Client: Lawtech Group
Project Manager: Lawtech Group
Location: Lumiere Building, Romford Road, Newham, London, E7 8AY
Sector: Housing Association
Service: Scaffolding for Cladding Remediation
End Client: Residential Apartments
Project Overview
The Lumiere Building, located in Manor Park in the London Borough of Newham, is a 10-storey residential block with an undercroft car park. Originally converted from office use into 71 apartments with a rooftop extension in 2000, the building had been subject to two decades of weathering and exposure to heavy traffic. This resulted in noticeable discolouration and staining across the facades, alongside fire safety concerns due to the presence of combustible materials.
Lawtech Group was appointed to deliver a comprehensive cladding remediation scheme, with AMA Scaffolding providing full scaffolding support to enable safe and efficient access for the works.
Scope of Works
The project involved the removal of combustible external materials including:
- ACM cladding
- Insulated render
- High Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels
- Timber boarded panels
These were replaced with a range of non-combustible alternatives:
- Alumasc EWI System
- Rieder Facades Fibre C/Concrete skin
- Equitone Natura panels
- Genius spandrel panels
To enable these works, AMA Scaffolding designed and erected a comprehensive external access system across all elevations of the 10-storey building.
Key Challenges
The Lumiere Building sits directly adjacent to Woodgrange Park railway station, which presented unique challenges during planning and delivery. In collaboration with Lawtech, AMA Scaffolding supported the pre-construction phase by adapting scaffold designs to meet Network Rail’s safety requirements.
A Basic Asset Protection Agreement (BAPA) was secured with Network Rail, requiring regular updates on progress and close adherence to safety protocols to avoid disruption to the operational rail line. AMA’s scaffolding systems had to be carefully engineered to avoid oversailing the railway and to ensure all work remained compliant throughout the programme.
Resident Liaison
The building remained occupied throughout the project, requiring a strong focus on resident care. A dedicated Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) managed communications, providing:
- Regular newsletters updating residents on completed and upcoming works.
- Letters with specific dates for balcony works, including apologies for inconvenience.
- A 24/7/365 emergency support line for urgent matters.
- Pre-construction surveys to better understand resident needs and property conditions.
AMA Scaffolding supported this approach by carefully scheduling scaffold erection and adaption works to minimise disruption and ensure safe access routes were maintained at all times.
Outcome
The Lumiere Building project was delivered successfully, replacing all combustible cladding systems with modern, non-combustible solutions. The new façade has not only transformed the external appearance of the building but has significantly improved its fire safety compliance and long-term performance.
AMA Scaffolding’s role was integral to this success, providing robust and adaptable access systems that allowed Lawtech to complete complex remediation works safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to residents and the neighbouring railway line.
Key Facts
- Building Height: 10 storeys with rooftop extension
- Materials Removed: ACM, HPL, timber cladding, insulated render
- Materials Installed: Alumasc EWI System, Rieder Fibre C, Equitone Natura, Genius spandrel panels
- Challenges: Live railway station proximity, resident access and communication
- Scaffolding: Full perimeter access system, designed to meet Network Rail safety standards
