- Location
- Former Council Offices, 36 Bath Street, Hereford
- Value
- £8,500,000
- Duration
- 74 Weeks
- Client
- Connexus
- Architect
- Quattro Design Architects
- Contract
- JCT Design and Build 2016
Overview
- Demolition (in part)
- Extensive renovations to a group of Victorian buildings to create 27 apartments
- 47 New Build Apartments
Description
Originally built as Hereford Working Boys’ Home and Industrial School, and later used as a base for Herefordshire Councils children’s services, the red brick Victorian buildings were in need of renovation.
We worked together with Connexus and Quattro design architects to ensure the new development retained character from the site’s previous use. Whilst some areas were partially demolished, the original red brick façade has been restored. The new apartments are cleanly designed with attractive, durable kitchens and bathrooms.
Phase 1 of the affordable housing development included 27 high quality apartments (including 15 for affordable rent), with 47 more affordable rental properties due for completion as part of Phase 2.
Phase 2 comprised of 47 new build apartments, traditionally constructed with the forth floor being constructed from a light weight timber frame.
Following the review of the ground investigation report, we identified the requirement for a piling solution to the proposed new buildings (phase 2). This requirement was further hindered by the close proximity of the buildings that were to remain on site. Analysis of this by the structural design team identified that piling solutions such as driven, or steel cased bottom driven pile solutions were not deemed feasible due to the issues of vibration that would be created during installation.
It was therefore concluded that the piling solution undertaken would be a continuous flight auger method (CFA). This method utilised a drilling rig with an auger which created minimal vibration from the ground. Once the depth of the pile was achieved, the auger was removed whilst at the same time pumping concrete into the hole created which avoided the potential collapse of the ground into the pile hole.
Once the piling operation was completed, tests were undertaken for quality control purposes for compliance with LABC / NHBC requirements and also records of the installation by the means of pile logs to identify pile numbers and depths to the required design were achieved. Once this operation was completed, the piles were exposed and utilise to create the reinforced ground beam construction to complete the foundation solution.
We believe that the project stands out as a great example of how local historic buildings falling into a state of disrepair can be turned into something useful, practical and pleasing on the eye.
These buildings have now been saved and the community has a new impressive development right in the centre of the city, providing much needed affordable housing to the community without taking any green belt or park land to achieve it.
