Equans modernise World War 2 bungalows on behalf of Birmingham City Council
Equans, has successfully refurbished and preserved sixteen historic phoenix pre-fabricated homes in Birmingham, originally built as part of the post-war housing programme.
Working on behalf of Birmingham City Council, these grade II-listed homes, located on Wake Green Road, have been modernised and brought back into use as social housing.
The Phoenix pre-fabricated bungalows are the largest concentration of their kind in the UK, and were built in the 1940s and gained grade II-listed listed status in 1998. Equans undertook the complex restoration project, transforming these homes to meet modern standards while preserving their historical significance.
The extensive refurbishment included installing new damp-proof concrete floors, upgrading drainage systems and plumbing, stabilising the foundations, and enhancing insulation, heating, and electrical systems. Equans also refurbished the original windows and fully landscaped the front and rear gardens, making the homes greener, safer, and warmer for residents.
Quote from Dave Parry,
We’re pleased to have worked alongside the council to make these well-thought-of bungalows fit for the future. This project has breathed new life into the community and has made the homes more comfortable and affordable to live in. Residents have told us that they are already seeing a reduction in their energy bills, thanks to the efficient insulation, heating systems and temperature controls now in place.
Quote from Councillor Jayne Francis,
The Wake Green Road bungalows are an important part of history that we are proud to preserve. It's wonderful to have this living bit of history so close to the centre of Birmingham. The restoration programme has brought the bungalows up to modern standards while keeping and reusing as many of the original items in the bungalows as possible. This work is only a small part of the council's drive to make council homes greener, warmer and more energy efficient.
One resident who has been living in the bungalows for 48 years, said: “In 1960, my mum and dad moved in and this has always been my home. I was born in the back room and have lots of happy memories of here. The restoration has been lovely; I have no regrets as it’s been kept close to what it was originally, but I can notice the difference. The workmen were absolutely fantastic and very understanding, they are like friends now.”
This restoration is part of Equans' ongoing commitment to sustainable regeneration, helping to preserve Birmingham’s heritage while improving the quality of life for residents.
About Equans
Equans is a subsidiary of the Bouygues group. In the UK & Ireland, Equans is a provider of sustainable facilities management and regeneration, and cutting-edge energy and digital services. Our 15,000 employees combine these activities to help businesses, communities, public sector organisations and government to embrace the energy transition towards net zero - and also the digital & industrial transitions that are together redesigning the way we move, work and live.