22 Watmos Community Homes in Walsall/United Kingdom

Watmos Community Homes, Walsall, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Picture: © Surefire Management Services/Watmos Community Homes/Solotherm

As a non-profit entity providing social housing, Watmos constantly focuses on the needs and well-being of its residents, a principle vividly showcased in this transformative initiative that has significantly enriched community life. This project began with a detailed analysis of various options, through which Watmos identified an opportunity to upgrade 1074 homes located in 21 tower blocks across four estates in Walsall. Situated in some of the most deprived areas in England, these residences were urgently in need of modernisation to offer better living conditions, more affordable heating for their occupants and to mitigate energy poverty.

Collaborating with Surefire Management Services, Watmos was able to secure vital SHDF funding to facilitate this ambitious venture. Initiated in 2021 and concluding in 2023, the project improved the thermal efficiency of each home, reducing energy usage and minimising the risk of dampness and mould. This effort has not only enhanced the comfort and well-being of the residents but also positively impacted their overall health and quality of life. The project’s success is clearly reflected in the high satisfaction scores received from Watmos residents.

The estates bear a rich historical imprint, with the block’s origins tracing back to the 1960s. Despite constrained external investments over successive years, the necessity to align these local landmarks with contemporary living standards emerged as both a remarkable challenge and a critical undertaking. The project serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to promote sustainability. Through concerted efforts, they have notably managed to decrease energy costs, exceed the Decent Homes Standards, prolong the lifespan of the buildings by an additional 30 years, and curtail carbon emissions. The project involved ETICS with brick slips at the ground floor and rendering above, improving the external appearance whilst significantly enhancing the thermal efficiency, directly benefiting over 1,500 residents.