CONSTRUCTION REPORT
March 2021
This month should see the vision created by the in-house design team come to life and the project stand out features should be on show for all to see. It will, dependent on deliveries and supplies which has been a constant battle during the pandemic, see the completion and final finishes of some of the units contained within the conversion aspect of the project.
WEEK 1
The site reached a critical point in its growth this week with the first level of the roof extension becoming visible from the street view.
There were strong winds which tested the build integrity of the extension which stood up to the test. The OSB construction coupled with metal cross blast straps to tie all the walls giving it strength. The roof was also installed ready for the next level of the 2 duplex apartments to commence.
The rear extension element reached a milestone in respect of decoration with all units filled and undercoated giving an expansive and light filled view of the apartments formation.
All new windows, window boards and patio doors were installed throughout and the timber finish applied to the front elevation to give the development a sense of place in its environment with it being an urban design-led project.
WEEK 2
Further progress was made especially regarding the projects external facade and external appearance. The front elevation windows were dressed with timber cladding, treated and painted which really frames the new black framed windows, make a statement on the high street. The signage to the front elevation was installed, proudly presenting to the local community that the project had arrived, hello from Nicholson Astoria here I am!
Minor amendments to the communal hallways were made in accordance with building control requirements to reduce travel distance ensuring all fire regulations are achieved.
7 bath panels were boarded with a cavity ready for an LED light strip to be installed creating shadow lighting and ready for the tiler. Little details like this will set this project apart from any others in the borough.
The kitchen installations continued at a pace along with breakfast bars fitted. The final interior details started to be seen with door furniture to the apartment internal doors being fitted.
The final 2 timber extension apartments to the rear were completed by the decorating team.
In respect of the roof extension housing the luxury penthouses the Plumbers have taken the blue alcathene and started fitting wastes. The new staircase from the existing top floor to the new extension was designed and submitted to building control for approval. The local council planning department was satisfied with the final details including materials used on the external finishing.
The balconies have been boarded ready for siberain larch to be fitted which arrived on site.
The installation of the new roof has been tendered out and initial quotes received. The final windows and doors were successfully rendered and delivery is expected for month end.
All scrap metal was removed from the site to make way to commence works on the ground floor apartments.
The director of construction has high aspirations for the development and places such standards on all members of the team. He was not satisfied with progress of the electrical contractor and has now appointed a new team. This should see the site accelerate over the coming weeks.
WEEK 3
The development took on an all new presence on the high street with the upper floors of the duplex penthouses visible, sitting prominent and proud.
The front elevation was completed, with the exception of the decorative lighting and the scaffolding was removed. the new signage and windows with decorative timber cladding makes the building look spectacular and an insight as to the quality of the project.
The rear elevation scaffolding was elevated to allow for the works to continue at pace on the roof.
All of the penthouse timber walls have been constructed and the first duplex has been built and joists fitted along with garden boarded ready for felting and handrails to be fitted.
The internal balconies on the rear elevation extensions have all been clad in Siberian larch awaiting final finishes to the capping.
The bathrooms are really starting to come to life with all bath panel now tiled and grouted and the lower level tray created ready to install LED lighting strips to the bottom of the bath panels.
4 of the kitchen splashbacks have been completed, fully tiled and grouted.
The rear of the ground floor has been cleared of all materials and scrap ready for a further 2 apartments to be built.
WEEK 4
The project saw the new electrical contractor commence works and 7 of the apartments had 2nd fix electrical works undertaken.
A further 4 apartments were 2nd fix plumbing bringing the total to 11 completed.
Another 2 kitchens were fitted and snag list presented to supplier.
For the first time the ground floor apartments started to resemble apartments with 1st fixed timber being completed.
On the other end of the spectrum it was the penthouses and duplex elements all 1st fixed timber and the rooftop terrace floor area can clearly seen, and they are massive!
The roofing contractor commenced works on sealing 1 of 2 duplex Gardens making the building water tight.
We took delivery of the emerald green breakfast bar stools, which enabled the cloth to be selected for the couches.
The water proof balcony lights arrived on site ready for install against the Siberian larch ceilings.