Providing Fire Risk Assessment External Wall (FRAEW) To 100 Flats in Birmingham

4construct, based in Oxford, is proud to announce a significant project in Birmingham, a critical undertaking in the national effort to enhance building safety. In close collaboration with our trusted architectural partners, SIAD Studio, we are delivering a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment External Wall (FRAEW) appraisal for a residential block comprising 100 flats. This crucial commercial refurbishment project focuses squarely on compliance and, more importantly, resident safety.

The Urgency of FRAEW in Modern Refurbishment for the UK

The post-Grenfell regulatory landscape, notably the implementation of the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the use of PAS 9980 methodology, has mandated a detailed focus on the fire performance of external wall systems in multi-occupied residential buildings. For building owners and managing agents, this has created an imperative for in-depth, intrusive investigations. This is precisely the service 4construct is providing in Birmingham. The project moves beyond a standard fire risk assessment, necessitating a detailed, evidence-based appraisal of the external façade to accurately determine the level of fire risk and identify any necessary remedial works.

Our collaboration with SIAD Studio ensures that the FRAEW is not merely a box-ticking exercise, but a fully integrated process. SIAD Studio's expertise in 3D Measured Surveys and 3D Laser Scanning perfectly complements our construction and project management acumen, allowing for a seamless transition from appraisal to potential remediation.

The scope of the FRAEW appraisal is rigorous and specifically designed to identify high-risk materials and structural fire safety defects. Our intrusive surveys are focused on revealing hidden issues that could compromise a building's compartmentation.

A primary objective of this phase is the identification and eventual management or removal of combustible or banned materials. This includes inspecting and sampling any external cladding—with particular focus on materials like ACM cladding (Aluminium Composite Material), which is highly regulated—and any exposed timber or other easily ignited products within the wall system or on balconies. The data gathered from the assessment will form the basis for a proportionate and cost-effective plan for remedial works.

The scale of this commercial refurbishment—100 flats in a busy urban environment like Birmingham—demands a meticulously planned, resident-focused approach. Our Oxford-based team at 4construct is committed to delivering a transparent process, ensuring that the findings and the proposed path for remediation are clear to all stakeholders.

Once the FRAEW is complete, we will work with the client and SIAD Studio to move to the next stage: specifying and managing the remedial work required to bring the building to the current, required safety standard. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the risks posed by non-compliant materials and installations, providing the residents of this Birmingham property with the long-term safety and peace of mind they deserve.