Project Overview
M3 were contracted to provide roofing services as part of the regeneration of the Lakes Estate in Milton Keynes – an energy efficiency project valued at £7.2 million and encompassing 380 properties.
The project commenced in April 2014, with M3 responsible for delivering roofing solutions that met the required energy-efficient standards. Between four and ten properties were completed for handover each week, contributing to the project’s steady progress and overall success.
Challenge
The regeneration programme involved large groups of terraced properties, requiring careful coordination to manage access, scaffolding, and timescales effectively. Additionally, M3 had to meet strict sustainability requirements and collaborate closely with the council and other contractors to achieve maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Our Approach
Working from the architects’ construction drawings and the results of comprehensive property surveys, M3 played a vital role within the renovation team. Our efforts contributed to an impressive £400,000 in savings against the tendered price through efficiencies and value engineering.
Programme Efficiency
Typically, a whole-property programme takes around 20 working days. However, because the properties were arranged in terraces, several could be completed simultaneously. This approach significantly reduced the overall programme timescale.
To minimise disruption, M3 also agreed with the Council that scaffolding would be erected for no more than 30 properties at a time. Once work on each section was complete, scaffolding was promptly removed and relocated to the next set of properties.
Sustainability and Waste Management
Maintaining high environmental standards was a priority. M3 worked closely with a dedicated Waste Management Supervisor to ensure all waste was removed, segregated, and recycled efficiently.
Cost Efficiency and Procurement
M3 collaborated with the Council to identify and agree on cost-saving opportunities, including standardising and bulk-buying materials. By storing materials in our own facilities, we were able to negotiate significant discounts on both product prices and delivery costs, while also reducing travel time.
Communication and Reporting
Clear and consistent communication was key. Our project managers provided regular progress reports, allowing updates to be reflected on the Project Tracker dashboard, giving the client real-time visibility into progress and performance.
Creative Problem Solving
One property presented a unique challenge: a large sunroom extended along the rear, preventing standard scaffolding installation. M3 worked closely with both the client and the resident to devise a solution – temporarily removing the sunroom roof and sections of brickwork to allow access for scaffolding, before rebuilding it to its original condition.
Results
Through collaboration, innovation, and efficiency, the Lakes Estate regeneration project successfully brought hundreds of properties up to modern, energy-efficient standards.
M3 Roofing Services are proud to have contributed to this landmark improvement project, delivering high-quality results while achieving significant savings and sustainability goals.
