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Queen’s Ridge – new apartment building

QUEEN’S RIDGE – NEW APARTMENTS

Project Specification:
Sector: Design & Build
Client: Lioncross Gorse Lane LLP
Location: Godalming, Surrey
Project Value: £900k
Timescale: 60 weeks

Case Study

Opened in 1904, Godalming Fire Station was located in the centre of the borough in Queen Street. As with many historic town centre municipal buildings, their location, requirement or use changes over time. As Godalming town centre became more built up access to the fire station was challenging and, in 1980, it relocated to the main road.

The old building was used as an auction house for a number of years. The vacant property was then purchased in 2015 by property developers Lioncross Gorse Lane and Buildwise was awarded the contract to erect a three storey new building following the demolition of the disused fire station.

The site consisted of various buildings – the engine house, fireman’s recreation room, stores and offices. According to a press cutting “The engine house is built of red brick facings and is paved with Candy’s buff paneled bricks. The men’s room has a match boarded dado and a bench is fitted on one side and a lavatory basin in the corner. It is lighted throughout with electric light and gas is laid on for warming purposes.”

Local architects Plan A’s design has moved on from ‘a lavatory basin in the corner’. They wanted to reflect the architecture of the Victorian fire station in the new building, and this has been achieved with an industrial element to the design and the materials used. Design features include a large arched fenestration at first-floor level, and a heavy gauge sliding timber door to the ground floor cycle storage area. Elevations are red brick soldier courses with a roofline of slate grey to emulate the adjacent buildings.

Contemporary Design & Build House

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN & BUILD HOUSE

Project Specification:
Sector: Design & Build
Client: Private Client
Location: Surrey
Project Value: £2.5m
Timescale: 52 weeks

Case Study

The semi rural location was formerly the site of a large house which was demolished and replaced with an office building approximately 35 years ago.

Once the previous occupants had vacated the offices, the property had laid empty for many years. Planning permission was granted to a build two high-end houses following demolition of the office building.

The non-traditional new build had to be of the highest architectural merit to gain planning consent and a firm of London architects contemporary well thought-out design fitted the brief perfectly.

The building contained a large quantity of steelwork and structural panels, and with an abundance of floor to ceiling panoramic sliding doors and windows to enjoy the southerly aspect.

Designed and built to an exacting standard, utilizing the finest finishes and attention to detail. Buildwise’s professional team demonstrated their skill throughout the build with the design and installation of many bespoke features including oversized doors, and an atrium style entrance with a cantilevered staircase.

Scholars Court, Guildford

SCHOLARS COURT

Project Specification:
Sector: Design & Build
Client: Central Guildford Estates
& Stonehaven Group
Location: Guildford, Surrey
Project Value: £3.5m
Timescale: 58 weeks

Case Study

The site, located in a prominent position close to the centre of Guildford, was acquired by two property developers as a joint venture.

The four buildings consisted of three typical 1960s steel and concrete framed office buildings, and one Victorian part listed building.

All were set around a concreted inner courtyard used as access and for parking. Buildings surrounding the site are listed and of architectural and historical interest.

Buildwise have a strong portfolio demonstrating a wealth of experience with residential conversions such as this. We have the skill to tackle unforeseen issues with projects of this nature.

Buildwise’s professional team remodelled the interior space to create high quality residential apartments required of the desirable location.

Forest Green Farm, Surrey

FOREST GREEN FARM

Project Specification:
Sector: Design & Build
Client: Private Client
Location: Forest Green, Surrey
Project Value: £1.2m
Timescale: 52 weeks

Case Study

The site was part of a collection of Victorian cottages and former farm buildings in varying condition of repair. Some of the buildings had been converted about 23 years ago.

Although not listed, this was a prominent site within a conservation area. Visible from the road, the run-down state of the buildings was not in keeping with the attractive traditional village green setting.

The Design and Build project encompassed the remodelling and development of all the buildings to create 6 traditional ‘Surrey’ mews style dwellings around a central courtyard.

Set within mature landscaped grounds, the design mimicked a site which had evolved over the years with each generation adding buildings to suit their own particular requirements.

Holiday Inn, Shepperton

HOLIDAY INN

Project Specification:
Sector: Commercial
Client: Shepperton Marina Hotel Ltd
Location: Shepperton, Surrey
Project Value: £1.4m Phase One
£2.1m Phases Two & Three
Timescale: 14 weeks Phase One
9 & 14 weeks Phase Two & Three

Case Study

Buildwise were brought on board by owners Shepperton Marina Hotel Ltd and Coldunell Ltd to refurbish 73 bedroom suites and corridors. The hotel had to remain operational throughout the fast track refurbishment.

The project consisted of the stripping out of existing fixtures and fittings, installation of bespoke casegoods to the bedrooms and refitting of all of the bathrooms.

The new contemporary design required electrical alterations to accommodate LED halo illuminated bespoke TV units and LED dimmable upholstered headboards. Similar electrical alterations were required in the remodelled bathrooms for LED lighting to the bespoke vanity units.

We have also overhauled the gym facilities, including the remodelling of the changing rooms.

As a consequence of the successful completion of the first phase of works, Buildwise were delighted to be appointed to the second and third phases: 110 bedroom suites.