Coordinated façade repair and procurement strategy across five mansion blocks, addressing safety risks and enabling efficient delivery for a social housing client.
The client
Origin Housing is a housing association providing affordable homes across London and the South East. As part of its asset investment programme, the organisation required a planned approach to address façade deterioration, manage safety risks and preserve the character of five occupied Victorian mansion blocks in Islington.
Services provided
The project
FFT was appointed by Origin Housing to develop and procure a programme of façade repair works across five occupied Victorian mansion blocks in Islington. Early inspections identified significant deterioration to decorative stonework, timber windows and rainwater goods, including loose high-level elements that presented potential safety risks. The client required a clear, evidence-based strategy to address immediate concerns, preserve the buildings’ historic character and prepare the project for delivery.
Our role
FFT carried out condition and façade surveys, developed the repair strategy and prepared the full tender package for the works. Our role included specification development, procurement advice, planning coordination, measured surveys, leaseholder consultation support and tender management. We also advised on delivery phasing, risk management and contractor selection to ensure the project could progress efficiently across all five blocks.
The challenges
The buildings exhibited a range of defects, including cracked and unstable stone cornices, deteriorated architectural features, defective rainwater goods and timber window decay. The project needed to balance health and safety requirements with the conservation of historic building features, while coordinating works across multiple occupied residential blocks. Planning approvals, leaseholder consultation requirements and the logistics of working in a busy central London environment added further complexity.
Added value
FFT provided a joined-up approach that combined detailed survey information, conservation-led specification writing and a structured procurement strategy. By developing a comprehensive tender package, coordinating specialist surveys and advising on contractor selection and procurement routes, we helped the client reduce risk, maintain control of project outcomes and achieve value for money while protecting the long-term integrity of the buildings.
The outcome
FFT delivered a detailed repair specification, procurement strategy and tender package to support the delivery of approximately £1.5m of external repair works. The project identified and prioritised key safety risks, established a clear scope of works and provided the client with a robust framework for procurement and construction, helping to safeguard residents while preserving the architectural character of the mansion blocks.
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