Restoring the past into the present

Project Description and Scope

The renovation of three ancillary buildings – a former pig shed, this old concrete portal frame building was given a second lease of life by constructing an independent timber framed building inside the superstructure to transform it into a new entertainment space with a bar, commercial kitchen, gun room, two guest bedrooms (both with en suite) and a gym. The old barn became two guest apartments and the old dilapidated stables into an annex dwelling.

Background

Originally acting as Project Managers and Cost Consultants for Phase 1 & 2, the client became aware of our Construction Management experience elsewhere and made an approach to us to complete Phase 3 under this form of contract – an ideal solution.  It enabled us to start site works immediately, flexible to engage many of the same sub-contractors and allowed design input from the client.

A collaborative approach

The technical layout was delivered architecturally, however the client led the interior design. To meet the construction programme, regular client communication was critical to ensure provision was made for the final fixtures and fittings. Many joinery items were constructed on site from client images or rough sketches – a pure craftsman’s joy interpreting the clients ideas and turning them into a reality – even the oak doors were made from salvaged floorboards from Phase 1.

Sensitive issues

All three outbuildings sit within the curtilage of Morley Old Hall, a property of repute and major historical importance. The main house was designed by Sir Jonathan Sedley (architect to both Henry VII and Henry VIII) and is Grade 1 listed. Phase 3 had to comply with the same strict conservation guidelines. Sensitively renovated, many natural materials were used and tradition construction techniques employed, such as wool insulation and clay lump wall restoration to convert these buildings into habitable spaces.

Contract Value: £750,000
Form of Contract: JCT Construction Management 2016  
Appointment: 2019
Duration: 40 weeks
Client: Name Withheld