A greater awareness of climate change has led to an increased importance in renovating with sustainability in mind.
THE PROJECT
This major construction project involved the complete renovation of a Grade II listed Tudor farmhouse, set in a greenbelt conservation area in rural Hertfordshire, close to the border with Buckinghamshire.
It involved our overseeing a renovation to the main farmhouse as well as the demolition of an existing 20th century extension and the construction of a basement and a new two storey extension as a replacement.
THE CHALLENGE
The historic property sits within 6.5 acres of land and in addition to its listed status restrictions, posed further challenges with the preservation of archaeology and protected wildlife species on site.
Great care was needed to conserve and repair the listed features within the original Tudor house whilst remodelling and updating it for 21st century life. The new extension also incorporated a basement covering the entire floor plan and was to be built to be highly energy efficient – as well as being more sympathetic in style than the previous extension.
The project incorporated several green technologies. The heating system was updated and replaced to include a ground source heat pump with bore holes as well as a mechanical heat recovery ventilation.
THE SOLUTION
With specialist renovations of this nature it is very important to find and appoint the right build team, and to spend time getting the most accurate quotations. We first helped our clients by assessing the works to be done, preparing a Schedule of Works and determining the best way to approach the build phase.
We decided that the best result would be achieved if we involved several specialist contractors in addition to the main builder. We therefore prepared a number of different tender packs and tendered the works to a large number of different trades and installers. Once the returns were received we analysed the results and helped our clients select their build team and managed the appointment on their behalf.
We then acted as the project Contract Administrator as well as coordinating the specialist contractors.
THE RESULT
This was a very sensitive and complex project, but the project has been major success.
The property is now a light and airy home with excellent energy performance credentials.
CLPM Services used by our client:-
Procurement Advice, Tender Management and Analysis, Build Team Appointment and Contracts. Contract Administration role with main contractor with site inspection and coordination of 14 specialist providers including the client’s interior designer, Red Zebrano of London.
The secret to successful renovation of listed, period properties like this one is to balance the conservation of the historic features with maximising the energy performance of the building. Getting specialist is key.