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Our latest insights on façade remediation, HRB compliance, fire protection, and PAS 9980.
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Gateway 2 demands clarity — and clarity starts with early contractor engagement.

Osprey Contracts currently supporting an HRB project in Reading, carrying out intrusive façade investigations within a fully occupied building. Early involvement at this stage allows us to work closely with the client and design team to understand the true external wall condition while carefully managing resident impact, access constraints, and safety considerations.

By engaging the contractor early, we’re able to highlight buildability challenges, advise on sequencing in a live environment, and shape compliant remediation solutions grounded in what’s actually achievable on site. This collaborative approach reduces uncertainty, strengthens the Gateway 2 design submission, and ensures the proposed works are both practical and deliverable in an occupied setting.

For HRB remediation projects — especially those with residents in place — early contractor engagement isn’t just beneficial. It’s essential.

Project Complete!

We're delighted to share the successful completion of a major 10,000m² façade remediation project, delivered on programme and under budget despite a number of complex technical and logistical challenges.

The project involved the remediation of a large occupied building comprising both modular and traditionally constructed elements, requiring a coordinated approach across multiple construction methods and interfaces.

Throughout the programme, the building remained fully occupied by students, with the existing fire evacuation strategy maintained at all times. Careful phasing, stakeholder engagement and rigorous planning ensured the safety of occupants while minimising disruption to day-to-day operations.

The works included:
·      Installation of approximately 10,000m² of new Equitone façade panels
·      Removal of existing combustible insulation and replacement with high-density Rockwool NyRock insulation to achieve the required thermal performance and U-value targets
·      Complete replacement of all fire barriers and cavity barriers throughout the façade system
·      Remediation works across both modular and traditional construction elements

Adding to the complexity we had not one but two Network Rail considerations. One a live tunnel running through the centre of the site preventing movement of materials and plant and another overground line to the rear of the site. This created significant logistical constraints and required extensive coordination with Network Rail, including the management of the Form C temporary works approval process throughout the programme.

Despite these challenges, the project team successfully delivered a safe, compliant and high-quality solution, demonstrating the value of collaboration, detailed planning and strong stakeholder engagement.

A huge thank you to our client, project team, supply chain partners and Network Rail stakeholders for their commitment and professionalism in helping make this project a success.