Ingleton Wood has supported the refurbishment of the distinctive ‘Brass Building’ residential development in Cambridge, managed by Apt Property Management, where the existing cladding and insulation have been replaced with new, fully non-combustible alternatives.
The £2m project, delivered between Spring 2025 and early 2026, has achieved a compliant Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW), ensuring the building is safe for residents and restoring confidence for leaseholders looking to re-mortgage or sell their homes.
Appointed by Apt Property Management, Ingleton Wood provided a fully integrated service, including:
- Project Management
- Contract Administration
- Principal Designer (Building Regulations)
- Principal Designer (CDM)
- Architectural services
Protecting design quality while delivering modern safety standards
This project carried a unique responsibility; with the building previously awarded an architectural accolade, meaning the replacement façade needed to go beyond meeting today’s fire safety standards; it also had to reflect the design intent that had originally made the scheme notable.
Collaborating with main contractor Brel Facades and fire engineer FEC, the team developed solutions that carefully balanced compliance, buildability, and architectural integrity.
Tackling complex geometry and hidden constraints
The building’s distinctive form presented a significant technical challenge, as its geometry did not naturally align with standard cladding systems and materials.
This required detailed design coordination and close collaboration with Brel Facades to adapt solutions to the building’s unique shape without compromising performance or appearance. Further complexity arose from the existing Steel Framing System (SFS), which required careful investigation and specialist input to ensure the new facade system could be successfully integrated.
Through proactive problem-solving and strong collaboration across the project team, these challenges were successfully overcome with minimal disruption to the programme.
Delivering reassurance and compliance
While technically challenging, the project’s impact is most strongly felt by its residents.
Achieving a compliant FRAEW has not only improved fire safety but also enabled homeowners to re-enter the property market with confidence.
This completed scheme demonstrates Ingleton Wood’s ability to combine architectural sensitivity, regulatory expertise, and strong project leadership to deliver façade remediation projects that prioritise both safety and design quality.
Images courtesy of Brel Facades
Dolores O'Reilly, Managing Director at Apt Property Management, commented;
“Ingleton Wood and the wider project team approached the scheme with a clear understanding of both the technical and design challenges involved.
Their combined ability to coordinate complex solutions, work collaboratively together, and maintain a strong focus on both compliance and design integrity was instrumental to the project’s success. The result is a building that not only meets modern fire safety standards but also retains the character and presence that originally defined it. Well done to everyone involved.”
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