Glastonbury House, London
Innovation in Refurbishment

Client: CityWest Homes (Westminster ALMO)
Location: Pimlico, London

Project Description

Glastonbury House, London - Innovation in RefurbishmentHaving already completed two new build INTEGER schemes at Harlow and Sandwell, Wates was asked in 2002 by INTEGER and CityWest Homes to work with them on the very first INTEGER refurbishment scheme.

Glastonbury House is a 22-storey housing block with 162 flats for older people who are supported by a resident Scheme Manager.

CityWest Homes’ proposed regeneration scheme for the block represents a pioneering pilot project for implementing “intelligent and green” technologies while refurbishing housing stock. It integrates Decent Homes works with environmental sustainability and community development.

Interior of Glastonbury House, London - Innovation in RefurbishmentCityWest Homes engaged INTEGER, an action research network, to identify ways in which innovation could be used in a refurbishment programme to improve the quality of life and care for residents.

Following an intensive design development exercise with the client, ourselves and INTEGER to identify which innovations could be used in a refurbishment programme, the main project started in early 2005. The project is being procured via the PPC2000 contract.

Case Study

Key proposals for the scheme include:
  • Decent homes improvements
  • Installation of equipment to make use of non-renewable energy sources, including a wind turbine to generate residents' power supply, and rainwater harvesting to minimise water use
  • Environmental improvements, including new communal gardens

The scheme's 'green' technologies and energy conservation measures will improve energy efficiency within the block, and provide economical heat and power to residents. State of the art communications technologies will enhance residents’ access to digital services, in line with the e-government agenda.

Landscaping and environmental improvements will be carried out, providing well-designed, safe and more pleasant public green spaces; while safety for residents will be improved through provision of warden call, intercom, and fire detection measures.

This ground-breaking refurbishment project is to set new technical quality standards:
  • A showcase for environmentally friendly systems
  • Intelligent Home Control (IHC)
  • Integrated Reception System (IRS)
  • Networked cabling infrastructure for DTV and broadband to every flat
  • Potential 'free' telephone system throughout the block for calls between flats
  • Resident involvement throughout the development process
  • New neighbourhood centre and on-site management office to provide care and support for residents
  • Waste segregation
  • Target 50% reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions
  • More efficient heating and lighting
  • Photovoltaics
  • Wind turbine
  • Target 40% water savings
  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Dual-flush toilets and low energy lighting
  • Roof top residents' 'Sky Lounge'

    Glastonbury House is the pilot project for the Westminster INTEGER Towers Programme, which is part of the CityWest Homes Environmental Management Systems.

    John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister on a recent visit, said:
    "It is a flagship project for innovative practices in four areas: the environment, social innovation, construction innovation, and technology.

    Once this project is completed, Glastonbury House will be the UK’s first intelligent and green residential tower, clearly a truer, better building. It was exciting, well liked by the residents, a sustainable community in a tower block."