Case studies

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 complete refurbishment of the University’s main library together with fire compartment improvement works on the upper levels of the building.

Located on the ground floor podium level, the library underwent a significant upgrade which included the provision of a new entrance and draft lobb, large reception desks, new 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.

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?

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?

The project involved the refurbishment of meeting rooms on the first floor of the Civic Centre.

The rooms were completely stripped back to bare brickwork, to receive new dry lining finish. New electrical and AV services were installed. The new ceilings were layered to provide a variable lighting effect depending upon the meeting being held.

The rooms are used for meetings for councillors. The refurbishment provides all modern technologies but retains all the charm and atmosphere of this unique building.

What Were The Challenges?

Access to the rooms was via an external scaffold staircase and loading platform sited in the Mayor’s parking space.

Deliveries had to be programmed to avoid busy or sensitive times. Noisy work had to be avoided at key times.

A lack of detailed information relating to existing services meant that time had to be spent tracing and validating the existing systems.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Our apprentices and direct labour from the local area were involved in this project.

Due to the location of the refurbishments all noisy works undertaken were discussed with the Client and programmed accordingly.

Value engineering was required to be undertaken during the works to ensure that the budget for the work was not exceeded.

What Did The Job Involve?

The project involved the remodelling and refurbishment of the main building. Before commencing works, asbestos was removed. We then commenced an extensive strip out and demolition of internal walls. New walls were formed to create a new toilets, kitchen and store areas. Services throughout the building were renewed including a new boiler and water heaters, heating and ventilation and power, data, fire and security alarms.

A new main entrance canopy was created. The toilet and kitchen areas were completely fitted out with new facilities, ceilings and finishes. The mezzanine floor balcony and staircase were provided with a new modern glass balustrade. The main hall received a new ceiling with ‘integral smart lighting’. All areas were completely redecorated and new flooring installed throughout with electric blinds being fitted to the large hall windows.

What Were The Challenges?

Whilst the area benefitted from a large carpark area access to the building was limited to single doors. Access equipment and deliveries had to be negotiated through these small openings.

The project required a tight deadline over a summer period, as the facility had prearranged bookings including those for a private nursery. Despite the addition of asbestos removal at commencement, the project was delivered on time.

The existing main hall floor was a composite product that was not as expected. Rather than laying a new floating floor a levelling screed was utilised saving time and money.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Whilst on site we completed additional minor works for the Council free of charge.

We undertook design liaison with the Parish Clerk to ensure that the layout of kitchens and toilets met with their expectations.

The budget was, of course, fixed and the Parish Council did not have access to further funds. VE was undertaken during the works to ensure that the budget was not exceeded.

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 for the NHS at Clacton Hospital required the conversion of an existing administration building into a new renal unit. Although the structure of the building was sound, it needed a significant upgrade to meet current stringent building regulations – especially Part L (conservation of fuel and power).

To achieve this, we removed the existing roof covering and replaced it with a new composite insulated panels. This required the adaption of the steel frame to suit the new panel sizes. Existing doors and windows were replaced with new double-glazed units. Cavity walls were injected with cavity insulation, and the existing floor was overlaid with insulation and new timber.

The drainage system below ground needed to be extensively reconfigured. New drain runs were bored below the existing raft slab to limit any damage to the structure or integrity of the existing slab. The existing heating system was removed and replaced with a new air conditioning system. This provided heating, cooling and new hot and cold-water services installed for later connection to the renal appliances.

We also put in a complete new electrical installation including new power, lighting, voice, data, security, access control and fire alarm systems. The facility is finished internally to a high standard including with new hardwood joinery, veneer faced doors, new suspended ceilings, vinyl floors and professional decoration.

What Were The Challenges?

The main challenge was working within an existing building on a live healthcare site. This involved careful liaison with hospital staff. It was only after the strip out phase that the extent of the existing structure could be ascertained. A quick response was required from our steelwork sub-contractor to ensure that the project was not delayed.

The timeframe for the project was tight and careful programme management had to be applied.

Beardwell’s Added Value

An extensive VE exercise was completed during the project and by working closely with the design team the project was delivered within budget.

We employed our own team of direct operatives including apprentices which helped ensure that the project completed on time.

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?

This project involved the conversion of an existing office block into a uniform store for Transport for London.

Located in Islington, the project comprised both structural and fabric alterations. New Male and Female WC facilities were provided over three-storeys. Previous office areas were re-modelled so as to accommodate large storage racking, office areas, a tea room and changing rooms. A new lift shaft and lift were installed.

Power, data, fire and security alarms were all reconfigured and upgraded. New doors were fitted and areas were finished with new flooring and decorations throughout.

The project enjoyed excellent customer feedback ratings and was completed on time and to budget.

What Were The Challenges?

A strict deadline for the completion date and compliance within budget were key objectives. These were achieved through careful planning.

The 8-week programme presented a challenge especially as all risk and method statements had to be submitted/approved by TFL 2-weeks prior to the commencement of any operations. Our SHEQ Manager assisted the site team to ensure that these were completed in good time.

The building remained live throughout with occupants in other areas of the building. This required a highly sensitive approach which was achieved to exceptionally high standards by using dust mats, acoustic blankets for the cutting zone, dust suppression and extraction units. Heavy works were also programmed at specific times so to cause minimal disruption.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Daily liaison was required to ensure that the FM team were aware of planned operations.

Users of the building and neighbours were kept appraised of the works via newsletters and extensive signage.

Additional repair works were undertaken at speed to avoid delays to the contract period.

What Did The Job Involve?

As construction Partner to Queen Mary University, these works were procured under our measured term contract arrangements.

The Scope of Works included the proposed Refurbishment of the Queens Building Second Floor and its central courtyard, to provide a student services hub, a number of Seminar and study rooms; IT Suites, Student Common Rooms and increased WC’s at ground, first and second floors, plus improvements to accessibility to the North-Western entrance at Ground floor level.

What Were The Challenges?

The works were to the 2nd floor. All works were off an escape route corridor which is an essential fire access/escape route. The refurbishment works were phased across several areas to the 2nd floor. Phasing of the works were carefully planned to ensure teaching areas could continue with minimal disruption. Access had to be always maintained.
To help minimise construction traffic through the shared corridor routes an external scaffold was erected on the external façade providing personnel access into the site and a loading bay with goods hoist for the removal of demolition arisings and loading out of new materials and goods.
Due to the Grade II status no fixings were permitted into the existing façade, requiring a fully designed buttress scaffold.

Beardwell’s Added Value

Additional phases were added to the project as it evolved resulting in the original scope increasing two-fold. Beardwell’s project delivery team worked collaboratively in a true partnering spirit with QMUL’s team and their consultants managing the additional works with minimal disruption to the building users.

What Did The Job Involve?

Woolverstone Hall comprises a central block with flanking wings connected by colonnades. Built of Woolpit brick, with Coade stone ornamentation, the building still contains the original Adam style fireplaces and ceilings decorated with gold leaf. The main staircase has a wrought-iron honeysuckle balustrade.

Several areas of the existing building, including the Orangery, were refurbished including repairs to walls, ceilings and balustrading. New flooring was provided with improvements to provide better acoustic performance.

A new dining hall extension was constructed using a mixture of traditional and new materials which were symapthetic to the main building. Extensive glazing provides a light and modern facility. Internal refurbishment works were carried during the school holiday periods. The exist-ing kitchen layout was remodelled to suit the new facility and a new commercial kitchen installed.

What Were The Challenges?

The building is Grade I listed and therefore the biggest challenge was to ensure that the specification and methods of working were agreed in advance with the local conservation officer without delaying the project. We then had to ensure that traditional materials and craftsmanship were used to match the existing fabric of the building.

During construction of the new dining hall, a previoulsy unknown 18th century deep water cistern was discovered. This required alterations to substructure works to ensure that the feature was preserved.

The new dining hall was located in a narrow courtyard and access was only possible through an ornamental arched gateway. This imposed restrictions upon the size of vehicles and plant.

Working in a live school meant that noise producing work had to be limited to ‘out of school hours’.

Beardwell’s Added Value

The existing facility was a girls school and care had to be taken not to disrupt teaching or ongoing operations including weekend and holiday activities. This required regular liaison with on-site FM staff.

Pupil visits were entertained throughout the works.

Additional repairs and maintenance were undertaken for the school.

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?

The work involved the complete strip out of the existing library area, some structural alterations, repairs to the structure including plastering of existing walls and soffits, the creation of new walls and glazed partitions, formation of bulkheads and extensive acoustic treatment throughout.

New electrical services and air treatment and ventilation were installed to create a modern comfortable space.

The mezzanine floor received new glazed balustrading and handrails. New Amtico ‘parquet’ flooring was installed to the whole area. The library was decorated and furniture installed including a new reception desk and small coffee point.

What Were The Challenges?

The project had to be completed within a very short timescale over the summer vacation.

Challenges included an ever-changing design which required a flexible approach to construction. The extent of plastering required to be undertaken meant that drying time had to be factored within a fast track programme. Also, the existing services and fabric brought up numerous challenges during the work, all of which had to be oversome without delay.

High level works necessitated the use of scaffolding and towers which created severe restrictions to the working areas below.

Funded by private donations the budget was fixed and required strict control. Our QS worked closely with the Client team to ensure that this was not compromised.

Beardwell’s Added Value

The project was delivered on time and to budget. This would not have been possible without an excellent working relationship with the School and their maintenance team who assisted with final connections and thereby ensured a smooth handover.

What Did The Job Involve?

The project at Herts & Essex High School involved the construction a new 1900m2 sports centre. This comprises a multi-use sports hall, reception, lobby, gym, changing rooms, offices, toilets and the largest judo dojo outside of Japan. A central double height reception area is located to the front of the building. The club area includes a bar and kitchen with views overlooking the sports pitches.

The main building was constructed using traditional foundations and a steel frame. Cladding for the building is a mixture of fair faced blockwork and cladding panels. A mixture of aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling were integrated into the facade. Internally changing rooms and WCs were fitted out and showers provided. Extensive drainage works were required including vast flood compensation swales. New gas and water services were brought into the site along with a new electrical substation and associated supplies.

What Were The Challenges?

The biggest challenge with delivering this project was the location of the site, which was in the middle of a green field area with no existing services. In addition a primary gas main was discovered crossing the main entrance. Permissions were required to bridge this for a temporary access before the supply had to be lowered to accommodate the new entrance. 

Connecting to the main sewer was an issue and involved tunnelling under the main road. At the same time as our project, the school had commissioned a specialist subcontract to construct some tennis courts and all-weather sports pitches. This meant that we had to coordinate our work with them, allowing them access through our site.

Beardwell’s Added Value

At the start of the project, Beardwell held a ground-breaking ceremony, involving staff and pupils and during the contract supported numerous school visits.

We carried out some minor works around the site, free of charge.

Beardwell also participated in the school’s careers day.

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.