Project Introduction
These were the first council homes to be built in Brimington for 30 years to help meet the local housing need. The infill site, just off Manor Drive in Brimington, Chesterfield, had previously been occupied by the neighbouring Bowls Club. It was overgrown with grass and shrubbery and included a small single storey property on the western side of the site. We worked collaboratively throughout the project with building control to allow DDA compliance under the Lifetime Homes Standards, resulting in a defect-free handover.
Covid-19 | Managing Restrictions On Site
The site remained open and fully operational, as we refined our Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), adhering to HSE industry practices. Our project team ensured that it was possible for all trades to work simultaneously. Trades operated in zones and were teamed into support bubbles, allowing work to continue in a controlled and safe sequence. Given that the site layout was so tight, it was planned to make sure site ingress was safe and well managed. Temperature checks were carried out on arrival to site, walkways and pedestrian gates were put in place to ensure safe access, as well as implementing the 2-metre social distancing rule.
Social Value
We developed positive relationships with the neighbours, and they were all very cooperative resulting in no complaints to the site team. We were keen to offer work experience and placements to students studying STEM subjects at Chesterfield College. We pro-actively overcame the challenges presented by lock down restrictions and are now working jointly with the college to hold virtual careers advice with students.
Minimising Disruption
The site was tight, and access was restricted, as it was positioned between two properties. There was ample parking in the local vicinity, which made it easier for residents and minimised impact on their accessibility to and from their homes. Residents were informed of any large deliveries/key dates and we received no complaints from them. The client provided us with the use of a void property, next to the site. This was used as a site office and welfare facility, reducing the team’s impact on the community.
Timber Frame Construction
Upon completion of the ground works, the timber frame structures were locally manufactured. Working collaboratively with our timber frame supplier and manufacturer, detailed RAMS were reviewed and approved, for installation of each property. In line with our project programme the timber frames were safely erected within two weeks, giving visibility of the shape and scale of each building. Our project benefited from saving 20% on the overall build programme, as unlike traditional build, the bricklayers did not commence their works until the main timber frame structure was erected. This allowed for all trades to commence work at the same time.
Ground Remediation
As the site sits on the edge of a housing estate, electricity and gas lines were available for easy connection to each property. After successfully levelling off the site and installing the sub-structure, we were able to install the below ground services to the properties, despite
the challenges of working on a constrained site. A standard ground remediation survey was completed for the project, which raised no issues. Any fill bought onto site was independently quality checked and approved before being used on site. Clean topsoil was used, procured and installed from a local suppler and up to 95% of site waste was recycled.
Health, Safety & Environment
Internal health and safety audits were conducted by our Site Manager and HSE Manager. Results were presented to our Senior Management Team for regular checks to ensure safety systems of work were adhered to. During our Winter Conference 2020, Manor Drive won the award for the ‘Safest Site under £1m’. This was based on near miss reporting, with no accidents and no injuries. Also, electric vehicle charging points were fitted to all properties in order to future proof the homes and EPC ratings were given at 83B, with a potential of 94A.
CCS Score: 39/50
Craig Alletson, Senior Architectural Assistant, Chesterfield Borough Council said:
“They were all professional, knowledgeable, and had a great attitude and work ethic, wanting to build something of quality.”