Chesterfield House

Location:

Slough, Berkshire

Type:

Conversion and New Build

At the request of a client we’ve worked with on numerous projects over the last eight years, we accepted the task of converting a dated commercial building into a contemporary residential block, a project which became one of the biggest in our history with this client.

We took this turn-of-the-millennium, steel frame structure, and transformed it into an apartment block containing a variety of living spaces, from cosy studios to expansive two-bedroom apartments, some featuring private gardens or balconies, and gated parking.

There were challenges along the way. We required an innovative mindset to adapt to the significant changes to the brief and a rigid budget and timeline, but with every one of the properties rented out within just a few months of the completion of works, this was most definitely a successful project that we’re very proud of.

PROJECT CHALLENGES

The Chesterfield House project presented a complex set of challenges.

Deadlines and Budgets: Firstly, not uncommonly, there was the client’s focus on speed and cost-effectiveness.
Absent Design: Second, we were only provided with the planning drawings at the outset, so, due to the tight deadline we formulated a solution that involved starting work on-site while concurrently helping with the creation of more detailed designs for the project.
A Shift in Scope: Then there was the unexpected significant scope change as planning permission was granted for an additional two floors to be added to this 5-storey building, allowing for an additional 19 apartments to be included within the plans. This necessitated a whole raft of changes, including the use of prefabricated lightweight steel panels, produced in the UK to minimise the carbon footprint of this project, as the framework for this upwards extension.
A Matter of Compliance: Finally, as the new plans for the building took it over an 18m threshold, building regulations required the removal and ethical disposal of the existing property’s blockwork skin and outdated insulation to replace it with a compliant alternative and a fully non-combustible A1 rated cladding system for the fourth story and above.

WHAT WAS INVOLVED

This project was far from a simple permitted development conversion. Despite being supplied with initial planning drawings we were expected to work on the design detail, especially when the planning permission came through for the additional two storeys. We were also heavily involved in the design and installation work of M&E, cladding, roofing and smoke ventilation systems, sometimes alongside specialist subcontractors.

What started as a 5-storey 67-apartment conversion project, became a 7-storey 86-apartment project, with all the added compliance complexity this created.

At the peak of our work, we were managing a team in excess of 60 operatives on site, encompassing a range of specialist trades, all coordinated to ensure the project’s smooth progression. Structural work was a critical component, including the reinforcement of the existing fourth storey to support the new steel structure for the additional floors. This involved careful coordination of steel installation, casting a new concrete slab, and installing an interlocking prefabricated light gauge steel panel system.

The entire project, from strip-out and disposal to the installation of beautiful porcelain tiled bathrooms and coffer ceilings was managed with quality and efficiency in mind. In fact, due to the tight deadlines, we started work on the existing lower floors while still creating the designs for the new upper storeys in order to meet all of our client’s expectations.

The project involved:

Convert existing 5-storey office building	Construct two new rooftop storeys	Total project involved 86 residential apartments
Structural works included hot rolled steel grillage and lightweight prefabricated SFS panels	Design and installation of new M&E, sprinkler and smoke ventilation	Blockwork removal and reinstatement
Insulation removal and replacement	New internal channel rainwater system	New rubber roofing membrane system
New windows and doors	Low energy LED lighting	Cladding design and fit
Dry lining works, plastering and decoration	High-spec kitchens and bathrooms	Gardens, terraces and balconies

THE RESULTS

It was certainly a challenge and we had to employ some innovative thinking, but as a result, the project was completed on time and within budget, and the quality of our workmanship aided in all the apartments in the building being rented out within a few months of the successful completion of this project.

This underscores MMG’s ability to navigate the intricate challenges associated with converting commercial spaces into residential homes. No two projects are ever the same, so you have to be prepared for anything. But, when you’ve been working in this field for as long as we have you get good at applying amassed experience to problem-solving.

Furthermore, this project sparked interest from another client with a project local to this one who also wanted to add two further floors to their commercial property and convert it to residential apartments.

WE WOULD LOVE TO TALK

To book an appointment to discuss your project needs call us on 020 8361 1238 or use the form on our contact page to email us.

Chesterfield House

PROJECT CHALLENGES

WHAT WAS INVOLVED

THE RESULTS

WE WOULD LOVE TO TALK

ACCREDITATIONS

INFORMATION