Delivering Precise Roof Data for Residential Conversion at Friends’ School Saffron Walden

Background

Sky Revolutions was commissioned by Chase New Homes Limited to conduct a detailed roof survey at the site of Friends’ School Saffron Walden, a former independent school located in Saffron Walden, Essex. The school, which closed in 2017, is currently being redeveloped into a modern housing development with multiple residential apartments. Our client required precise aerial data, including a full roof plan, 3D point cloud, and orthomosaic photo to aid in the design and remediation works for the conversion.

Project requirements

Chase New Homes requested detailed deliverables for the roof survey to assist with the conversion of the former school buildings into multiple residential apartments. Specifically, they needed:

• A full roof plan to assess the structural conditions.
• A 3D point cloud to create a spatial model for design reference.
• An orthomosaic photo to visualise the roof structure accurately.

Methodology

• Survey control network validation: We began by verifying the survey control network established by a third party, using total stations and RTK GNSS receivers. Ground Control Points were then set around the building to ensure that the newly captured data tied directly into the existing architectural plans.

• Drone deployment: The DJI Mini2 was used to capture data for the buildings closest to the road and airstrip due to its size and maneuverability. The DJI Phantom4 RTK was used for the remainder of the buildings, with a double overlap mission employed to ensure detailed data for the complex roof structure.

• Data processing: Once all the imagery was captured, we used photogrammetry software to create a highly detailed orthomosaic, which provides a visual map of the roof structure. Additionally, a 3D point cloud was generated to help architects and developers better understand the roof’s layout and condition.

Results

Sky Revolutions provided Chase New Homes with a comprehensive roof plan, 3D point cloud, and orthomosaic photo, all of which were instrumental in aiding the design and remediation work for the school’s redevelopment into apartments. The orthomosaic allowed the client to visualise the current roof condition in detail, while the 3D point cloud offered a precise model of the complex roof structures, helping the team to make informed decisions.

The high-resolution aerial data saved the client both time and money, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional surveying methods while delivering unparalleled detail.

Conclusion

This roof survey highlights the significant value aerial surveys offer in redevelopment projects. By utilising cutting-edge drone technology, Sky Revolutions provided Chase New Homes with detailed and actionable data quickly and safely. The orthomosaic photo and 3D point cloud deliverables offered essential insights, enabling better planning and decision-making for the conversion of Friends’ School Saffron Walden into a residential development.

If your business is seeking a cost-effective, accurate, and comprehensive roof survey, contact our team of experts at Sky Revolutions today to discuss your project.