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Gipping Construction
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Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk

We were approached by the National Trust to come up with a proposal to refresh their exhibit of the Great Ship Burial – thought to be of King Raedwald’s.

The plan was to raise the burial ship and carry out alterations to allow visitors a walk through experience.

We formulated a plan to carefully support the ship on jacks with lifting strops and slowly raise the boat, then install supports beneath – this meant the deck was level with the floor so visitors could walk through it to get a far more atmospheric experience.

We also obtained English oak from a sustainable source and used traditional cleft and hewn techniques to recreate the chamber roof.

  • Sector: Heritage
  • Location: Woodbridge, Suffolk
  • Client: The National Trust
  • Quantity Surveyor/Architect: WPP Architects
  • Structural Engineers: Chaplin Farrant Ltd
  • Commenced: March 2011
  • Completed: April 2011
  • Procurement Method: Negotiated
  • Contract Value: £38,000

Challenges and Constraints

  • Working in the live museum.
  • Whilst the burial ship is a mock up, it is still of extremely high value so needed to be treated as priceless.

Construction Processes and Methods

We obtained English oak from a sustainable source and used traditional cleft and hewn techniques to recreate the chamber roof.

Programme

Three week duration.

Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo

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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