Bowland House, Blackburn

BTP were lead architects on the £3.4 million refurbishment of a 14-storey 1960s towerblock in Blackburn for client Great Places and contractor Casey. The improvement works have included, installation of a ground source heat pump to help reduce energy consumption, new energy-efficient windows and doors, new fire safety measures including a new sprinkler system, new external render and insulation and improved communal areas.

Chosen for the commission by virtue of their specialist expertise in block refurbishment, BTP worked with Great Places Housing Group to use Bowland House as a national pilot for using Building Information Management (BIM) methodology specifically to assist fire safety and maintenance teams. This included incorporating component data into a 3D BIM model of the building, allowing the landlord’s asset teams to access the information they need.