Projects Health & Care

The Treehouse, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice, Ipswich

Gipping Construction was appointed to deliver enabling and construction works at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in Ipswich, Suffolk.

The project comprises two substantial extensions alongside extensive internal refurbishment works, all undertaken within a live and highly sensitive healthcare environment. Successful delivery has required meticulous planning, proactive communication with hospice staff, and a considerate approach that prioritises the wellbeing of patients, families, visitors and employees.

Sector: Health and Care
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Client: East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices
Architect: Barefoot & Gilles
Structural Engineers: J P Chick
Commenced: May 2026
Completed: In progress
Form of appointment: JCT Standard Form without Quantities with Contractor Design Portions
Form of Contract: Single stage, traditional, drawings and specification with Contractor’s design portions
Contract Value: £4.9m

A significant aspect of the project has been the management and coordination of numerous contractor-designed packages. We worked closely with the design team, specialist subcontractors, and our site team to review, approve, and sequence all elements while maintaining the overall design intent.

Recognising the complexities of working in an occupied care setting, Gipping carefully selected a project team with extensive experience of delivering projects within sensitive, operational environments. Their expertise has been instrumental in keeping the environment safe, efficient, and respectful while the project moves through the programme.

Construction Methods

Sheet-piled retaining walls
Hydrotherapy pool basement piling works
Installation of trench sheets to retain the ground under the existing foundations
Import of crush and levelling to form a mat for CFA (Continuous Flight Auger) piling works

Challenges and Constraints

The project required careful management due to restricted access, limited parking and the need to work within a live healthcare environment.

Noise, dust and vibration have been key considerations throughout the works. These risks have been managed through planned sequencing with suitable control measures, regular communication with the client team and a flexible approach to daily activities.

Environmental

The grey crush pile from the demolition of the former structure was reused around the site.
Noise level monitors are in constant use.
Dust suppression methods have been adopted.
Spill kits are available at the refuelling point.
Considerate Constructors score: Good.
With restricted parking, subcontractors operated a carshare scheme, cycled or used public transport.
As ISO 14001-accredited, we carried out environmental risk assessments, minimised waste, and ensured licensed disposal, with around 90% recycled.

Lessons Learned and Project Outcomes

Early engagement with the client.
Early procurement of Contractor Design Packages.
Flexible approach.
Early Specialist involvement.

Social Value

The project is providing many opportunities to assist with raising vital funds for this regional organisation.

Many subcontractors and suppliers have already donated or promised materials for the project – the current value of these is around £30,000.
Charity Golf Day – Gipping organised a golf day for subcontractors and consultants, combined with a raffle and auction, which raised over £10k for EACH
Four Gipping employees took part in a charity football match to raise funds for EACH during normal working hours.
Gipping staff formed a team to participate in a fundraising quiz.
Gipping organised a ‘breaking ground’ ceremony, working in conjunction with the Comms team from EACH. This attracted significant regional media coverage for the project and raised awareness of the charity.

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