Portfolio
Case studies
Learn more about the broad variety of projects that we have completed in recent years.
Case study
Ipswich Hospital Breast Care Centre
Alterations, Refurbishment and Construction of New Link to Form Breast Care Centre
Project value
£3.4m
Project type
Refurbishment
Project length
36 weeks
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.
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ESNEFT Surgical Assessment Unit
Case study
SAU Ipswich Hospital
Alterations and Refurbishment to Form New SAU
Project value
£1.7m
Project type
Refurbishment
Project length
26 weeks
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.
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Green Lanes Medical Centre
Green Lanes Medical Centre, in the heart of Haringey. A full footprint development from a multi-storey carpark into a…
Case study
Green Lanes Medical Centre
Project value
£2,000,000
Project type
Fit Out
Project length
30 weeks
Green Lanes Medical Centre, in the heart of Haringey. A full footprint development from a multi-storey carpark into a Medical Centre
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.
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John Vane Science Centre
The John Vane Science Centre is located within the Charterhouse Square Campus, Queen Mary University of London. The Centre…
Case study
John Vane Science Centre
Queen Mary University of London
Project value
£1.2 million
Project type
Refurbishment
Project length
20wks
The John Vane Science Centre is located within the Charterhouse Square Campus, Queen Mary University of London. The Centre for Haemato-Oncology is embedded in Barts Cancer Institue and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, one of the UK’s top medical schools. They are a centre of excellence in state-of-the-art research and clinical translation, which brings together internationally-recognised scientists with top clinical academics.
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.
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ECC Vulnerable Housing
This project was commissioned by Essex County Council to house vulnerable adults in modern…
Case study
ECC Vulnerable Housing
Residential to Care Conversion
Project value
£2m
Project type
Mixed
Project length
36 weeks
This project was commissioned by Essex County Council to house vulnerable adults in modern residential accommodation in Braintree.
What Did The Job Involve?
Essex County Council purchased a Victorian property, which included an old stable block and a modern four-bedroom house and garage block in the grounds. The project involved converting the existing buildings into residential accommodation for adults. The existing stable block was demolished, and a new block constructed in its place. The existing garage was converted into carer’s accommodation.
Both main existing buildings required substantial structural alterations to make them suitable for occupation by vulnerable adults. Staircases were reconfigured and made wider and individual flats were created from the existing space providing bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms and living accommodation. Both buildings had small extensions.
What Were The Challenges?
Repair work was required, particularly to the Victorian building. The building had suffered from some water ingress and so extensive timber repair and plastering had to be undertaken. The bay windows were entirely rebuilt. The grounds were extensively landscaped included the provision of a new entrance, driveway, ramps, fencing and parking.
All carpentry and brickwork repair works were undertaken by our own tradesmen. This allowed more flexibility and therefore avoided significant delays.
The flats benefit from anti-ligature fittings, reversible doors and specialist kitchen and bathroom units and fittings. A call system is in place along with extensive security throughout the premises.
Beardwell’s Added Value
As the site was located in a residential area, Beardwell had to be considerate about noise. We also carried out some fencing works for one of the neighbours to help resident liaison. Once completed, Beardwell provided familiarisation visits for residents and their families.
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Kennedy Way Renal Unit
A former training centre had stood vacant for several years. After being extended, altered and refurbished, it’s now a…
Case study
Kennedy Way Renal Unit
North East Essex PCT
Project value
£800,000
Project type
Fit out
Project length
18 weeks
A former training centre had stood vacant for several years. After being extended, altered and refurbished, it’s now a modern new renal facility serving the local community in Clacton on Sea. With an 11 station unit, a capacity to treat up to 66 patients, consulting rooms and a treatment area, it means that local patients no longer have to travel to Colchester Hospital.
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.
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Basildon Hospital Winter Ward
Basildon Hospital, like many others, suffers a major spike in admissions during the winter period. This project was conceived…
Case study
Basildon Hospital Winter Ward
Basildon and Thurrock NHS Trust
Project value
£1.5m
Project type
New build
Project length
64 weeks
Basildon Hospital, like many others, suffers a major spike in admissions during the winter period. This project was conceived to alleviate some of the demand for beds at this critical time. The majority of these admissions are elderly people and thus the project was known as the Fraility Ward.
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.