Ifor Evans, Queen Mary University of London
This project is one of many that we have completed on our framework for Queen Mary University of London….
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Learn more about the broad variety of projects that we have completed in recent years.
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This project is one of many that we have completed on our framework for Queen Mary University of London….
Case study
Ifor Evans Building Refurbishment
Project value
£750k
Project type
Refurb
Project length
13 weeks
This project is one of many that we have completed on our framework for Queen Mary University of London. This contract comprised the refurbishment of student accommodation within the Ifor Evans Building over the university summer break.
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.
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The project for the University of London comprised the refurbishment of student accommodation at…
Case study
Handel Mansions Refurbishment
Project value
£2.3m
Project type
Refurb
Project length
44 weeks
The project for the University of London comprised the refurbishment of student accommodation at Handel Mansions.
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?
Located just off busy Kings Cross station main road – deliveries were challenging as was storage. During construction, as part of the revised fire strategy, new ventilation shafts were introduced. These required some extensive structural alterations in order to accommodate the required two large shafts with associated elements. One way ingress and egress required extensive forward planning of all deliveries by our onsite management team to ensure that main access routes were not blocked.
The project also required a complex scaffolding design to allow fire engine access to the back of the property in case of an emergency in addition to establishing and maintaining access to undertake the works. This proved to be a key challenge for our temporary works designers – however in collaboration with the Local Authority we met the standards required for scaffold on a public highway.
Beardwell’s Added Value
A certificate from the Considerate Constructors Scheme for performance beyond compliance for our site team was a great achievement. We had close liaison with a nearby nursery and site staff spent two days at the nursery repairing shelving and kitchen fittings. Foodbank storage on site with all donations given to the local church was a touching initiative prior to Christmas by our project team. Student placement from a school in Essex (Grays) gave young people on site experience. The students assisted our QS with tasks including measuring windows for new required blinds.
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The Atrium Building at The University of Suffolk was built in the 1960’s and…
Case study
STEM Innovation Centre Refurbishment
Project value
£3.4m
Project type
Refurb
Project length
30 weeks
The Atrium Building at The University of Suffolk was built in the 1960’s and required a full refurbishment and modernisation to provide a new innovation centre dedicated to STEM subjects.
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?
The date for practical completion was set in stone from the start, as the building was due to open for the start of the new academic year. As with any refurbishment project, there were some unforeseen challenges along the way, therefore Beardwell Construction had to collaborate closely with the client, Bond Bryan Architects, Castons, and the M&E Consultant, JSH to ensure that the programme was not affected. Beardwell Construction successfully completed the project on time, enabling the University to open the new facility as planned.
Beardwell’s Added Value
Whilst completing the works on site, Beardwell Construction organised several site tours for students of the University. We also carried out some access improvements to further help the client. Beardwell are also proud to have donated labour and materials to the nearby Eden Rose community project to help transform a piece of neglected woodland into a nature area for people with terminal illnesses.
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The Queens’ Building is a Grade II listed building. It originally opened in 1887 as an educational and cultural…
Case study
Project value
1.93 Million
Project type
Refurb
Project length
The Queens’ Building is a Grade II listed building. It originally opened in 1887 as an educational and cultural Venue for East London and now serves as one of the Main buildings on the QMUL Mile End Campus.
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.
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Trinity College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge in England. It is the largest college in…
Case study
Trinity College Refurbishment
Project value
£500k
Project type
Refurb
Project length
16 weeks
Trinity College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge in England. It is the largest college in either of the Oxbridge universities by number of undergraduates. The college was founded by Henry VIII in 1546. This project required the complete refurbishment of Blocks M&N within New Court.
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.