Langley structures provides leading flat to pitched conversion to local authority project in London

As part of a wide scale refurbishment project from Enfield Council, Langley Structures is currently delivering a series of Flat to Pitched (FTP) roof conversions across multiple residential premises in New Southgate.

The project saw the conversion applied to five buildings located on Bowes Road and one on Cross Road – as well as works to the existing pitched roofs on properties on Massey Close – in Enfield as part of the larger ‘New Southgate’ refurbishment being carried out in the area.

Approved in 2017, the New Southgate project will provide quality homes, local shops and community services across the neighbourhood.

Langley Structures worked alongside Playle & Partners LLP’s, who provided lead architectural services as well as project management, contract administration, quantity surveying and principal designer roles.

Sarah Primarolo, Architect at Playle & Partners LLP, commented: “We have had a positive experience working with Langley on this project from design stages through to completion on site.

“The regular inspection correspondence and site progress photographs were particularly helpful in keeping us updated on the visual transformation of the buildings.”

By implementing the FTP conversions, Enfield Council’s properties will benefit from not only enhanced aesthetics, but also a longer life cycle to the roofs and an increase to the overall value of the premises.

In addition, the roof now has improved drainage and external rainwater run-off, which will avoid future damage and repair costs from internal drainage leaks and blockage.

Bowes Road residents will also benefit from the advantages a FTP conversion can provide – such as improved thermal performance, lowering the heating demand within the building’s interior.

Langley designed hot rolled transfer steels to close off a large light well at flat roof level as an essential health and safety measure within the newly constructed pitched roof void. 

Within the communal stair core roof, existing apertures were used to incorporate a new sun tube to allow natural light into the building and to maintain daylight savings – this also allowed the team to introduce a new automated passive smoke extract to the communal areas.

By using the existing apertures, it also meant reducing building and decorative works externally and internally for the client and reducing disturbance to those living in the building.

A fire rated duct provided a sealed riser to the automated louvre mounted on a roof top kerb. The smoke louvre powder coating finish was matched with the predominate two-tone terracotta tile colour to reduce the visual impact on the roofline.

Langley Structures’ own in-house design team began by providing initial surveys of the existing premises, including drawings of both the existing and proposed designs to assist with feasibility and planning.

Roof cores were taken to determine the existing roof’s construction and assembly, as well as dead load and wind calculations to assess the fixing pattern and pull out resistance required for the new roof design load.

Langley Structures’ Flat to Pitched system was installed by Langley Approved Contractor ENGIE – Chris Marlow, Senior Quantity Surveyor at ENGIE, commented: “ENGIE has, with the assistance of Langley, successfully delivered a further six Flat to Pitched roof conversions for our mutual client, the London Borough of Enfield. 

“From the inception of the scheme, the design team on behalf of Langley provided detailed design information and addressed any issues and obstacles with reasonable timeframes. 

“Regular inspections and reports were carried out on site to ensure, in line with ENGIE management, that the required quality levels for the works were achieved.”

David Gatehouse, Head of Langley Structures Limited, added: “Enfield council selected a roofing specialist with the skills and expertise to provide options on flat roof renewal or flat to pitched conversion.

“Having worked previously with us on similar projects, we were able to assist in every step of this conversion, from design through to installation by a Langley Approved Contractor.

“Bowes Road is a great example of how FTP conversion contributes to the regeneration of an area, whilst extending the maintenance cycle of the building itself, and we look forward to working with Enfield Council further on future projects.