Dear Nubia Way Residents,
This is our latest update on the works that are being carried out on the movement of some of the properties.
As you can see that we’ve had to pause work on two of the affected homes – this is so that we can see the effect of our works over a longer period, and ensure that the solutions we have put in place at the first completed home are the correct ones – we already know that they will be effective for the medium term, but want to make sure that the movement is limited in the longer term. This is also a requirement of our insurers.
We are being guided as ever by the national structural surveying company Calford Seaden. To be clear, they advised us that the removal of the excessively heavy green roofs coupled with additional reinforcing metal beams underneath the homes would prove effective. We are still working on determining if there is a thermal loss in not having the green roofs on the homes, and then we’ll decide what action to take on the remaining homes on Nubia Way.
All of our specialists have suggested the building movement is down to the local trees and movement within the clay soil.
I would also like to say at this point (if it isn’t already clear) that CHISEL sees all our self-built homes as an important part of our legacy, and Nubia Way especially has an important story to tell. It is therefore really important that the actions we take work towards the long-term preservation of these homes, using the latest construction methods and solutions take place. I understand that there is rumour mongering around materials that we are using etc, but I urge you to email me directly if you have any concerns.
I should also like to thank everybody who stayed at home to let us in on 10th December – we really appreciate you juggling everything to facilitate this, the visit was very successful in moving the overall project along. I also enjoyed speaking with you whilst ‘on site’.
With kind regards,
Miles
