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Issue 5 2006 www.rbkc .gov.uk/Planning/bui ld ingcontrol

Introduction is will probably be the lasilding Control Newsletter

hich I write the introductionlan to retire in March.

tarted as a trainee (AKA aboy) in Islington District rveyors Office in 1965 anssed through Shoreditch,

ampstead, Hackney, and estminster before comingBKC in 1986. Along the wquired a few qualificationsore importantly a large nu friends and colleagues whhall miss greatly.

has been both fascinatingeasing to see building conanging from being seen agulatory enforcement" sy

a culture where we want embedded part of a velopment team - helping build good, safe and teresting buildings.

e "Meet the Team" articleside therefore has a "sell bte and perhaps should bearewell to the team" this t

y successor will be John ckson who has been my puty for many years. I

erefore have the utmost nfidence that service will ntinue as usual - and imp

ere were no correct entrier the prize crossword in oust newsletter (still availabler web site) so we will holdmpetition open until the enuary and then put the swers on the web site.

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Stanley House By Adam Flowers of Timothy Hatton Architects

he refurbishment of Grade II* listed Stanley House on Kings Road is nearing completion, representing the culmination of

two years work from a dedicated team of architects, designers, engineers, and builders.

Stanley House was constructed at the turn of the 18th Century as a four storey double pile house. An annex was added in the 19th Century by William Hamilton to accommodate a collection of antiquities acquired from his time as secretary to Lord Elgin. As part of the annex construction Hamilton installed a set of original plaster casts of the Parthenon marbles as a frieze in the ballroom, where they remain today. These casts have recently been restored andform the focus of one of London’s finest rooms.

In 1841 the house was given over to the teaching Colleges of St. Mark and St. John. The house was used as teaching and reception space until the college moved to Portsmouth in 1973. At that stage the

College grounds were developed into a complex of apartments with Stanley House reverting to its original use as a family house. When the current owner purchased the house in 2002, the building was in a poor state of repair and had deteriorated from years of neglect. Much of the early Georgian panelling was falling apart, and many of the structural timbers were rotten to the point of failure. The structural and panelling repair works were carried out in a manner which preserved as much of the existing fabric as possible. A team of carpenters were specially trained in timber repair techniques to ensure that the quality of work remained consistently high. There is always a difficult balance between reconciling current building regulations within the constraints of listed historic buildings. The District Surveyor in this case worked closely with Timothy Hatton Architects and LTS Refurbishment to ensure that the special

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Issue 5 - Page 2 Bui lding Contro l NEWS for the Roya l Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

(Continued from page 1) features of the house were not compromised, while employing best building practices wherever possible. One of the many challenges facing the architects and builders in this project was to improve the fire separation and acoustic insulation. Floors became the central focus for this work, as the original ceilings were to remain untouched. Acoustic and fire retardant batts were fitted within floor voids, and a separating sound-proof structure was installed between joists. The original floorboards were then re-laid on acoustic pads to provide separation from the original structure raising the floor levels by just 2mm in the process. This refurbishment project represents a new chapter in the history of Stanley House, and the architects have taken a careful and balanced approach to adapting the building for modern life. The double height pool hall with a large exercise room and lift were located in the newly constructed west annex to the house, where no historic fabric would be compromised. Within the house, the existing panelling, plaster and structure has been repaired and adapted, to restore the dignity of the original house. New fittings in the house have often been treated as modern insertions, making a strong but sympathetic contrast to the original fabric. Such a balance demands a good understanding of historic detailing and a confident approach to modern design. A skilled team of consultants, contractors and craftsmen have contributed to the success of this project. The most significant factor in bringing this extraordinary house back to life so beautifullyhas been the determination of an

inspired client to build to the highest quality standards, with an understanding of the particular care and patience required when dealing with historic buildings.

Design Team Architect: Timothy Hatton Architects Interior Decorator: Nicholas Haslam for NH Design Services Engineer: Slender Winter Partnership Structural Engineer: Price & Myers Quantity Surveyors: Davis Langdon Builder: LTS Refurbishment Building Control: Steve Denton

Stanley House Swimming Pool Hall under construction

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I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Temperature’s rising 2

Meet the Team 3

Site Snax 3

Experts 4 Open plan Staircases in dwellings — the solution 5

Coopers Fire Curtains 6 Close Up Quiz 6 Myths 7

The Gallery 7 Part P — Electrical Safety 8 Be careful out there it could be dangerous 8

he temperatures’ rising. A new Approved Document L –

Conservation of Fuel and Poweris due to come into force on 6th April 2006. It is now in 4 parts. L1A Work in new dwellings L1B Work in existing dwellings L2A New buildings other

than dwellings L2B Work in existing buildings that are not dwellings. To give all of us a chance of becoming familiar with the new requirements the ODPM have published draft Approved Documents. Copies are available at www.odpm.gov.uk. Examples of the major implications are as follows: L1A New dwellings will require air permeability tests. L1B If a building is converted to flats the thermal elements will need to be upgraded. If more than 25% of external render or internal plaster is removed the thermal performance of the wall must be improved. L2A New buildings to have a predicted rate of CO2 emissions that is less than the target rate. L2B Improvements may be required to improve the thermal performance of the existing building as a consequence of doing building work. Once the changes to the Building Regulations have been published we will offer free seminars to explain the implications, in the context of buildings in this Borough. If you have any thoughts or questions on Part L please contact John Allen on 020 7361 3802

Bui lding Contro l NEWS for the Roya l Borough o f Kensington and Chelsea Issue 5 - Page 3

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MEET the TEAM Terry Ward

Director of Building Control Interviewed by Martyn Janzemin

How did you get into building control? When I was studying in the fifth form at school, I saw an advert for a trainee position in the GLC trainee scheme, applied and got the job! How would you describe the Building Control Department at Kensington and Chelsea? In my opinion the best place to work out of all the London Boroughs. As the DS I have a good, strong team working with me, who get on with their jobs and let me get on with mine. What is the most challenging task you’ve had to overcome in your working career? Coming from the Greater London Council to form a building control department. Having to amalgamate numerous departments into one and to make it work and fit in with a local authority. Plus the added responsibility of dealing with budgets, staffing, politics, grievances etc, where before I wasn’t involved. Being at the top of your game in building control, do you have any advice to trainees like myself starting off a career in the Building Control industry? Coming from the bottom (tea boy) to being the DS, my advice would be to work hard and learn from others to progress in building control.

What are your hobbies and interests? Being a committed Christian, I am very involved with my local church. Spending time with my family and grandchildren. Other interests are old cars (I have a 1936 Riley), reading, photography, playing the saxophone, chess and gardening. Being interested in vintage cars, if you could have any one, what would it be? Having one is not enough! A 1929, 8 litre Bentley would be nice. Looking back over your working career and personal life are there any moments that stand out for any particular reason or any achievements you are particularly proud of? Going back….. passing the District Surveyors exam and then becoming the District Surveyor of one of the best building control departments in the country. Also being driven to my daughters wedding, by my son, in the back of the car I built! With retirement looming, have you given any thoughts to how you will occupy your time? More focus on christian service, working with the church and having time for people. Spending time with my children and grandchildren. Picking up hobbies that I’ve dabbled with in the past. What will you miss most about the building control department/ Council life? The friendship and “buzz” off the office but I will be very happy not to wake up at 6 in the morning and drive 25 miles to work!

By Vinny Kanadia Site Snax Riviera — Rivita 1 packet of rivita’s 1 packet of sliced ham or chicken dairy-lee triangles or spreadsliced cucumbers

Take 3 Rivita’s spread on the dairy lee cheese (1 triangle per rivita) place a slice of ham or chicken on the top of the spread then finish of with slices of cucumber.

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—— The Experts —— JOHN JACKSON — Senior Assistant District Surveyor Tel 020 7361 3822 Approved Documents M, A, & B (existing residential)

RICHARD STANHOPE — Principal Building Control Surveyor Tel 020 7316 3832 Approved Document M

DAVE GAMMON — Principal Building Control Surveyor Tel 020 7361 3816 Approved Document B

STEVE DENTON — Principal Building Control Surveyor Tel 020 7361 3808 Approved Documents K & N

PAUL HANSON Senior Building Control Surveyor Tel 020 7361 3819 Approved Document B

JOSÉ ANON — Principal Building Control Surveyor Tel 020 7361 3803 Approved Document J

BOB SILVA — Senior Building Control Surveyor Tel 020 7316 3831 Approved Document C

MICHAEL WINN — Senior Building Control Surveyor Tel 020 7361 3836 Approved Documents G & H

JOHN ALLEN — Assistant District Surveyor Tel 020 7361 3802 Approved Documents E & L

RICHARD BEDDOE — Building Control Surveyor Tel 020 7361 3805 Approved Documents G & H

DISTRICT SURVEYOR’S OFFICE The Town Hall, Hornton Strret,

London, W8 7NX

Admin. General 020-7361-3838 Fax No. 020-7361-3820

E-Mail—building.control@rbkc.gov.uk

GARRY SHARP — Principal Building Control Surveyor Tel 020 7361 3830 Approved Document F

By Paul Hanson Open plan staircases in dwellings - the solution

RBKC Building control regard fire safety as an important aspect of our work as the safety of our end users is essential.We also recognise that the prescriptive standards of fire safety are sometimes at odds with the way we would like to use our buildings. It is for this reason that we employ a team of qualified fire engineers to consider ways of achieving both aims. Recently our team have been looking for a method to enable the use of open plan stairways in dwelling houses. Last issue we considered the use of sprinklers but came to the conclusion that sprinklers were not able to sufficiently reduce smoke toxicity build-up. This issue we present the solution by combining different technologies. The prime element to this solution is a 'fire curtain'. Fire curtains are not dissimilar in principle to a roller blind. In its normal position a fire curtain will be rolled up and hidden inits 'blind box'. Upon the activation of smoke detection located in the room, the curtain, running in side tracks, will descend to the floor, effectively sealing the room from the stairway andexit way. In order to avoid the path through which the curtain descendsbeing obstructed sensors are located at the base of the curtain, which sound a warning signal when an object is in the descent path of the curtain. Where the curtain would obstruct the only exit from the room we would require a remote button located on both sides of the curtain. The curtain can then be raised automatically to enable an occupant to walk through the opening and the curtain will then automatically close. The fire we are protecting occupants from produces two elements, which can be lethal, namely smoke and heat. To protect escape routes, fire resistance is measured in two forms, INTEGRITY, which is fire penetration, and INSULATION, which is the transmission of heat through an object (conduction) and thence through air. There are two types of fire curtains on the market - those that are insulated and those that are not. If the curtain is merely replacing a door an un-insulated type will be adequate. The acceptance of un-insulated doors in dwellings is based upon a short passing distance where the heat exposure although intense will not be sufficient to cause problems. However if the curtain replaces a wall, insulation will need to be considered. There are two options: - 1. Use a curtain which has insulation for 30 minutes, OR 2. Install a domestic sprinkler system in the room, associated with an un-insulated fire curtain. The use of sprinklers will partially reduce the heat build up in

the smoke layer, which would otherwise transmit heat through the curtain fabric exposing escaping persons to excessive radiated heat. Therefore with a careful choice of fire curtain, and a combination of smoke detection, the dream of a safe open plan house is possible. Due to the complexities of fire curtains we would advise our customers to submit details of any proposed fire curtain and obtain our written consent prior to ordering the curtain.

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Coopers Virtual Fire Curtains

What is this a close up photo of?

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Can you identify the mystery photos below. The answers appear on our website:.www.rbkc.gov.uk/Planning/buildingcontrol Thanks to Terry & Thompson Builders for their assistance with the creation of the photographs.

Close Up Quiz

What is this used for? What is this?

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In what material can this bolt ONLY be used as a fixing?

What is the name for this type of joint?

6 7 What are 6, 7 and 8 close up photos of?

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echnological advances now enable us to replace a 54 metre long fire compartment wall with up to 4 hours fire resistance and integrity and/or 1 hours’ thermal insulation. Fire Barriers remain concealed

until needed and can be contained in boxes as small as 150x150mm. Deployment is at a slow, safe and non panic speed, not free falling like a guillotine. Fire Barriers are commonly used instead of fire doors/shutters; or lobbies for lifts, escalators and stairwells. They can be integrated into serving hatches, open plan kitchenettes and in front of reception hatches/windows, anywhere with a combination of non-fire rated glazing providing a suitable fire resistant solution. Virtual means that it’s only there when you want or need it, leaving areas clear for easy occupant movement and visibility. Initiation is provided by the fire alarm or by individual ‘double knock’ sensors. Why close a door, slowing egress, when the fire is elsewhere? Remember the required closing force for a self closing fire door is 30N, the opening resistance to comply with the ADM is 20N! No blockage no problem. Virtual Fire Barrier systems can be designed with staged deployment, acting firstly to prevent smoke movement and secondly to contain fire. Each building needs a different approach and the correct application applied as the product isfor ‘life safety’ not just to recompartment the building. Systems can be uninsulated or insulated but whichever application is needed it must close. They can also be used in the horizontal orientation.

imperative. It is known that due to one fault or another many similar powered solutions will noclose on loss of power, fire doorwon’t close if they are damaged or wedged open! Whereas Virtual Fire Barriers will fail-safe to their closed position With or Without a power source, ensuring they are fit for purpose. The above product complies with the relevant International, European and British Standards and is fully tested by recognised third parties. Remember this system is replacing what would otherwise be a permanent structure so it must always deploy. Even when all consumable power fails, mains, batteries, the corruption of cables and control equipment. Chuck Lewis Coopers Blinds Limited, Edward house, Penner Road, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1QZ T: +44 (0)23 9245 4405 F: +44 (0)23 9249 2732 info@coopers-uk.com www.coopers–uk.com

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Bui lding Contro l NEWS for the Roya l Borough o f Kensington and Chelsea Issue 5 - Page 7

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By John Jackson

he purpose of this article is to expose five common myths about RBKC Building Control.

You always need full plans approval before starting work. Even in cases where you have to submit a full plans application you do not need approval before you start. All that the regulations require is that you submit an application before work starts and that you give the local authority two days notice of your intention to commence work on site. You must submit all the detailed drawings of the work when submitting a full plans application. Although it is best to submit as much relevant information as you can this is not always possible. In many cases you are awaiting information from other consultants and waiting for this could cause delays in the process. We are happy to accept phased submissions or if we require additional information this can be included in the conditional approval. You have to wait from five weeks to two months for a decision and then it’s always a rejection. Whilst it is true that the statutory period is five weeks, extended to two months if the applicant agrees, we are among many who currently give informal comments within tenworking days. This gives you the opportunity to address the points raised before a decision is given. Our aim is to approveor give a conditional approval to your plans.

The costs are high. You can always get a cheaper price but as we all know quality

then suffers. Nevertheless we recognise that price can be an issue and regularly review our costs. Recently we reduced our charges by 50% for new houses and blocks of flats, except those defined as small dwellings, as well as whole conversions of existing buildings to a house or block of flats. You should

also note that the charges, other than the fixed charges, are based on the estimate cost of the work we approve. Items such as site set-up, demolition, stripping-out, landscaping, white goods, fitted kitchen, bedroom cupboards, professional fees, V.A.T. and the like, should be excluded. If you do not know the detailed cost, then a figure can be agreed using data at our disposal. We also accept phased payments on large projects or where the building notice cost is over £100,000. Our aim is to provide a value for money service. You can never get hold of a surveyor. Communication is important and doubly so if you need a quick answer. It is therefore best to directly contact the surveyor dealing with your application or property. Full contact details are given in correspondence or you can ring 020 7361 3838. Most surveyors are out on site between 10.30 and 3.00 but they may still be contactable on their mobiles. Alternatively you can speak to the duty officer or fax or email your

question.

If would like us to dispel any further myths then please contact John Allen (020 7361 3802) or John Jackson (020 7361 3822).

The Gallery Maroush, 23 Kensington Church Street Architect Design Consultants Struct Engineer EJG Design Partnership Builder JCG Construction LTD Building Control Jose Anon

Christchurch School, Christchurch Street Architect DGA Architects Struct Engineer The Budgen Partnership Builder The Buxton Group Building Control Richard Beddoe

1 Wetherby Place Architect Higgins Gardener & Partners Struct Engineer F J Samuely & Partners Builder Horgan Bros (Developments) LTD Building Control Mark Duggan

Accessibility: This publication is also available in pdf format from our website, which can be read by Adobe Acrobat reader v6 and above for MAC and PC. A large print version is also available upon request.

Building Control Department, The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea,

The Town Hall, Hornton street, London W8 7NX Tel: 020 7361 3838 Fax: 020 7361 3820 email: building.control@rbkc.gov.uk

Website: www.rbkc.gov.uk/Planning/buildingcontrol

Editor: Paul Hanson; Assistant Editor: Martyn Janzemin

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this or future issues of Building control NEWS, please write to ‘The

Editor, Building control NEWS’ by e-mail, fax or letter.

The opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the individual authors, and do not necessarily reflect Council

policy

Issue 5 - Page 8 Bui lding Contro l NEWS for the Roya l Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Part P Electrical Safety By John Allen

Since 1st January 2005 Part P of the Building Regulations has controlled electrical

work in dwellings. If you are undertaking any electrical work there are basically three different scenarios to consider. 1. Very minor work (Non-notifiable work) The work is very minor work, such as

replacing a damaged electrical socket. This work is not notified to the Local Authority but a competent person should issue a certificate under BS 7671 to the person ordering the work. 2. Submit a Building Regulation Application for notifiable work For work such as adding an electrical socket in a kitchen a Building Regulationapplication is required. We will inspect the work in progress and ask for a copy of the BS 7671 certificate at the end of the project. If all is in order we will issue

a completion certificate. 3. Self-certification for notifiable work Alternatively a competent person under the self-certification scheme can carry out the work. Once the works are completed a copy of the certificate is forwarded to the Local Authority within 30 days. For full details of the regulations and further explanatory leaflets please visit: www.odpm.gov.uk/electricalsafety

Be careful out there it could be dangerous By John Jackson

The telephone rings, it’s 16.25. ‘Hello John, there’s a lady on the phone reporting a dangerous structure in Chelsea’. ‘Damn’, I say to myself. ‘Bang goes any idea of leaving early to go to the gym’. ‘Can I help you?’ I politely say through clenched teeth. ‘There’s a derelict building in Chelsea that has been vandalised with broken windows, windows flapping in the wind and bits of lead hanging off the roof, it’s about time it was sorted out, its been like this for months.’ I struggle to find a pen and some paper (why is it that you can never find these everyday items when you need them?) ‘Let me take down some details.’ Fortunately I knew the premises as we had dealt with a previous dangerous structure there. A quick look through our dangerous structure file provides me with the owner’s details. Armed with this information, a notebook, camera, mobile phone, binoculars and hazard tape I climb into my car and drive through rush-hour traffic to the incident. The adrenalin starts to flow. On arrival it was clear that the lady was right to call. It is dangerous. Quickly assessing the risk to the public I cordon off the immediate danger.

I call the owner, ‘can you get a builder out to remove the danger?’ I ask, more in hope than expectation. ‘I’m sorry but the person you need to speak to is on leave but you can get him on his mobile.’ Another call is made, ‘can you get a builder out to remove the danger?’ I enquire. ‘Yes’ came the response ‘ but not till tomorrow.’ I explain that the matter needs immediate attention and if this can’t be dealt with by the owner I will have to call out the Council's dangerous structures contractor. The owner reluctantly agrees that this is the only option and I make a call to our contractors, ‘hello John, I’ve got a dangerous structure in Chelsea fortunately it can be all be done from a ladder.’ Further details of the danger are relayed to the contractor and two hours later, with the danger removed, I’m on my way home. My mobile phone rings. I pull the car over and answer the call, ‘this is the Duty Officer. I’ve received a report of a dangerous structure in …’ the adrenalin starts to flow.