Projects Educational

Grimwade Street Student Accommodation, Ipswich, Suffolk

The Client for this student accommodation required price and programme certainty. They therefore appointed Gipping to assist with ‘buildability’ before and during the planning process.

Construction of the 49 student flats began one week after receiving planning permission. We successfully designed and managed the construction which included piling, precast and in-situ concrete floors, masonry, structural steel and in-situ timber frame on a very restricted site.

The project was completed early and within the Client’s budget.

Sector: Education
Location: Grimwade Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Client: Providus Developments
Architect: Barefoot & Gilles
Employers Agent: Downey & Warren
Structural Engineer: MLM
Commenced: May 2007
Completed: July 2008
Procurement Method: Negotiated, Design & Build
Contract Value: £1,900,000

“We were very pleased with Gipping throughout, especially the upgrade activities and risk management work. We would be pleased to provide a more detailed feedback if required.”

Marc Preston, Providus Developments

Challenges and Constraints

The original building, located on a main one-way road in Ipswich, had to be demolished around a gas meter.
The overhead tower crane was located on the opposite side of the only exit road from the college, creating time restrictions. We also had to obtain air space licences as the crane over-sailed other properties’ airspace.
The building occupied the complete footprint of the site, resulting in no space for on-site storage, so all materials were distributed straight onto site when delivered.
Scaffold licences were necessary to erect on public footpath due to space restrictions.
The shower room pods were imported from France with strict delivery dates for each floor.
The design of the building: A curved wall design incorporated four different radii requiring the use of templates to ensure accuracy. The design included quirky detailing including a cantilevered façade.
Underground storm water attenuation below the building.
It was even more vital we completed on programme as large LAD costs would have been incurred if the project was not completed on time.
The top floor had to be completed before the lower levels to meet the deadline for an open day aimed at potential student residents.

Construction Processes and Methods

Piled foundations
Precast concrete floors and stairs
Masonry construction
Single membrane flat roof
Composite windows and doors
Feature zinc cladding
GRP bathroom pods
High levels of acoustic insulation between flats and also from traffic noise.

Programme

Despite initial delays due to unforeseen ground conditions and constraints of access and restrictions, the project was completed six weeks ahead of contract programme date.

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