Case studies

What Did The Job Involve?

Beardwell were appointed by Braintree District Council to Design and Build this 21st Century Building – a £2.3m state-of-the-art centre of excellence for construction innovation. The two-storey hub consists of workshop and demonstration spaces, a technology lab and conference facilities.

Using off-site construction methods this building demonstrates a best-practice example of how modern-day building techniques can support construction and improve efficiency. This was initiated by the client and was translated by us into the completed design by our designers, Barker Associates.

Achieving BREEAM Excellent. The Building showcases sustainable development standards by looking at the building design and operation including management, energy, health and well-being, transport, water, materials, waste, land use, ecology and pollution.

Working with different sustainable materials and systems using a mixture of structural technologies required careful consideration of details and interfaces before work commenced.

What Were The Challenges?

The challenge for the whole team was to pick up on the stage 2 design already completed and to translate this into a final project that met the funding criteria of being Breeam Excellent. Many items had to be revisited to ensure that the final credits could be achieved. The design was altered and various aspects were incorporated to avoid disappointment. This was led by the direction provided by Edwin O’Connell, our appointed Breeam Sustainability Consultant.

Beardwell’s Added Value

From the outset, Beardwell supported by our appointed design team led design and developed construction techniques in partnership with all stakeholders to ensure we met the challenging targets set by the brief. We are extremely proud of the result a showcase of just how a true collaborative partnership can deliver even the most challenging of projects.

What Did The Job Involve?

The project in Pemberton Row involved the full refurbishment of a Grade II listed office building located near Fleet Street in Central London. The building comprises a basement, ground and three upper floors with a roof terrace. The property is situated opposite New Street Square, near both Fleet Street and Fetter Lane. The area is synonymous with legal practices and the next-door building is the birthplace of the first comprehensive English dictionary, otherwise known as Dr. Johnson’s House one of the earliest residential houses in the City of London.

The building was fully stripped out including the removal of all services and walls demolished to facilitate the new layout. Repairs including waterproofing were carried out to the fabric and drainage. Structural alterations were undertaken to facilitate the new layout and access and basement access. The windows were fully refurbished and the glazing was replaced as required, The roof was overlaid and the handrails were upgraded.

Internally the offices were fitted out with new lighting, power, heating and cooling. A lift was installed and the stairs were renovated. New lobby division walls were installed with slatted acoustic treatment to ceilings. A shower room and kitchen were installed in the basement and the WCs on each floor were renovated to modern standards.

What Were The Challenges?

The primary challenge was access. Due to the land-locked inner city location there was no parking or storage facilities on site. Beardwell had to carefully coordinate just in time deliveries and wait and load waste removal. Our welfare and offices had to be contained on site which meant phasing the project.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Due to the type of work there were many unexpected items encountered. It was therefore important to assist the client to manage the contingency and risk allowances. Regular cost updates and value engineering exercises were undertaken to ensure the project remained within budget.

What Did The Job Involve?

The project comprised seven phases of work commencing with a new extension to the rear of the leisure centre including temporary wet change facilities. Once this was completed further phases included the alteration and refurbishment of the gym, dry and wet change areas and some limited external works.

The new extension comprised piled foundations, a steel frame and a mix of precast, metal decking and concrete infill floors. The extension is connected to the existing building at each level. The roof was a metal built-up system with flat and slated areas adjoining the existing. A new staircase was provided together with a platform lift. The extension included a new dance studio.

The changing areas were completed stripped out and refurbished. The existing gym was enlarged and a new spin studio formed. The AHUs were replaced and new MEP services were provided throughout.

What Were The Challenges?

The connection of the new extension to the existing structure was complicated with differing levels and inaccurate as-built information which became apparent after demolition works. The steelwork and timber joisting were adjusted on-site to suit.

The extension was located very near an outflow and a large pond. Method statements were adapted to suit and crane siting and access routes were clearly defined.
It was a requirement to keep the pool and centre open and functioning at all times and this was achieved without any interruption to supplies or services provided.

The COVID pandemic interrupted the progress of the work. We swiftly adapted our working procedures and protocols allowing the project to continue.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Marshall support was provided to a client-sponsored charity cycling event.

Maintenance works were completed for the centre without cost.

What Did The Job Involve?

This project involved the completion of the design and construction of a new Starbucks cafe. This involved the demolition of an existing steel frame and masonry restaurant building followed by the construction of a new single-storey Starbucks drive-through café.

The building comprised new strip foundations, steel frame, external cladding brick& blockwork, aluminium windows and doors and all external works and drainage, leaving the unit ready for the tenant fit-out works.

What Were The Challenges?

Incorporating design changes presented the biggest challenge. The design had been based on standard Starbucks design guides but each Starbucks unit is designed individually taking into account local planning and building control requirements yet maintaining the brand. The landlord and tenant were contracted to differing versions of the style guide which had to be resolved during construction.

Material supply was also a challenge. Siberian larch had been specified for the external cladding and unfortunately, the timing of the project coincided with supply issues associated with Russia and the larch was held at the shipping ports for weeks. This had a major impact on production on site and the programme.

Beardwell’s Added Value

The existing building was a redundant Franky & Bennies restaurant, which had been closed down during the pandemic. Demolishing the existing building and constructing the new unit brought the area back into use, creating employment for local people during construction along with boosting revenue for the area.

Employing local people helped to reduce travel/journey times thereby improving personal work-life balance whilst also reducing our carbon footprint.

What Did The Job Involve?

Ipswich Hospital required the consolidation of breast care facilities into one location. Located in the heart of the hospital, this project involved the conversion of two administration wings and the construction of a new build infill to create one large space dedicated to assessment and treatment.

The facilities include 3 nr xray suites with mammography. Treatment and assessment areas were provided with administration, reception and staff facilities. The work involved stripping out the existing areas, demolition and structural alteration works. A new slab was cast and lightweight framing was installed to create the link.

The existing roof areas were cut away and a new roof was constructed over the link. New partitions were formed in masonry and metal stud work. New services were installed throughout and areas were finished to the appropriate standard for each area. Hygenic cladding and vinyl graphics were installed along with new furniture and equipment. Imaging rooms were screened before the specialist equipment was installed. Drainage alterations were made to suit the new layout including the installation of a new pumping chamber.

What Were The Challenges?

One of the major challenges was the limited accessibility. Our only means to move materials was through a narrow gap next to a standby generator which served adjacent wards including the maternity unit. Small plant and all materials were largely required to be manoeuvred by hand to the working location.

One of the wings could not be decanted by the client at the start of the project and so possession of this area followed 5 weeks later. Works were resequenced accordingly.

The challenge of working in a live hospital had to be overcome. Working areas, timing and access were restricted and work had to be reprogrammed throughout the project.

Working with an existing structure, fabric and services presented problems that had to be resolved without affecting the hospital’s operations.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Beardwell provided pink PPE appropriate to the nature of the building.

Groundbreaking and topping-out ceremonies were held with the client. Patients who had benefited from treatment in the past were invited to attend..

The project was partly funded by public donations. Fundraising events were held including abseiling down the adjacent high-rise maternity ward building. We made a friend with a local 16-year-old patient and his mum and support visits were organised. Our team played a small part in his recovery.

What Did The Job Involve?

This project at Ipswich Hospital involved the refurbishment of two wards to create a new surgical assessment unit. This quickly translated into an emergency ward for patients suffering with covid and severe flu. The deadline of being open before Christmas was paramount.

The work included the strip out and refurbishment of the first floor area including provision of new walls, new services, bedhead equipment and facilities, new nurse stations and associated WC’s and showers. Access to the first floor was gained through an enlarged first floor window thereby avoiding moving personnel and materials through the live hospital.

In addition, the trust decided to add into the project new AHU’s for the whole wing. These were to be located within a central courtyard. This was a pilot project for the trust and involved the erection of a new steel frame on concrete pad foundations. The testing and commissioning phase presented a challenge especially as all services were connected to the existing systems.

What Were The Challenges?

The major challenge was of access. Our only means to the wards was through a first-floor window. Scaffolding was erected and this entrance used thereby avoiding disruption or contact with the general work of the hospital. Access to the courtyard was via and internal door with all materials being lifted over using a 300T mobile crane. Other challenges included the connection of above-ground drainage through to the ward below. The programme was intense not least because of the additional work that was required in the form of the new AHU and replacement of windows to the ward. Working through a window meant that this area needed to be completed last. Another challenge was the replacement of the windows which due to the timing of the instruction had to be incorporated late in the programme. These were fitted from the outside and the reveals made good after.

The work being located on the first floor involved working near and adjacent to existing wards. This meant that noisy working had to be measured and controlled and full dust suppression engaged at all times.

The AHU and steel frame required the use of a 300T mobile crane. The location of this and the bearing capacity of the ground had to be very carefully assessed. Wind speeds were monitored and downtime was encountered. The time was made up without detriment to the completion of this element.

Beardwell’s Added Value

We worked closely with the client’s project management/FM staff and consultant team of Castons, KLH,Sweco and JSH to ensure that the work could be managed safely, the additional work incorporated and the deadline achieved.

What Did The Job Involve?

This was a design and build project secured under the ECF2 framework. The brief was to provide a four-classroom stand-alone teaching block with ancillary accommodation. The stipulation was that the building should be Net Zero in operation with a maximum annual space heating demand of 15kWh/m2.yr and a total energy consumption of no greater than 65kWh/m2.yr. This required the building to be designed with very low air permeability and u-values in particular. The plant specified included highly efficient electric air source heat pumps. The roof was covered in PV panels to provide the offsetting necessary to achieve net zero.

We chose a construction form of timber SIPs panels to the walls and roof deck. The roof was covered with tapered insulation and felt roof coverings. The external walls and soffits were enclosed with an air barrier with taped joints and highly effective sealant.

The project also included a power upgrade to the whole school, SUDs drainage scheme and connection to existing services. A fire tender access route was also provided.

What Were The Challenges?

The project was assessed under permitted development and had to be designed so that this was not compromised. This was achieved through siting of the building and reducing external paved areas.

To achieve the high performance requirements the siting and form of the building were carefully considered. Modelling had to take into account 2050 weather files and various scenarios were tested.

The project was constructed within a live school environment and care had to be taken not to disrupt school life. This was achieved through careful planning and daily liaison with the school.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Value engineering was undertaken during the initial design phase to meet the client’s budget.

Various activities were undertaken with school pupils and CCS principles adopted on the scheme.

What Did The Job Involve?

This project was in two phases. Firstly the mezzanine floor meeting area including refreshment zone was refurbished. Secondly, a new bar area was created on the 5th Floor with stunning views over the London skyline. The conference room, staff kitchen, breakout and outdoor seating areas were also created in the same area.

The work itself comprised soft-strip and some minor alterations including new steelwork to the 5th floor. The finishes to the meeting rooms on the mezzanine were completely renewed with new victorian style internal glazed partitions. A media wall was constructed in each area with feature lighting being installed and new furniture.

Services were altered and renewed to suit the new layouts. MVHR and air conditioning were provided with supply and extract ventilation above a feature MF ceiling to the 5th floor. A new semi-circular bar with fixtures and fittings was installed in place with shelving and furniture units to the rear. The flooring to the bar area was precisely set out to ensure that the bar feature shape could be preserved.

What Were The Challenges?

Working in a live operational environment required not only the erection of physical barriers in the form of specially constructed acoustic and dust proof screens but also close liaison with Red Bull staff. Conferences and training events were accommodated by altering working patterns.
Restricted access meant deliveries had to be carefully scheduled.. Storage on site was limited and so materials had to arrive just in time or be moved constantly so work could progress.

As with many high-class fit-out projects design changes had to be accommodated during the works and this required the complete co-operation of our supply chain and our operatives on site.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Client specialists for AV and Sound Systems accommodated towards the end of the project without impact.

We brought forward a section of work into phase 1 to allow for a client conference.

What Did The Job Involve?

The complete refurbishment of the Grade II listed Garrod Building in Whitechapel. Formerly housing the library of the Royal London Hospital, it is now a teaching space with an extensive collection of medical school research material. It also houses the Royal London Hospital Museum including the skeleton of John Merrick, the Elephant Man. The project involved the complete internal refurbishment of the building including the creation of new spaces for the student union in the form of offices, a cafe, a bar, a function room and gym. Teaching areas including the Milton and Ex Anatomy lecture theatres were refurbished.

New air handling units were lifted onto the roof and new heating and ventilation were provided to most spaces. The electricity supply had to be upgraded to cope with the additional demand caused by the new mechanical plant and commercial kitchen.

Over 150 doors were replaced many of which were in existing thick masonry walls. All ceilings were largely replaced and all areas were decorated. The flooring was replaced with a mixture of Milliken carpet and Amtico. The old library was restored to its former art deco glory with restoration work required to damaged plaster mouldings and the chandeliers.

What Were The Challenges?

There were many challenges to overcome most of which were associated with working an old building. Asbestos was required to be removed, damp eradicated and damaged drains cleared and renewed.

The site was land locked and agreement was reached with the NHS to lift from their neighbouring land. Deliveries had to be managed to avoid blocking local roads and with no external storage available all materials and plant had to be manoeuvred by hand on to site.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Added value was provided through budgeting, programming and through working with numerous client contractors and stakeholders. Extensive out of hours working enabled teaching areas to be handed over in time for the new term.

What Did The Job Involve?

This project involved two phases of work. The new 3-storey teaching block, which was a steel frame construction on concrete piled foundations with ground beams, a precast concrete ground floor and upper floors. A mixture of brickwork and trespa cladding formed the envelope on SFS framing. Internally the building provided classrooms, dance studio, 6th form study area, meeting rooms, a large and associated stores and wc’s on each floor. Within the existing school general teaching spaces were turned into science rooms. This was completed over a summer holiday. The second phase involved the demolition of tow large concrete framed blocks and the remodelling of external areas with a mixture of hard and soft landscaping. The school was in occupation throughout except where the pandemic disrupted both school and construction.

What Were The Challenges?

One of the main challenges was the shared access. This had to be managed with the school by clear communication. The school is located within a residential area and the road leading to the school gates was particular tight. Manoeuvring piling rigs and large machinery proved a challenge but passed without incident. Also a Southern Water main sewer passed beneath the footprint of the building. At the time of commencement the formal agreement had not been concluded by the client and so this had to be maintained during the construction work and later diverted.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Ground breaking and topping out ceremonies were held on site involving the school. We also engineered and led a project to paint a school building using a select group of students. The project involved planning, procurement and production and served as an introduction to workflow planning. Regular liaison meetings were held with local residents. Ecology measures were introduced and donations of materials made within the school. Community wood recycling was also used where surplus timber was recycled within the community. We also assisted with the formation of a sanctuary garden comprising a small garden area.

What Did The Job Involve?

The project involved the fit-out of shell and core ground floor space of a multi-storey residential development, into a Medical Centre in the heart of Haringey. The fit-out scope included: Internal partitions, doors, suspended and MF Ceilings, structural steelwork, floor finishes, reception area and desk, mechanical and electrical installations, NHS Data Systems, Infection control, Minor Surgery Treatment Rooms, Fixtures and Fittings, Fixed Furniture, Medical FF&E

What Were The Challenges?

The project was a full footprint development. The site was constrained by a footpath to 2 sides, a residential development to the rear and LuL exclusion zone to the other side of the building. This meant that there was no space for any site accommodation and welfare. Being a city centre site, the access to the building was particularly challenging. The only access to and from the site was via the patient entrance doors and a secondary doctor’s entrance. There was a no loading zone to the footpath and the road had a bus lane between 7am and 10:30am. This meant that all deliveries had to be carefully scheduled and the foot path had to remain open at all times. The delivery loads had to be sized in a way that they could be unloaded and distributed into the building. An additional challenge that was encountered on this project was the incorporation of the base builders needed to insulate the first-floor slab soffit. The programme and sequence of works had to change to allow for this works to be undertaken at the same time as the floor to ceiling partitions and the high-level Mechanical and Electrical 1st fix was being installed. The management of the programme and on-site coordination had to be adaptable to allow for the third party works to be carried out in conjunction with the project contractors. All parties had equal access and the amount of disruption to the fit out works kept to a minimum, whilst not effecting the completion of the residential units above.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Throughout the project we supported the local community. A community display board was erected within the on-site welfare. This board highlighted local businesses, charities and health & wellbeing services. we feel that it is important to encourage the local business, as this benefits the local economy, as well as helping to protect the local environment.

What Did The Job Involve?

As the incumbent contractor operating under QMUL’s MTC, we were initially asked to remodel parts of the 3rd floor before being commissioned to fit out new laboratories and refurbish the central corridor and ancillary rooms.

The works involved the transformation of offices into laboratories and the refurbishment and upgrade of remaining areas.This required the provision of new MEP installations throughout including new gas, mechanical ventilation and heating together with water and electrical supplies serving laboratory and ‘write up areas’.

A new fire alarm was installed along with over 300 new data cables linking the floor to both NHS and University servers. New finishes were provided to ceilings, walls and floors plus the whole of the area was redecorated. Finally, laboratory furniture including fume cupboards were installed.

What Were The Challenges?

The greatest challenge to the construction team was to ensure little or no disruption was caused by our operations to the Science Centre and that it remained fully operational throughout the construction process. Individual rooms were released on a progressive basis meaning that workflow was fragmented. This presented challenges in terms of logistics, particularly regarding access to working areas and storage of materials. Being a ‘live area’, noise and dust had to be strictly controlled.

The working day was divided into night and day shifts, with the former allowing us an opportunity to enter occupied rooms to upgrade air conditioning and fire detection systems. This thereby avoided disruption to the day to day activities of the University.

Detailed risk assessments were undertaken in collaboration with the University and BCL staff. These recognised the special conditions of working in a live research environment, setting standards and protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the building’s occupants and our own operatives.

Material storage areas were limited and deliveries therefore required careful planning. To avoid disruption, materials and components were brought into the building either early in the morning or after hours .

Beardwell’s Added Value

In order to manage the interface with Research Staff and Students we held a weekly meeting with the client to report on progress and to outline activities planned for the forthcoming period.

Extensive validation surveys were undertaken to establish the integrity of the existing services and to determine their suitability for the proposed upgrade.

What Did The Job Involve?

This project involved the refurbishment of the iconic Albert Sloman Library at the University of Essex and fire compartment improvement works on the upper levels of the building. It is situated in the heart of the campus. Created by architect Kenneth Capon in the 1960’s and described as ‘Brutalist’, its architecture was designed to link social and educational space and to encourage a sense of community. 

Located on the ground floor podium level, the library underwent a significant upgrade including a new entrance and draft lobby, large reception desks, entrance barriers and offices.

The existing heating system was replaced with a modern efficient system and the lighting was upgraded significantly improving luminance levels throughout the space.

New fire-rated glass partitions were erected on the second, third, fourth and fifth floors as part of the building’s improved fire strategy. New flooring and sympathetic redecoration of the library provided the finishing touches giving the University a new modern working environment.

What Were The Challenges?

The building was located within the middle of the campus which provided a challenge to the arrangement of deliveries. This required significant forward planning.

Services to the building had to be maintained throughout the works to avoid disruption to other areas of the building.

The existing full storey-height windows had to be removed and replaced without compromising security or causing extensive damage. The windows and finishes were designed to co-ordinate with the existing fair-faced concrete structure.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Daily liaison and planning with university staff ensured minimal disruption to the building users. Local labour and sub-contractors were used throughout the project.

What Did The Job Involve?

The works required the refurbishment of 96 nr bedrooms including the installation of vanity units with basins plumbed to existing supplies. Splashbacks over the units were formed using Whiterock. New bedroom furniture was installed.

Existing floor finishes were reconfigured whilst new vinyl flooring was provided around basins and to shared bathrooms. Each room was completely redecorated. In addition to the bedroom upgrades, communal areas including entrance areas, stairs and corridors were upgraded with new lighting floor finishes and redecoration. All external doors were replaced with new composite doorsets. Timber external decking was replaced with new paving.

What Were The Challenges?

Located within a live university, the Ifor Evans building is located in an enclosed courtyard. Access could only be obtained from the busy Mile End Road. As such all materials had to be delivered and moved by hand. Goods were delivered and held in a secure compound and loaded out via public walkways. This required advanced planning and strict site controls.

Beardwell’s Added Value

The completion date was a key requirement as the accommodation was required for the new university year. As works progressed it became apparent that additional unforeseen works were necessary including the renewal of the main fire alarm. Extended hours were worked by all trades to ensure the completion date was not compromised.

What Did The Job Involve?

For many years the School had an ambition to construct much needed indoor sports facilities and this was finally realised when funding was obtained. Designed by Ingleton Wood, we were awarded the project following a traditional tender route and collaborative VE exercise.

Known as the Vink Centre, after a former long-standing Governor of the school, the new building comprises a sports hall and associated stores and changing facilities, PE office and dance studio/multipurpose area situated on the first floor. The project also included the construction of a small MUGA to compensate for external hard play being lost. New service upgrades were provided to the site.

The building was a steel frame with brick, render and thermawood cladding. An excellent relationship with the school was enjoyed throughout.

What Were The Challenges?

Located to the rear of the school, the school’s main entrance had to be maintained throughout the day. Deliveries were scheduled to avoid busy times, and sensitive works such as service connections were completed out of hours. Access to the school playing fields and car park had to be maintained throughout the project and this included drop and collection at each end of the school day.

The Sports Hall roof required the erection of curved steel beams which were spliced on site due to their length. Curved steel roof panels were formed on site. This required additional space being created within the compound for the rolling machinery.

Beardwell’s Added Value

In association with teaching staff, we completed a number of curriculum-related exercises looking at design and construction technologies.

We hosted a sixth-form student for a period of work experience and were so impressed with Phoebe, that we invited her to complete a paid project for us on another contract during her summer holiday.

Site visits by pupils were entertained throughout the project.

What Did The Job Involve?

The project for the University of London comprised the complete renovation of 24 number individual self contained 2 to 4 bedroom flats including communal areas and external works. Works included: New firefighting facilities and an extensive new ventilation strategy to communal areas; Extensive renovation and reglazing of all timber sash windows;  External brickwork repointing and replacement of individual damaged bricks; Upgrade of existing power and gas services and damp proofing works to isolated areas.

What Were The Challenges?

Beardwell’s Added Value

What Did The Job Involve?

This was a design and build secured on the Essex Construction Framework. Kingswode Hoe is a special school in Colchester. The brief was for the provision of a new teaching block incorporating new FT, Music and DT rooms and 2 no. general classrooms and the refurbishment of classrooms and a WC within the school. Design was managed by Beardwell and commenced at Stage 1. This included the completion of all surveys, building control approval, achievement of planning permission and scheduled monument consent.

The constraints of the site included avoiding undue disturbance to the ground, ensuring that external treatment was sympathetic to the existing buildings and avoiding encroachment onto the existing playing fields.

The 600 m2 building comprises a 40 T steel frame supported on traditional deep strip footings, with concrete ground and upper floor supported on a steel deck. The external walls are predominantly brick/block cavity walls. A platform lift provides disabled access to the first floor.

The project was delivered on time and budget.

What Were The Challenges?

Construction required working alongside archaeologists from CAT. This was managed smoothly with the ‘finds’ including roman coins being shown to the pupils.

The project was located on a tight occupied school in a residential area. Access to the site was only possible through the existing school carpark and so to avoid significant disruption we provided a temporary car parking area to the rear of site which was used by the School. The shared access had to be managed throughout the school day.

Being a live special school at both primary and secondary level there were a lot of inquisitive pupils. A secure boundary was formed and strict access arrangements applied.

The electrical power to site had to be upgraded without disrupting ongoing operations.

Beardwell’s Added Value

A temporary car park was provided to limit disruption. We also refurbished the Forest School shed without charge and organised site visits for pupils at various stages. This allowed the school to incorporate aspects of the project into the curriculum, including history and design technology.

The school had never had a ‘prom’ and following discussion, we raised in excess of £2,000 to help fund this event.

In addition, we volunteered staff to help at the summer fete where we facilitated various events including being soaked in the ‘stocks’.

What Did The Job Involve?

What Were The Challenges?

Beardwell’s Added Value

What Did The Job Involve?

The works included alterations and refurbishment of the existing Atrium (West Building), associated external works, and a new plant room extension. The external fabric of the building was given a makeover completely transforming it from the 60’s style to a modern teaching facility. This included replacing the windows, doors, curtain walling, over-cladding the existing brick façade to improve thermal performance, and extending the existing brise soleil.

Internally the existing atrium was given a makeover with improved lighting, comfort cooling and a new passenger lift serving the three floor levels. Existing rooms over three storeys were reconfigured to provide modern new teaching facilities now housing state of the art equipment including a 3D radiotherapy device, design hubs, and a 120-seater lecture theatre all surrounding an impressive café and social space.

What Were The Challenges?

Beardwell’s Added Value

What Did The Job Involve?

What Were The Challenges?

Beardwell’s Added Value

What Did The Job Involve?

Located at the Scout Association World HQ at Gilwell Park, the Gilwell Farmhouse was originally constructed some 500 years ago using a simple timber frame construction. The building had laid derelict for a number of years and the project involved the complete restoration of this Grade II listed property to enable it to be used as a function venue.

Using our own experienced carpenters significant temporary supports had to be installed to allow the structural repairs to be undertaken without the whole collapse of the building. This involved cutting out rotten timber and replacing key main supports and studwork with new.

The roof was completely renovated and retiled using reclaimed roof tiles. Externally the weatherboarding was replaced and significant brickwork repairs undertaken. Internally the property was restored using traditional construction methods including relaying of the brick floor.

What Were The Challenges?

The main challenge involved the design of temporary works. The extent of repair works could only be determined once the external boarding and roof coverings were removed. Our carpenters, who are experienced in renovations of this nature, were able to work with the Engineer to determine a method of temporary support. This required working in sections. The control of the budget was also a key concern and regular financial appraisals were undertaken with the Client’s QS to avoid an overspend.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Located on the existing Scout campus, work was planned to avoid disruption to ongoing operations. Communication was undertaken with park staff on a daily basis. Our carpenters provided specialist advice and sample work. This enabled solutions to be achieved that met both the budget and Heritage Officer approval.

What Did The Job Involve?

What Were The Challenges?

Beardwell’s Added Value

What Did The Job Involve?

What Were The Challenges?

Beardwell’s Added Value

What Did The Job Involve?

This project involved the refurbishment of Laindon Ward, the construction of a new link and a New Build Two Storey ‘Frailty’ Ward in the centre of Basildon Hospital.

The new buildings were comprised piled foundations, structural steel frame, trespa and timber cladding and a coloured render.

The new Fraility Ward will be used to treat elderly adult patients. On the ground floor there are 10 bed spaces, along with office accommodation, reception and a therapy area.

What Were The Challenges?

Following commencement of the project the design of the new build element of the project was entirely revised. Numerous changes were incorporated including revisions to foundations, the steel frame and consequently mechanical and electrical designs.

Due to the location of the building within the hospital grounds access was extremely difficult with only a narrow entrance to the working area.

The majority of the work was undertaken adjacent to live wards meaning careful planning and programming were required.

Beardwell’s Added Value

We worked with the project team to initiate changes that would aid the project programme and cost.

Local labour and sub-contractors were used throughout the project.

Two apprentices were used on the project.

What Did The Job Involve?

The structure of the building underwent a complete overhaul. Both roofs were completely renewed with bespoke timber scissor trusses and finished with new welsh slate; the stonework and tracery were lovingly refurbished or replaced and the existing bell tower was completely rebuilt to the same exacting detail.

The installation of photovoltaic cells, an air source heat pump, rainwater harvester, zoned regulated ventilation, a bio tank, high frequency and LED lighting, triple glazed curtain walling and a BMS monitoring system brings the building into the 21st Century with the building achieving an energy efficiency ‘A’ rating and annual energy costs not exceeding £200.

Let on a 20-year lease local school children and charity organisations regularly use the facility. The North Wing provides a meeting/training room and the South Wing having had ‘state of the art’ computer technology installed provides a modern office facility with interactive presentation boards. The Project was recognised for its success at both local and national level.

What Were The Challenges?

Working on a listed former ecclesiastical building in the centre of Southend presented unique challenges and required daily liaison with heritage officers to ensure the works were completed to their exacting standards.

Working within the confines of a century old cemetery required careful advanced planning to ensure works were undertaken with care and respect.

Our commercial team worked in a true partnering spirit with the client to manage the spend, bringing the project in on budget – a rare event for a project of this nature.

Restricted delivery timescales and a single limited shared access presented logistical challenges. There were no existing building records available which demanded a truly collaborative approach by all the stakeholders to ensure the building was reinstated aesthetically to its original design whilst sympathetically bringing it up to modern standards.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Local resident meetings kept neighbours well informed and were a key factor to ensuring the smooth running of the project. The project was considered a complete success named by the Client as a ‘Beacon Project’ and is now back in the hands of the local community.

Beyond our contractual commitment we provided additional maintenance works within the cemetery grounds including regular grass cutting, rubbish clearance and repairs.

What Did The Job Involve?

New Court is built in Tudor-Gothic style and this court is notable for the large tree in the centre with a myth sometimes being circulated that this was the tree from which the apple dropped onto Isaac Newton.

Work included minor remodelling and extensive refurbishment to provide accommodation for fellows. Work was completed in accordance with Trinity Works Department Specifications and included thermal insulation throughout, provided in an environmentally and economically advantageous manner.

In addition to new heating, lighting, power and data extensive repairs to plastered walls were undertaken along with new dry lining. Works to accommodate the services had to be mindful of the existing fabric where floorboards, lath & plaster finish and stone walls were encountered. Finishes included new flooring and a complete redecoration.

What Were The Challenges?

The challenges included working within a live university with students and the public in close proximity. In addition, the site location is in the centre of Cambridge where deliveries are restricted to certain times of the day. Noise and dust had to be strictly controlled. Moreover, the fact that the project required working within an historic environment involved a sensitive approach at all times.

Whilst our aim was to limit the number of floorboards that were required to be lifted to accomodate new electrical installation this proved impossible. Our carpenters were require to attend to these and ensure that there was no damage caused to either the boards, timber structures or ceilings below.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Production within a historic and sensitive building was a key consideration. Daily liaison was required with College staff. Regular meetings with designers and end-users was required.