Durapipe UK’s plastic pipework systems have been installed at a new care housing development as part of a major £150m regeneration project to transform the 40-year-old Dee Park estate in Reading into a dynamic new supported living environment.
Oak Tree House, a new care housing scheme for elderly residents, is the first phase of the Dee Park development project to be completed. The five-storey building comprises 60 self-contained flats, each with a balcony or terrace, as well as communal lounges and dining rooms and a hair and beauty salon.
As part of the construction, contractor Fairley Brown and Co, was tasked with installing the hot and cold water services for the building. Copper pipework was originally specified for the project, but the firm recommended this was changed to a plastic system and specified Durapipe’s SuperFLO ABS and PVC-C systems.
Selected for its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, Durapipe SuperFLO ABS was installed to cater for the boosted cold water services, distributing water from the central boiler room to all the flats and communal areas within the building. Durapipe PVC-C has been fitted for the distribution of the hot water services following the same process.
Contracts manager at Fairley Brown and Co, Grant Milward, said: “In order to make the project more time and cost-effective, we recommended the original specification was changed to accommodate the SuperFLO and PVC-C systems instead of using copper.
“We have been impressed with the efficiency of both products, which have been easy to install and have resulted in reduced labour time and costs.”
The lightweight nature of SuperFLO, combined with its exceptional installation properties, makes it easy to handle on site. In addition, the easy solvent weld jointing technique eliminates the need for any hot works, offering significant time and cost savings during the installation stage.
PVC-C offers a high-performance pipework system that is a reliable, alternative solution to copper for hot and cold water applications. Its corrosion resistant properties means that it is ideal for applications such as heating, and provides contractors with a safe alternative to copper that will not risk site theft and unnecessary replacement costs.
The eight-year regeneration of Dee Park estate is being led by Dee Park Partnership, a joint venture between Willmott Dixon and Catalyst Housing in partnership with Reading Borough Council.
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