Student accommodation block, UK

Litigation | Expert produced an expert report | Matter settled

Background 

Fire safety defects were identified in a 300-bed student accommodation tower block in a UK city.   

The structure of the development comprised four main external wall systems:  

• ACM rainscreen cladding 

• EPS insulated render system 

• Glazed curtain walling systems 

• Brickwork on SFS (steel framing system) 

A Fire Risk Appraisal of the external walls identified that each of these systems was defective, thus creating the risk of rapid external fire spread which could prevent occupants from escaping safely.  

A Ridge fire engineering expert witness was appointed by solicitors to consider the nature of defects identified and to opine on whether these were caused by defective design, workmanship and/or materials.  

The expert relied on his knowledge of the 2010 Building Regulations and Approved Document B, as well as his extensive technical experience, in the production of his expert report.  

Further, the expert undertook an intrusive inspection of the building and summarised his findings clearly and concisely within his report.  

Feedback 

The instructing solicitors were “pleased to report” that the matter settled and said:

Thank you for your assistance on this matter.