Greatfield Drive
Full build of a contemporary family home
Completed: 2020
The Greatfield Drive project involved the demolition of the previous dwelling and construction of a new home in the popular Cheltenham suburb of Charlton Kings.
As with all projects of this scale we worked closely with our client (sister company QC Homes) and architects throughout the development. On this occasion Coombes Everitt Architects developed the design and also took responsibility for the entire planning process, producing a modern yet fitting design that quickly received planning permission.
The Greatfield project was a particularly interesting one featuring a hybrid brick, block and timber frame superstructure, along with multiple eco-credentials and high-end finishes both inside and externally.
As the lead contractor, TBMC managed all aspects of the build sourcing and scheduling all materials from various suppliers, where necessary with input from the client to ensure certain elements were delivered to their exact specification.
Where we feel TBMC were particularly valuable was in our contribution to many elements of the design and finish, several of which we know through feedback from the client, agent and eventual owner, make a significant difference to the house.
Substructure
As sites go, Greatfield was relatively straight forward, being flat with sandy soil. Special care needed to be taken to protect the roots and crown of a lovely mature Blue Cedar tree close to the boundary in a neighbours garden that was subject to a TPO.
(Many people wonder what the yellow things are, these are brick jackets, they help keep the stacks of bricks and blocks dry until they are used)
Ground & first floor steel/metal web joists
The ground floor was constructed mainly in block, and brick was used where additional loadings required it.
In addition to steels for the primary load spans, metal web joists were used throughout, not least to aid the routing of wires and pipes.
Prior to the erection of the first floor structure the flooring was laid, glued and taped for maximum protection from the British weather!
First floor timber frame and staircase
The top half of the building was timber frame designed and made off site by GTE Timber Engineering. The whole first floor structure was installed in a matter of days!
The staircase is a key feature of the house, its size and weight meant that it was sensible to install before the roof structure was put on. Installing the steel base of the staircase at this early stage made construction much easier and safer. The treads and finishing of the steel would follow at a later date.
Zinc roof and first floor cladding
As you might expect, the roof of a new build house consists of several carefully constructed layers of material to protect from the elements and insulate the building. The outer layer used on the roof and some external faces is zinc installed by Q&M.
"Trespa Pura" cladding is used on other aspects of the building's fascia, which is a special low maintenance hybrid material.
MVHR Ducting installation
Although MVHR was always part of the design, specific routing of ducting required a great deal of additional planning once the superstructure of the building was in-place. The primary issue encountered was accommodating the large cross-section ducting, necessary to provide suitable airflow.
Our routing solution and installation included the fabrication of special parts to ensure airflow was not compromised.
Internal insulation
As a hybrid building, Greatfield Drive utilises a variety of insulation types that take it considerably beyond the requirements of building regulations.
As well as specific sound deadening insulation between rooms and floors, the external timber frame walls utilise multiple types of insulation including a special honey comb material called Actis Hybris Panel Reflective Multifoil Insulation, plus a second multi-foil roll layer ensure a warm and cosy home.
Internal works
Encompassing many trades including plastering, decorating, tiling, installation of the kitchen, bathrooms and other fixtures, this phase of the build is significant on a project of this scale.
Second fix electrics and the hanging of internal doors helped the build visually move quickly towards completion, despite the challenges of the first covid-19 related lockdown during 2020.
Project completion
The keys were handed over to the client and their sales agent upon completion of the final interior details such as the staircase and the hard landscaping.
The high-level finish of the project is something we are really proud of, and is a testament to the to effort and commitment of the TBMC team and valued contractors that contributed to the build.
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The Building & Maintenance Company (UK) Ltd
Unit 10 Homelands Commercial Centre, Vale Road, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, GL52 8PX.
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