MARKET SECTORS - COMMERCIAL

Client: RO Developments Ltd   Architect: PSK Architecture Contract Administrator: Academy Consulting Solutions Duration: 30 weeks Value: £1.3 million

Faircloth has transformed an ex-Thames Water building into state-of-the-art, contemporary office accommodation in less than 28 weeks - despite the winter weather.

The once unsightly building is now a high-tech office block of a high quality finish, boasting a glass exterior and facade.

"We came up against a lot of travel difficulties due to the bad weather. It became almost impossible to get workers and materials on site," said Norman Kemp, of Academy Consulting Solutions.

"We still managed to finish despite the winter and the work was actually completed six weeks early."

Extensive mechanical and electrical works were required, which meant existing services were stripped out and replaced with more efficient services.

The new interior boasts high quality finishes including stainless steel, walnut panelling and quality ceramic floor and wall tiling.

In order to achieve a modern feel internally, priority was placed upon the reception area and toilet design proving the benefit of small design touches in transforming a building without having to incur significant cost.

The project's architect Matthew Fox, of PSK, explained the challenges of treating the appearance of the building from a typical 1980s office block without making significant, physical alterations.

"Although the scheme was progressed on a budget, Faircloth completed the brief to a very high standard of finish," he said.

"Interestingly, trying to adopt the BREEAM design into the project created many challenges and problems, in particular raising concerns and issues over thermal control. We deliberated over ways in which the brief could be achieved with budget considerations in mind.

Matthew added: "I am pleased to note that current indications suggest that the scheme should achieve a ‘very good' rating under BREEAM which has proven that older buildings can be brought up to modern environmental standards through careful design and consideration from an early stage in the project."

Since completing the project, Faircloth have been negotiating the second phase of the work.

Director Darren Faircloth said: "Apart from the weather, the project ran really smoothly and there were no other problems so we were easily able to keep within the timescale. Hopefully, the next phase will run just as efficiently as the last."