Case studies - BlockThis case study is primarily aimed at the freehold owners of large multi-dwelling homes - usually landlords, but also freehold associations of owners in blocks of flats. Because they possess the fabric of the building, freehold owners have more scope to implement adaptation measures than a tenant or leaseholder has. Although some of the options are expensive, there are several low-cost options available, and for the higher-cost items grants may be available. By adapting their properties, landlords can enhance business - a sustainable property is a desirable one. Landlords may also save money in the long term, particularly in terms of the cost and timescale of recovering from flooding events. The block of flats
The party walls to adjoining flats and to the communal stairwell are constructed of 225mm-thick, medium-weight concrete block. These walls have light plaster on the internal surfaces. The walls internal to the flat are lightweight partitions, 50mm-thick with plasterboard on both sides. The flats are single glazed, and the block has a flat roof with basic insulation, cavity, fibreboard and asphalt. The flats have been assumed to have an average 2.4 residents per household. BreakdownSelect a key impact for a full breakdown. |
The building in this case study is a typical four-storey 1960s block containing four flats on each floor, with concrete floors and frame. The external walls are constructed with a 105mm-thick external layer of bricks, a 50mm cavity and an internal layer of 100mm-thick, medium-weight concrete block.