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Westdrive, Skyline 120 Braintree, Essex

New build car workshops and valet at ground floor with offices and storage at first floor, constructed in two phases. Phase One, a car workshop area and shell, was completed in just 26 weeks. Phase Two comprised fit-out of offices which was completed three months later.
Construction comprised stone piles to stabilise the ground, rc raft, steel frame, SFS wall with sheet wall and roof cladding, aluminium glazing with solar shading. Internally, three staircases and a lift to provide access to the first floor were fitted out for the offices.

  • Sector: Commercial and Industrial
  • Location: Braintree, Essex
  • Client: Westdrive (Colchester) Ltd
  • Contract Administrator: Hoggarth Cooke Partnership
  • Architect: Emptage Architects
  • Structural Engineers: David Burton Sweetlove
  • Commenced: March 2018
  • Completed: February 2019
  • Procurement Method: Single Stage Tender
  • Contract Value: £3,000,000

Challenges and Constraints

The site was constricted with deep drainage at its entrance. There was also a large surface water attenuation tank which took up a large surface area of the site whilst being installed. The project included the installation of hydraulic lifting platforms for the service bays. These had to be installed 2.5m below the floor slab with millimetre precision. Given the nature of the building, the M&E services had to be carefully co-ordinated.

Construction Processes and Methods

Vibro piles due to poor ground conditions.
Steel frame building with composite and built up cladding system.
Power floated ground floor slab with pre-cast planks forming upper floors.
The yard was a mixture of permeable paving, concrete and asphalt.

Programme

The project was completed in two phases and both were completed on time.
Phase 1: Workshop and valeting bays
Phase 2: Upper floor offices.

Environmental

Surface water.
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.

West drive

What Our Clients Say

  • “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.”

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