Projects Heritage Residential

Deben Court, Wickham Market, Suffolk

As design and build contractors, Gipping successfully remodelled and refurbished the former Workhouse and associated Infirmary, to provide 24 affordable flats and eight flats for market rent. The Victorian Buildings restored to their former glory dated from 1837 and are a significant landmark in the area. External works included the demolition of existing garages and outbuildings and the formation of new car parking areas, ancillary hard and soft landscaping and drainage installations.

Sector: Heritage and Residential
Location: Wickham Market, Suffolk
Client: Flagship Housing Association
Architect: Nick Barber Architects
Structural Engineers: The Burwell Partnership
Commenced: July 2014
Completed: July 2015
Procurement Method: Single Stage Tender, Design & Build
Contract Value: £3,000,000

“Flagship were really pleased with how the project progressed over the 55 week programme. Gipping staff on site and in the office were always very professional, helpful and courteous. The finished product was of a high quality and exceeded the expectations of both Flagship staff and the new customers who moved in.”

Nicole Gaunt, Flagship Housing

Challenges and Constraints

Design and build contract to refurbish a large period building – a challenge with potential risks. We overcame much of this by extensive investigation and work during the tender period and by providing clear but comprehensive Contractors Proposals.

Part of the site remained live with residents in close proximity – access had to be maintained at all times. We provided a tenant liaison officer to ensure the residents and our Client were kept informed.

Fixed programme but with extensive heritage work – required very close management and close communication.

Construction Processes and Methods

Works comprised; complete re-roof, both pitched and flat roofs with multiple dormer re-construction in matching brickwork and stonework. Large areas of re-pointing in lime mortar, replacement of all windows and doors, complete re-ordering of layout (multiple stair and partition reconstruction), large areas of replacement upper floors, complete replacement of suspended ground floor, relining external walls, new insultation was provided to the complete envelope to improve energy efficiency, complete replacement of MEP services with individual supplies to each dwelling.

Externally new courtyard paving, new plot paving, extended vehicle access, new below ground drainage and overhaul of retained drainage, new soft landscaping scheme.

Environmental

As responsible contractors who are ISO14001 accredited, we completed environmental risk assessments, minimised waste and any waste was disposed of using licensed companies. Waste was sorted at the collection depot. Typically, 90% of waste is recycled.

Social Value

We liaised regularly with residents affected by works.
Supply chain all local.

Awards

Suffolk Coastal Quality of Place Awards 2016 – Winner – Building Conservation

Recent Projects

What Our Clients Say

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“Peter was outstanding when it came to communications and implementing changes and fixes that were required by the building work supplier. Very happy to recommend Gipping's services to others.”

Oliver Squirrell, Old Jet Airspace Programme
“I just wanted to thank you again for pretty much everything! I absolutely love our home and it was totally worth the wait. There isn’t a single thing I’d change, it really is perfect. The landscapers have been now too and it’s totally transformed the outside space, it just looks incredible. I feel super lucky to live here, every time I pull up back home I smile and feel so grateful and lucky. All the workmen have been incredibly lovely and gone above and beyond too, you have such a great team of people, they are extremely lovely and that makes a huge difference. I wish you well in all that you do creating beautiful homes for people. Thank you so so much.”

Kayleigh Williams: Wix
“As a team, Gipping met every expectation throughout the project. Steve James provided the exact role and attitude required for a project of this nature. The way he managed the works on site, given the difficult “live” environment was a credit to the firm. The overall management and support for Steve from Steve Offord and Joe was also a large factor in the smooth running of the scheme. All involved should be commended and are a credit to Gipping. Thank you for your part in a very successful scheme.”

Ben Mitchell, The Design partnership: Walden Place
“Carl, and the team, were fantastic during this phase of the project. Carl kept us updated with how the work was going and always had time to check with us if he thought things would impact on the running of the school. The site was always clean and tidy. The project was delivered slightly ahead of schedule, which made the transition into the build much easier for us! Thank you!”

Hannah Brookman, Tollgate Primary School Phase I
“It was a pleasure working with Gipping and we are very happy with our new home. Shaun Whiting was an exceptional Site Manager and remained professional, approachable and friendly throughout the entire build. The site was always tidy, well-managed and busy. We felt as if the entire Gipping team took our project seriously and truly cared about getting the build right. I would highly recommend you to anyone who is considering building a home.”

Elizabeth Goodrich, Amento