The project at Strand Court, Topsham located just on the outskirts of Exeter, comprised of the replacement and refurbishment of the structural steelwork supporting the Underground Garages, Landscaping, roofing and associated works.

 

Strand Court was constructed during the1960’s and is a community of three purpose built multi storey blocks of flats, together with exterior and underground Garages and parking. Historically a dry dock used for timber ship building within the port of Topsham was located below Strand Court. However, the demise of the shipbuilding in Topsham resulted in the site of the dry dock being re-purposed as a bottling factory in the late 1800’s, and the current two storey steel frame was implemented around the 1920’s. An elevated communal garden was installed on the flat roof over the underground section of garages, which is at the centre of the complex of flats.

 

The garages and the exterior garden were all showing signs of drainage issues where the asphalt waterproof membrane had ceased to be effective, allowing water ingress into the garages below. Many of the structural steels were corroded to various extents affecting the concrete and weakening the structure overall.

 

Works began in September 2025, initially the original planting was cleared and then soil was stripped back and removed from the rooftop area. The excavated soil was stored locally in two ‘boat bay’ parking bays to be reused at the end of the project. With the weight completely removed from the rooftop, the process of refurbishment could begin.

 

A specialist contractor was appointed to remove asbestos that had been identified in the corrugated roof sheeting to enable safe access to the main frame beams of the underground garages. All steel beams with minor corrosion of rust were subjected to sand blasting and high-pressure water jet cleaning and were given a new lease of life. Steels with excessive corrosion, where rust had caused concrete to spall were prioritised and were either repaired by welding and strengthened or duly replaced so they matched the thickness to the original steels and the steelworks were finished with a rust protective painted coating.  Internal and external electrics, rendering, re-decoration and other repairs were all completed.

 

The roof was then prepared to receive a complete BAUDER roofing system which would effectively tank the whole area providing a tanking system that would stop the ingress and penetration of water from above……at some points due to the weather this felt like a new swimming pool.!!!!!

 

Once the roof covering was completed the excavated soil was reinstated and levelled in preparation for the delivery of the 340m2 of turf later this year. We also formed a new patio, access path and the bases for the new Pergola.

 

The expected timeline was 16 weeks in total, but the weather gods had other ideas and the rain just kept coming down, delaying the project. However, we battled through the elements and were not deterred and completed the job ready for the residents to regain their garages.

 

Later in the year once the turf has been laid the residents can once again enjoy the rooftop garden in its full glory.

 

Charteroak (South West) Limited were very proud and considered themselves to be privileged to have worked on such a historical project in conjunction with Strand Court Association Ltd and Kirkham Board Associates.