William Blake Windows and Redecorations – Design Team

City of London Corporation wish to procure a multi-disciplinary design team to undertake principal designer duties, deliver the pre-planning and full planning applications, produce specifications and cost plans ready to tender for the works and undertake contract administration duties for the Window Replacement and Associated Works project at William Blake Estate. The successful consultant is to survey the existing windows and external doors (where located within window sets) to determine how the existing windows are to be removed and replaced with new, efficient contemporary windows which will achieve Listed Building Consent. In conjunction with the window replacements particular consideration is essential to ensure that adequate ventilation is incorporated within the design proposals. Each block has its own set of windows in various fenestrations which consist mainly of timber framed single glazed sliding sash windows. The consultant will be expected to review previously approved planning applications and undertake any additional surveys for each block and window type before submitting new pre-planning applications (including summary of options) and then subsequently using the advice to submit full planning application. During the planning process, the consultant is expected to review previous planning submissions and responses and build the new specifications ready to tender either via a compliant open tender process or via a nominated framework. Subject to full planning permissions, the consultant will submit a specification to accompany City of London tender documents. The requirements for the new windows are to protect the building from external conditions, provide privacy and security, improve the acoustic performance, provide thermal insulation, aid in the external fabric’s resistance to spread of fire, provide access to daylight, provide controllable ventilation, resist wind loadings, and provide protection from falling and impact. The Corporation also intends to incorporate various associated works into this window replacement package, in order to maximise efficiencies and ensure that its landlord responsibilities are fully met. Although the window replacement element will undoubtedly be a key component of the works, a holistic approach is considered most appropriate at this stage, in respect of the blocks’ external envelope.