Case studies

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.