Swn Y Coed & Cân Yr Adar at Frampton Road in Gorseinon is a semi-independent living project constructed in partnership with our client, First Choice Housing Association, our supply chain and the project design team – Ainsley Gommon Architects, CB3 Consult and Focus Construction Consultancy. Completed in July 2023, the project houses individuals with complex health needs and a range of physical disabilities.

The objectives were to create semi-independent living apartments around a communal hub and courtyard for four individuals, creating a shared house for four individuals with both learning and physical disabilities with staff support and a staff accommodation area on the first floor and both accommodation spaces will offer durability, flexibility and be able to adapt to a diverse range of needs as well as maximising the ability of the residents to live as independently as possible.

Building Performance: Encon complied with Lifetime Homes, Secure By Design and Welsh Government Design Quality Requirements. A SAP rating of ‘A’ was achieved, with highly energy efficient construction envelopes and pitched roofs supporting microgeneration in the form of Solar PV arrays. As there was no gas provision on site, Encon worked with the client to establish a strategy, where we went on to installed air source heat pumps providing a renewable source. The buildings achieved an above average airborne and impact sound insulation performance at least 3 decibel improvement on building regulations.

Solar PV arrays have been installed on the southeast facing roof pitches, assistive technology measures for the shared house have been installed to allow voice and motion operation of services and all lighting and finished are compliant with RNIB and DDA.

Modern Methods of Construction: The client communicated that MMC/OSM were their preferred method of construction. Encon worked with Fforest Timber Engineering and the appointed design team to develop a detail design and specification to achieve the client’s requirements. All external timber cladding used on site is Welsh Forestry Certified and sustainably heat treated for durability.