North Lanarkshire Council – BISF Housing Refurbishment, Newarthill

Project Overview

Ailsa Building Contractors, in partnership with K Systems, successfully completed a specialist refurbishment project transforming post-war BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) housing in Newarthill, Motherwell. This technically demanding project addressed the unique challenges of non-traditional steel-framed construction whilst dramatically improving thermal performance and alleviating fuel poverty for residents.

The Challenge

The BISF properties, constructed in the 1940s, featured steel-framed walls initially coated in cement render and vertical steel panels. Previous renovations had left the buildings with a patchwork appearance – PVC weatherboard cladding on upper levels and re-rendered lower floors. Most critically, the houses suffered from extremely poor thermal performance, making them difficult and expensive to heat. With rising fuel prices and the cost of living crisis, many residents were experiencing fuel poverty.

Project Objectives

North Lanarkshire Council set three key objectives for this refurbishment:

• Dramatically improve the thermal performance of the property portfolio
• Achieve a U-value of 0.17 W/m²K with minimal technical detailing around the properties
• Create a modern, aesthetically pleasing appearance to replace the tired and dated exterior

Technical Solution

Working closely with K Systems’ technical team, Ailsa identified that a major challenge would be the technical detailing between the timber frame sheeted ply at the top storey and precast concrete slab at the bottom. Following extensive U-value calculations, the K Systems P EWI system was specified, utilising advanced phenolic foam insulation boards.

K Systems P (Phenolic) EWI System

• Lightweight, high thermal performance insulation
• Allows thinner sections to achieve optimal thermal efficiency
• Ideal for properties with footprint restrictions
• Suitable for both masonry and non-traditional structures
• Achieved target U-value of 0.17 W/m²K – improved from 0.32 W/m²K

Dash Render Finish

• Extremely robust and hard-wearing
• Low maintenance for long-term durability
• Complementary to existing local property portfolio
• Modern, refreshed aesthetic

Resident-Focused Delivery

As the Newarthill development remained fully occupied throughout the works, minimising disruption was paramount. Ailsa’s experienced teams worked with limited access points, coordinating closely with K Systems and North Lanarkshire Council to ensure harmonious delivery without unnecessary commotion. Regular communication with residents built rapport, trust, and confidence throughout all phases of the project.

Project Results

The refurbishment completely transformed cold, weathered, distressed housing into warm, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing homes. The improved thermal performance significantly reduced energy bills for residents, directly addressing fuel poverty concerns whilst creating a striking focal point for the Council’s investment in their housing stock.

Partnership Excellence

Kenny McDermott, Site Manager at Ailsa Contractors, commented on the collaboration:

“K Systems had several preconstruction site visits with us to design a phenolic system that made the houses much more energy efficient and more pleasing to the eye as well as meeting the desired U-value. Excellent input in the weekly visits made the contract run very smoothly and helped produce a great focal point for the councils’ investments. We look forward to many more project collaborations going forward.”

Specialist Expertise

This project demonstrates Ailsa’s capability in handling non-traditional construction methods and complex technical challenges. Our partnership approach with specialist system suppliers ensures optimal solutions for even the most demanding refurbishment projects.