Challenges and Constraints
- Live site in conservation area with listed buildings.
- Restricted access from town centre via residential street through narrow walled entrance.
- Working in very close proximity to occupied premises with some vulnerable tenants.
- We also had to maintain public right of way through the park with carefully managed footpath diversion and temporary fencing to provide safe access and segregation.
- Unforeseen ground conditions required extensive earthwork operations including temporary designed earthwork support while the partial basement was constructed.
Construction Processes and Methods
- Works include two extensions to the existing buildings. One extension is single storey with partial basement / retaining walls. The other extension is a mix of single storey and two storey.
- The additional space provides for a mixture of residential, communal and staff accommodation, with new lift.
- Trench-fill foundations with PCC ground floor, masonry construction, a mix of trussed pitch roof, flat roof (with architectural lantern lights).
- Traditional timber sash effect windows.
- Interiors are fully finished with new fixtures and fittings.
- Heating is from new central boiler serving the new and existing with new below ground service routes
- Externally new paths and soft landscaping to blend in with parkland setting.
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
Site Manager organised weekly coffee mornings and a Christmas party for residents affected by works.
Supply chain all local.
Walden Place, Saffron Walden 
