Contract Type:  Large Extension

Architect:            Wildblood Macdonald

Location:             Collingham

Following a competitive tender submission we were successful in being awarded this project.

Works commenced March 2011 and were completed in October 2011.

A brief description of the works are as follows:

• Works were carried out whilst our clients were still living in the property
• Restrictive excavation works for formation of foundations
• Underpinning and mass fill stabilising concrete to specialist engineered design
• Traditional construction of a stone and brick two storey extension
• Fully tanked basement
• Formation of fully tiled swimming pool changing rooms
• Formation of Cinema room with floor to ceiling glazed bay window
• Inverted waterproof terracing
• Re-roofing works to the whole of the property using Spanish slate
• Heating, plumbing and electrical works to new extension
• Installation of uPVC folding sliding doors, panoramic curved window, casement windows and Bi-fold doors
• Installation of bespoke Italian designed Oak spiral staircase
• Design & installation of frameless glass balustrading to terracing
• Internal Oak joinery works to a very high standard
• Re-landscaping of the existing garden

 Contract Type: New Build 8,000sq ft Private Residence

Architect: Malcolm Tempest

Location: Wetherby/Harrogate area

 On recommendation, the Client made a direct approach to Dobson’s to construct a new family residence designed by Malcolm Tempest Architects. Whilst completely “new build”, the property draws its character from two distinct period Architectural styles. Traditional rustic, with random stone walls, hooded stone mullion windows, and a “later period” Georgian “extension”. This forms the main body of the house with symmetrical, well proportioned elevations. Formal stone entrance steps and a stone portico frame the main entrance door which opens into a grand entrance hall. A sweeping staircase leads to an oval landing which echoes the period oval roof lantern above.

 Malcolm is perhaps best known for his creation “Forbidden Corner” Middleham. Malcolm’s enthusiasm for this “folly inspired” architectural style is put to good use at Springfield House in the swimming pool entrance arches. As well as providing a grotto style link between the indoor pool and landscaped garden, the “grott” stonework arches rest under a terrace enclosed on three sides by grott stone pillars with decorative railings. The pillars are topped by ornate cut stone cupolas.

The result is a truly magnificent family home full of character and charm in both form and function. These attributes are fully complimented by incorporating the very best in current construction technology from insulation in the fabric of the building to bespoke end user systems. A very successful synthesis of Architect’s imagination and Contractor’s knowledge, know how and co-ordination.

 Construction commenced July 2009 and completed July 2010.

 A brief description of the works are as follows:

•  Demolish existing 1970s house.
• Excavate basement to form pool leisure complex level and a south facing “grotto” glazed area.
• Form pool structure & retaining walls in reinforced insitu concrete with external tanking and insulation.
• External walls of random/ashlar masonry.
• Beam and block floors, insulated and screeded incorporating wet system under floor heating.
• New traditional casement/large sliding sash windows.
• Bespoke Mechanical and Electrical installation.
• Specialist integrated and controllable lighting/audio/visual and security systems.
• High end tiling/screens/kitchen and bathroom fitting out.
• Externally to the south there is a terrace to the Georgian section and entertaining area above the swimming pool entrance which can be fully opened up with retractable glazed folding sliding doors.

Contract Type:Construction of New Bungalow

Architect:Vincent Dobson (Builders) / I-Design

Location:Ilkley

Commissioned by our sister company, Vincent Dobson (Builders) Ltd, work commenced October 2010. The property is situated in the Middleton Conservation Zone which has determined a sensitive approach to both the design and execution of the project. This has involved considerable consultation with Planners, Neighbours and the Client to ensure that the construction satisfies all criteria set upon the project.

Vincent Dobson (Builders) have a long standing relationship with the Ilkley community, the respect generated by over 40 years of building in Ilkley is evident by the manner in which the building is being constructed. Of coursed stone with a Westmorland slate roof, the bungalow echoes the arts and crafts style typical of some of the original properties built in Middleton early in the last century.

A brief description of the works are as follows:

• Erection of tree protection fences.
• Construction of retaining wall and foundations (incorporating special design and construction methods to protect existing tree roots).
• Coursed pitched face stone on cut stone plinth and string course.
• Cut stone cills, jambs and heads.
• Westmorland slate roof.
• Energy efficient design to comply with current energy and co2 emission requirements.
• High specification internal fit out.
• Under floor heating.
• Fitted bathrooms.
• Utility room and kitchen.
• Feature “floating” fireplace

CONTRACT TYPE: Primary School extension & remodelling

ARCHITECT: Stott Thompson Architects

LOCATION: Harrogate Area

Following a competitive tender process, we were awarded the contract for these works and commenced on site in November 2010.

The contract works are taking place whilst the school is occupied.

Below is a brief description of the works:

• Forming a new classroom and offices at first floor level.
• Constructing new floors from new supporting steelwork and timber joists.
• Alterations to the existing timber roof structure (including removal of existing feature trusses).
• Formation of a new first floor dormer structure, which includes new steel ridge beams, purlins and steel columns.
• New stonework to match existing.
• Strip and reinstallation of existing slate roof.
• Construction of a new single story ground floor extension, to form new toilet accommodation.
• Fabricate and install new windows, including several roof lights.
• Fitting out and finishes for the above works.
• All associated mechanical and electrical works.

CONTRACT TYPE: Community Project Leeds

ARCHITECT: Groundworks Architects LLP

LOCATION: Leeds

Following submission of our tender for these works, we were requested to re-price various elements to bring the project cost in line with the client’s budget. This has been achieved and work has commenced on the property.

Our client is Artlink West Yorkshire, they are a community arts organisation specialising in arts and health initiatives. You can view their web page by clicking this link http://www.artlinkwestyorks.org/index.php

A brief description of the works are as follows :

• Underpinning to the party walls to either side of the property and to the rear; this will enable the floor level to be reduced to enable an increase in ceiling height.
• Structural steelwork to enable the removal of existing bearing walls and generate an open workspace.
• Demolition of full height chimney stack to enable -
• Formation of a lift shaft and pit to house a new passenger lift.
• Replacing numerous large sliding sash windows with new more thermally efficient windows.
• Forming new openings to accommodate new windows and doors.
• Bricking up existing openings with reclaimed bricks to match the existing.
• Formation of a new dormer window, this is being clad in a stainless steel roofing system; as too is the roof of the lift shaft.
• Upgrading the electrical, plumbing and mechanical installations.
• Internal refurbishment, mainly joinery and plastering items.

Progress to 21^st March 2011:

Now approaching the final phase of the project March has seen the following key milestones having been achieved:

·         First fix joinery and M&E works have been completed

·         Roofing works including the formation of the dormer has been completed

·         The installation of replacement windows and doors has been undertaken

·         Re-pointing the rear elevation has been completed and the external scaffold has been      removed

·         Plastering works are now 90% complete

·         The lift installation has commenced

The next couple of weeks will see the works progressing to the finishes stage prior to the completion of works pre Easter.

 

Progress to 21^st February 2011:

• This month has again seen some good progress on the project:
• The construction of the lift shaft block work has been completed and cladding and roofing works to teh dormer constructed above the roof line has commenced.
• Damp proofing works have been completed.
• All internal floor alterations have been completed.
• Plastering works have commenced.
• 90% of alterations to the rear wall have been completed.
• Replacement sliding sash windows have been delivered to site.     

  

  Commencement of plastering works

  

  Dormer and lift cladding work progresses

  

  Windows have now been delivered ready for installing

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

Progress to 24th January 2011:

• December and January has seen good progress on the project. The site was open during the Christmas break to ensure we made the best possible start to 2011.
• Structural steelwork has been installed.
• The underpinning has been completed and the basement floor slab has been cast.
• Internal block work and the construction of the lift shaft has commenced.
• Mechanical and Electrical first fix works are substantially complete.
• Floors are being cut back as the lift shaft progresses.

Progress to 9th December 2010:

• The client’s fixtures and fittings have been fully stripped out.
• Internal alterations are on-going.
• The existing chimney has been fully demolished to enable the ground floor sub-structure works.
• The structural steelwork has been measured and is being fabricated off site, ready for installation on site once the ground beam has been cast.
• The windows have been ordered, these are on a 12 week lead-time.
• The lift has been ordered; this is on a 21 week lead-time and is critical to the completion date of the project.
• The freezing weather is slowing the progress down on the underpinning, but none the less we are soldiering on.

Contract Type: Remodelling of a Listed Property
Architect: Bramhall Blenkham
Location: nr. Leeds

Brief Description:

These works will briefly comprise of-

• Internal structural alterations, all to the requirements of the structural engineer
• Supply and installation of ‘Glulam’ Structural beams
• Supply and installation of Folding Sliding Doors
• Full electrical re-wire with provision being made for a Lutron system
• New plumbing and heating installation, incorporating underfloor heating
• Installation of a Ground Source heating system which will supply the heating to the underfloor system and also heating the pool
• Supply and installation of new thermally efficient windows and doors
• Refurbishment to existing swimming pool, including the installation of a stretch ceiling
• Liaising with our clients nominated sub-contractors
• Liaising with our clients nominated suppliers
• Laying and fitting of our clients suppiled natural stone and ceramic tiles

Refurbishment of a large property in Harrogate has finally been completed.

The works briefly comprised -

• Building a new extension, to match the existing property, to accommodate a new swimming pool and sauna
• Strip walls of existing finishes and skim and re-paint (approx. 1000sq.mtrs)
• Upgrade the thermal efficiency of the existing property
• Extend the existing garage, which will be over two floors
• Install plank concrete flooring units
• Install a rainwater harvesting system
• Install solar panels
• Install and update the current heating system, including underfloor heating
• Strip out the existing electrical system and install new, throughout; this installation included audio wiring
• Install ornate glass canopies to both the car port and rear entrance
• Re-form the existing driveway and widen the gates, which included new automated gates to match the ornate car port
• Hard and soft landscaping incl. Summerhouse, natural stone paving, natural stone water feature, fencing, turfing etc.
• Refurbishment of the existing Victorian style greenhouse

Job Type:          Commercial New Build
Architect:         Wilson Kennett Partnership
Location:          Guiseley
Project Value:  Circa £750,000

This new, high specification factory development is on a sensitive brownfield site adjacent to a nature reserve, demanding a sympathetic approch to the design and construction.

The construction incorporates a SUDS drainage system to minimise flood water run off, while the exterior cladding and landscaping blend the boundry of the footprint with the established nature reserve.

The buildings are highly energy efficient, with underfloor heating for both factory and office space, combined with substantial levels of insulation and a highly airtight building envelope.

completed project

completed project - note gabions, these were necessary due to variations in levels

Job Type:  Commercial New Build
Architect: David Bruce
Location:  Grassington

The Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club, Grimwith Resevior

This new, two storey Boathouse for the Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club is located on the shore of Grimwith Reservoir, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The project includes excavations in shale and rock, constructing reinforced concrete foundations and tanked retaining walls before erecting a steel frame, clad with traditional cavity wall construction using stone and a pitched insulated composite steel roof panel overclad with a Yorkshire stone slate roof.
A large glazed screen and paved balcony with glass ballustrading was also constructed, so members can still benefit from the glorious surroundings in which the clubhouse is set.

There is both ground source and solar heating, which coupled with underfloor heating makes this an economical property to keep warm in the harsh conditions that are found at Grimwith.

The facility is expected to be opened by HRH Princess Anne in 2010.

You can visit the Sailing Clubs website by clicking on this link
Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club

Referral letter from the Commodore

Before work commenced

completed project

Apartments
Location – Centre of Harrogate

This particular project was a conversion of an existing office complex into 5 new modern apartments near the centre of Harrogate.

The works were completed in October 2009 and briefly comprised:

• Structural remodelling of the internals of the existing building.
• Formation of 4 apartments over 3 floors, within the exisiting building, and retaining quite a number of period features.
• New single storey extension formed traditionally with natural stone cavity walling and sawn stone features. This part of the development was to enlarge one of the apartments and also the communal entrance within the existing building.
• New two storey extension, formed traditionally with natural stone cavity walling and sawn stone features. This element of development was to form the 5th apartment.
• New sliding sash timber windows.
• New joinery manufactured timber winding staircases.
• Upgrading of the existing roof and formation of new roofs, all to match the existing roof coverings.
• Liasing with the utilities, due to the requirement of increased services to the development.
• Full re-wire to NICEIC requirements.
• Installation of independent gas central heating to each apartment.
• Installation of client supplied sanitaryware throughout, including laying of client supplied stone and ceramic tiles.
• Supply and installation of new kitchen units and appliances.

 

proposed elevation drawing

 

proposed elevation drawing