RBA Architects have been retained by Agamemnon Housing Association to undertake a full service for a housing scheme in Cosham. Work on the existing 1970’s sheltered housing scheme, formerly known as Beamond Court, commenced in June 2012 and will see the building receive a complete facelift to push it into the 21st century. Works to this property comprise the full refurbishment of the existing structure, a 3 storey extension to the south and the addition of a second floor on top of the existing eastern wing. Once completed there will be 48 residential units, all designed for independent living of the elderly retired naval personnel. The scheme will also contain associated indoor and outdoor communal areas, a warden’s unit and an office accommodating the client’s head office. The refurbishment will not be limited to the interior only, but will also comprise a range of modern exterior finishes, which will improve the thermal performance of the building meeting the latest standards. New metal cladding and mono pitched roofs will give this scheme a new and exciting look, which has been welcomed by the local residents following the long term vacancy of this building. The use of BIM (Building Information Modelling) on this project is RBA’s response to the government’s aim to procure all public projects with this methodology by 2016. This approach has assisted greatly in developing and presenting a complicated project as well as meeting the latest Building Regulation standards for thermal performance and renewable energies. The now renamed Eliza MacKenzie Court, work is due to complete in October 2013.