Macdonald Close Retrofit Programme

Macdonald Close forms part of Cardiff Council’s residential retrofit programme, delivering external wall insulation, roof-level thermal upgrades, ventilation enhancements, fascia and soffit replacement, and associated groundworks across occupied properties. The scheme demanded adaptive problem-solving from the outset, balancing access constraints, resident occupancy and a requirement to avoid full scaffolding deployment.

A key challenge was achieving safe access for fascia and soffit replacement without traditional scaffolding. Working closely with the project designer, the team engineered a bespoke access system, allowing fascia and soffit boards to be safely removed and reinstated without tile lifting or full scaffold erection. This preserved ventilation performance while significantly reducing disruption to residents.

With all works carried out in occupied homes, resident wellbeing remained central to programme delivery. Daily communication, controlled access arrangements and strict sequencing ensured works progressed safely and with minimal disruption to daily life.

Macdonald Close demonstrates how innovative engineering and resident-focused programme management can transform an occupied retrofit scheme. Despite limited access and the requirement to avoid full scaffolding, the project delivered high-quality fabric improvements with minimal disruption, setting a benchmark for future Cardiff Council retrofit programmes.

The bespoke access system removed the need for full scaffolding, cutting cost, disruption and programme duration. Onsite redesigns and adaptive sequencing maintained value for money throughout and ensured performance compliance despite evolving site conditions.

Find out more about our retrofit and decarbonisation work at rmwgroup.co.uk/sectors/retrofit-decarbonisation/