NEW build eco homes, 400 sqm, 3 storey, high energy efficient homes, off Worcester park high street.
New eco COMMERCIAL build
Demolition of an existing dwelling and the erection of a two-storey building with roof
accommodation comprising one 1 bedroom and two 2-bedroom self-contained flats
together with cycle and refuse facilities, three car parking spaces and vehicle access
onto Woodbine Lane.
The site consisted of a small semi-detached dwelling on a corner plot of a cul-de-sac and a very busy main road. Directly in front of the property is a bus-stop along with various other street furniture; (road posts, road name signage, bollard) around the perimeter of the property. A disabled bay is opposite the property on the entry into the cul-de-sac. The properties located within the vicinity consist of privately owned and council homes.
Our Client’s key needs were...
Work to technical specifications
Source all internal 2nd fix material for new build.
Interior design to be light and spacious, neutral colours, show room floor to be ready first.
Stylish and functional cupboard spaces
Kitchen and bathrooms to be smart and modern
Functional and stylish solar energy efficient panels
Some of our specialist work…
Onsite steel frame fabrication for roof apartment
Fire alarm system and AOV installation
Bespoke bay window frame
Warm roof installation using rubber seals
Underfloor heating system for all floors
Concrete floor beam installation
Concrete staircase
Water recycling system installation
Installation of all kitchens and bathrooms
Solar energy meter for each apartment
Assumptions
Project manage using PRINCE 2 methodology
Work to new build NHBC warranty inspection
U Value build, requiring U valued build material
Follow structural technical design drawing,
Regular health and safety site checks
Work to keep neighbours and local resident happy and informed of any major works.
Work to be completed in 11 months
Challenges
Existing Services Disconnection & Temp Building Supplies – The existing supplies needed to be ceased and the assets removed from the property by relevant vendor. It also required the actual suppliers to disconnect their services from outside of the property’s parameters. Installation of temporary water and electrical supply for construction purposes.
Communication – Working with relevant stakeholders such as neighbours to minimise possible concerns regarding the work being undertaken, especially concerns regarding noise, parking, access, waste disposal, deliveries, etc. We introduced ourselves and communicated that we would try and make reasonable accommodations where possible. We also established a working relationship with the local council to minimise any delays.
Construction Design and Management – The project was registered with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A Construction Phase Plan and Risk Assessment documents were created. Various unplanned visits where made by HSE inspectors during the project and any concerns identified were discussed and addressed as necessary. Appropriate method statements from subcontractors and specialists where obtained and checked before work could be undertaken.
Demolition – Obtaining appropriate licences for hoarding and demolition activities from local council. Once the property was completely hoarded the work commenced. The first step was to have the asbestos removed by specialist contractor before the actual demolition commenced. The demolition stage used both mechanical devices and manual effort especially when removing attached materials from main party wall which formed the rear of the house being removed.
Groundwork Engineer Details – The information provided was not complete and even included the construction of a new Thames Water (TW) manhole on the cul-de-sac road. They had not obtained appropriate authorisation to undertake work on TW assets, even when we suggested that it needed to be done. They initially informed us it was not required. Unfortunately, this was not the case and further drawings with newly discovered information, we supplied, had to be submitted and approved by TW. The drawings also failed to identify that the neighbouring houses to rear of the property all shared the same mains lead water supply which ran through the middle of the property. A separate mains water supply needed to be run in for the neighbours. In the end the property consisted of 11 manholes around the property, 5 water supply pipes (3 x flats, 1 x landlord and 1 x neighbours). The routes provided in the drawings for main utility services where not aligned with actual provider drawings. The commissioned engineer showed most services entering from the front of the property however this was not the case resulting in additional costs.
Structural Engineer Drawings - The information provided was not accurate and had beams areas that would not work. A major issue was the lack information and detail regarding the loft area. This consisted of a single flat drawing, unfortunately the assistance from the architects and structural engineers commissioned was initially very lacking, in the end we had to engage external consultant to interparent the drawing to get something that could actually be used to allow us to get the relevant steel beams to be fabricated.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) – This was requirement of the local authority for the new development. A trafficable permeable pavement was installed for the parking and courtyard areas. Velocity control chamber implemented to reduce peak discharge into public drainage systems by slowing runoff velocity. This involved about 80 tonnes of soil around the property being removed from site and being replaced with 80 tonnes of materials required to create the permeable paving infrastructure. This again was challenging due to the footprint of the site, location and traffic restrictions. Rainwater harvesting tanks were installed to collect water and reduce runoff. The SuDS and sewage drainage work were all CCTV inspected by Thames Water to ensure it met their standards.
Example project completed: Project 84 Cheam Common
Steel engineering drawing for roof apartment
