Craig Cefn Parc

The properties were constructed from a lightweight timber-frame with a resin fibreglass external cladding, an asbestos backing board and a thin layer of mineral wool insulation which offered a minimal thermal performance.

As the original cladding system spanned both council and privately owned properties, the upgrades had to accommodate both parties. With support from the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP), a Welsh Government-funded initiative, the Council extended the same fabric upgrades to the adjacent private homeowners.

Technical Challenges

Removing the original fibreglass and asbestos panels was challenging as it left the homes and their inhabitants with little protection from the inclement weather of the Swansea Hilltops. Systems and processes were put in place to protect the fabric of the homes and the health and wellbeing of the occupants until the timber frame could be sheathed and made weathertight.

Applied to this frame was Sika's Parextherm EWI system. The build-up comprised expanded polystyrene (EPS) boards mechanically fixed to the oriented strand board (OSB) on the timber frame. The application of a flexible weatherproof base coat, embedded with reinforcement mesh, followed. A hand-applied alpine blue dry-dash aggregate provided the final façade finish, delivering a refreshed appearance that will withstand the harsh weather conditions in this remote location.

The careful detailing of openings and abutments were adhered to closely on site to preserve thermal performance at critical interfaces and where conditions demanded it, adjustments were made on site. Late-stage changes imposed by unmapped drainage and Dwr Cymru cultured a reactive and adaptive environment and developed a close working relationship between the team.

Ecological and environmental constraints added further pressure. Nesting birds resulted in repeated delays, while the hillside location and narrow access lanes made even routine logistics such as getting materials to site, an operational challenge.

Resident Management

Carrying out intrusive external works while tenants and private homeowners remained in occupation demanded careful planning and continuous communication. Each property typically experienced three to five days without its primary heating system during the transition from oil to an air source heat pump. Temporary heating was provided throughout, and the project team maintained a close relationship with occupants to minimise disruption and manage expectations.

Early scepticism among residents, which was understandable given the scale of work was addressed through proactive engagement and communication from the outset. As the first completed properties began to demonstrate the quality and comfort of the finished result, confidence grew across the street, and the programme gathered momentum.

Outcomes

Completed in November 2025, the upgrades have significantly improved the thermal performance of the homes, achieving an external wall u-value calculated at 0.18 W/m²K, and the renewable energy systems have removed their reliance on oil while reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

Residents have responded positively, praising the warmth and transformation in the appearance of their homes.

For Swansea Council, the project demonstrates that with local authority ambition, government support and specialist expertise, even the most technically challenging homes can be transformed, delivering significant improvements for residents and a more sustainable housing portfolio.