York Hill Estate, Spennymoor

Wetherby’s BBA approved system has transformed the York Hill Estate in County Durham and the results are overwhelming.

The York Hill Estate is situated to the north east of Spennymoor town and is predominantly social housing with a high level of unemployment and/or low income families. Significant needs for improvements were identified and with many of the households being welfare dependant and isolated from the local economy through long term unemployment it was essential the issues were addressed to restore the community.

With this in mind an ambitious plan to regenerate the whole estate was crucial and with the community behind the project it was important to ensure that their needs were kept at the forefront of the developments. DKS Architects prepared plans which would aim to create a sustainable, safe and desirable place to live through a series of external and internal environmental improvements to the existing housing stock.

Mears Construction and Wetherby approved installers; Sykes Specialist Contracting sought to deliver this project using Wetherby’s 7mm brick slip system combined with their 1.5mm Silicone K Render. Wetherby’s Premium Enhanced EPS insulation was selected due to the composition of expanded beads of polystyrene and a layer of graphite meaning it offers enhanced thermal performance. In order to accommodate the new external designs of the properties a dual approach in insulation was installed consisting of 90mm for the main areas and 180mm for the areas behind the cedral cladding. This was to ensure thermal performance could be maximised without having to compromise on design.

Completing the system was Wetherby’s Hermosa 7 mm brick slips and White silicone K 1.5mm render. This combination of finishes has provided a refreshing contemporary result which has transformed the estate which is now almost unrecognisable.

These changes have given the community a new sense of spirit as they are now proud to call York Hill there home. As well as the dramatic changes to the aesthetic appearance, the residents are also seeing huge improvements in there quality of life thanks to improved energy efficiency and reduced energy bills.

Spennymoor’s Town Mayor, Cllr Ian Machin said “The regeneration at York Hill is a tremendous achievement. It is hard to overemphasise the changes and has really delivered residents with quality accommodation, transforming the community in the process”

Alan Boddy, executive director of housing and business development, said: “The properties are already generating interest and the estate has already improved. We hope that by continuing to work alongside local community partners and community groups we can create a thriving and sustainable community.”