Managing a commercial project in Westbourne Grove
Notting Hill
Working with surveyor John Howse, Goodbody & Co refurbished the head office and adjoining residential apartment of the global toy and games brand, Seven Towns. The result is a bright and creative corporate environment requiring minimal maintenance.
ScrollChallenges and Solutions
The building is closely surrounded by residential and commercial properties, so to achieve the refurbishment of the offices, residential spaces and re-roof required the construction of a complex, temporary scaffolding that would bridge neighboring gardens as well as the narrow public roads around the property.
In addition, the impact of heavy construction on the neighbouring community had to be reduced with an enhanced degree of planning and communication as well as sympathetic execution of the work.
“This project was extremely complex, with issues of access, adjoining owners and the fact the work needed to be completed whilst maintaining a fully functioning office. We are extremely pleased with the respect and care that the team showed with the other properties involved, (…) with the level of work and attention to detail.”
Mike Moody, CEO, Seven Towns
Development
The specification of any development should always consider the cost benefit of the finishes and fixtures while maintaining a robust design at its core.
In commercial developments the design should take into special account the areas where activity is highest, such as stairwells, entrance halls and meetings rooms. Any details that are likely to date a project should not be too deeply integrated into the structure to allow for minor alterations and modifications in the future.
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Stair treads:
Anti-slip grip strips routed into each tread. All pieces dyed and varnished to colour match engineered flooring.
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Ceiling joists:
Stainless steel yacht rigging, screws and turnbuckles used as a lightweight alternative to steel joists to restrain mansard roof.
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Roof cladding:
Natural Welsh slates used on front pitch to match surrounding buildings. Jutland artificial slate used on rear pitch to reduce cost.
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Acoustic insulation:
Engineered floor boards laid on 23mm Isocheck acoustic board throughout 2nd floor to reduce sound transfer to offices below.
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Corporate flat bathroom:
Designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Units of walnut veneer to introduce warmth and comfort.
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Air conditioning system:
7 unit air conditioning system integrated into all office spaces, server room and flat.
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Entrance door:
High security entrance door with anti-bandit glazing, and adjoining plant room ventilation panel.
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Staff shower room:
Designed to withstand heavy use. All units wall mounted to allow easy cleaning and maintenance of floor and wall tiles.
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Roof windows:
28 solar, electric and manually operated roof lights fitted to all pitches of mansard.
“This is the first major project that I have worked on with Goodbody & Co. Selection was by competitive tender on the basis of price and the quality of past work. I was delighted they not only delivered on time but were able to approach the structural changes and commercial finishes with a high level of skill and care more associated with high end residential projects. They were also extremely good at managing the expectations of stakeholders, neighbouring properties and adjoining businesses. I have no hesitation recommending a very professional and personable team of contractors.”
John Howse, Chartered Building Surveyor, John Howse & Associates
Stakeholder & project management
The surrounding properties each presented different obstacles to the works. Businesses offering medical and spa treatments needed heavy, noisy activities restricted to certain hours of the day. We had to protect the neighbouring homes and gardens with special safety measures. The flow of site vehicles to and from the narrow cul-de-sac also had to be managed carefully in order to keep the public footpath clear.
It was particularly important to accommodate the needs of the nursery school. Goodbody & Co. worked around the children's rest periods and playtimes, and even constructed a footbridge so the children could reach their playground more safely and easily.
“All the people working (…) were very professional. They always informed us of the works that were to be done and always took into account the needs and safety of our children. We were very impressed with the way they scheduled all the works and finished on time.”
Liliana Carretero, Director, Flowerpot Nursery
