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CASE STUDIES

Social Housing

Store room to Play room
Store room to Play room
Store room to Play room
Store room to Play room

Winkworth House - Student Accommodation

Project

Part 3 of 4 phased works to extensively refurbish the flats and halls accommodation within the West residential village in the heart of the city centre.

Specified and contractor design work included exterior repairs and replacement to rainwater pipes and drainage, replacement windows, replacing all

electrical and mechanical components, installation of new heating boilers, radiators and ventilation systems, fire suppression and compartmentalisation through walls, ceilings and doors. Removal and replacement of enclosed en suite shower pods, private and shared kitchens, renewed fitted bedroom fixtures and furniture completed with fully redecoration and commissioning 


How we helped

Arranged over four floors and to be completed over the University’s summer break, CW Duke assembled an experienced site management team who had previously worked alongside the campus team or similar accommodation refurbishments.

Due to the time-sensitive nature of the project is was clear that

meticulous planning, site management and contract control would

be required to mitigate any delay in completion. Supported by our accredited and trusted supply chain we swiftly identified any material or resource risk that might affect the client or project outcomes.


The results

Despite its location and the complexity of managing multiple contractors on site over a severely condensed period, the project was completed and returned to the campus team within the agreed budget and on time, ready for the new or returning students. The dated living environment has now gone and the building has brought up to inviting and compliant residence offering a safe, secure and a stress free student accommodation.


Timescale

10  Weeks

Value

£700,000

Location

Bristol City Centre 

Client

University of Bristol

Belgrave Crescent Bath Refurbishment and Renovation of a Flat

Belgrave Crescent - Curo Group

Project

Refurbishment and Renovation of a Flat

Timescale
56 days
Value

£46,,000

Location
Bath
CLIENT REQUIREMENTS
CW Duke were appointed to renovate and refurbish a dated 1 bedroom flat in the centre of Bath.

This flat had very basic facilities and no heating. Curo were looking for a modern, energy efficient flat for the tenants. 

The works had to be turned around within a relatively short period. 
SCOPE OF WORK
The works included an extensive strip back of the existing structure, including removal of the floors. 

We installed the following to the flat: 
  • New Combination Gas fired boiler to supply both hot water and central heating
  • Electrics throughout the property were replaced
  • New flooring in the entire flat which included sound deadening quilts
  • New modern kitchen and bathroom
  • Complete decoration throughout
  • New soft flooring finish installed
HOW WE HELPED
Our on-site team had to take special care and attention when it came to construction, due to the rest of the building being occupied. We worked closely with the Curo team to ensure all residents were kept informed throughout the process and kept site disruption to a minimum at all times. 

Along with the internal renovation, CW Duke also cleared and refreshed the garden for the whole building to use; this was particularly challenging as the property is landlocked on all sides by privately owned buildings.
THE RESULTS
We handed over a bright, modern and refreshed flat, giving the new tenant a fantastic living space. 

With the new heating and hot water system, not only had this now modernised the property but it has ensured the new tenant will have efficient fuel bills going forward. 

CW Duke were pleased to had this project over a week early due to our site team organisation.  
Merlin House street view Refurbishment of two sheltered housing schemes Bristol

MERLIN HOUSING REFURBISHMENT

Project

Refurbishment of two sheltered housing schemes

Timescale
26 weeks
Value
£550,000
Location
Kingswood and Staple Hill, Bristol 
CLIENT REQUIREMENTS
The internal improvement and refurbishment at two occupied sheltered housing schemes in Bristol.

The project included the full refurbishment of communal areas including, all corridors, laundry rooms, entrance areas and kitchens.

All new M&E was installed as well as soft flooring throughout. At Abraham Fry, we also fully plastered the ceilings and walls to encapsulate old asbestos.

Externally we resurfaced paths and the car parks, carried out external decorations (including soffits, fascias and guttering).

Abraham Fry House comprises of 48 apartments and Hawthorn Gardens 40, the residents were in occupancy for the duration of the project so our care and consideration of them and their needs was paramount. 
SCOPE OF WORK
To undertake internal improvement & full refurbishment of the communal areas & facilities, which included; the main lounge, corridors, stairwells, guest room & en-suite, scooter store, communal wc's and external decoration. 

The communal areas to the two sheltered schemes are formed at various floor levels.

Completing newly installed Kitchen and Laundry facilities.
HOW WE HELPED
Due to this being an occupied sheltered housing scheme our main priority had to be communication with the residents and staff about what we were doing and when. Taking part in ‘coffee morning’ meetings allowed us to keep an open channel of communication at all times. 

Sticking to a strict schedule which was agreed by the whole of the on-site team and client allowed the occupants and staff carry on with their day to day requirements. 

The building is situated in a residential area so great care was taken to avoid disturbing the local residents wherever possible, including effective management of site traffic and deliveries throughout the project.

Ensuring full project management happened naturally to turn the project around as swiftly as possible whilst still achieving our high standards and meeting the client’s needs.
THE RESULTS
A complete transformation of the building inside and out within challenging timescales.

Internally the communal areas have been given a new lease of life and allow the scheme to run more effectively on a day to day basis

Minimal snagging required on both sites due to the high workmanship and management on site.

Lighting has now become more energy efficient and economical for the homes. 
Curo project social housing living room Grade I Listed Building Refurbishment Bath

Curo

Project

Grade I Listed Building Refurbishment

Timescale
12 weeks
Value

Undisclosed

Location
Bath
REFURBISHMENT/FIT OUT

Having worked with Curo on numerous refurbishment projects, we were invited to competitively tender for the sympathetic refurbishment works to a Grade I listed Georgian property in Bath. 


The project involved upgrading and refurbishing a one bedroom ground floor apartment whilst adhering to all relevant listed building regulations. We worked in partnership with Curo's technical team and interior designer to complete the project which consisted of full re-decoration throughout, the upgrade of fire safety to the area, full fit out of a new kitchen and bathroom, new flooring and upgrades and re-wiring to the electrics throughout the building. 


The result is a modern and contemporary living space which is now ready for Curo to place on to the rental market in Bath.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Our experienced team managed all aspects of the project from start to completion. We took a lead role in ensuring that deadlines were met and potential issues were dealt with early in the process. 

Our dedicated contracts manager and site manager took full control of the site and kept direct liaison with the relevant people at all times. 

Our client commented that having one point of contact throughout the work made a significant impact on the successful delivery of the project.
COST MANAGEMENT
From the outset Curo had a strict budget with which to complete this project. Our estimating and surveying team worked in close partnership with Curo to ensure that management of the budget was controlled on a weekly basis. 

We had regular update meetings and kept our client fully informed of costs at every stage in the project.
DIRECTLY EMPLOYED TRADES PEOPLE
We used a number of our directly employed labour force ensuring high levels of project and work force management. 
Taunton Deane Borough Council

Taunton Deane Borough Council

Project

Kitchen and Bathroom Refurbishment

Timescale
8 Years
Value
Undisclosed
Location
Taunton
REFURBISHMENT/FIT OUT
Social housing kitchen and bathroom refurbishment projects as part of the Governments Decent Homes Programme. 

Each project had unique requirements, including individual layouts of each kitchen and bathroom and specific remedial work required on each job.
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
It was imperative that management of each individual project was flexible to suit the needs and timescales of each tenant. 

A great deal of effort was made to ensure that projects were completed on time and to a high standard. This involved excellent communication between our team, the council and each individual tenant.
WORKING IN LIVE ENVIRONMENTS
The vast majority of works were completed whilst houses were in occupation. Tenants would be invited to attend an open day held in a local community centre, at which they would be able to see what work was involved and make choices on tiles, carpets, kitchen unit doors etc. 

Every effort was made to minimise disruption for a variety of tenants including elderly and vulnerable people. On completion of works, a survey was carried out at every property to ensure total satisfaction.  
DIRECTLY EMPLOYED TRADES PEOPLE

We used a number of our directly employed labour force ensuring high levels of project and work force management. 

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