system with cloud-based monitoring, fob entry, and upgraded fire-rated doors.

  • Minimised Disruption in Fully Occupied Buildings

    Senior management and resident liaison teams successfully completed the 34-month multi-disciplinary upgrade with zero downtime, maintaining essential services for all residents throughout.

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