Originally a Victorian hospital built in the 1890s, the imposing Gladstone House has been converted in recent years to luxury residential apartments. Naturally, a building of this type needs careful maintenance and when it became apparent that essential external works were required, Home Approved was called in to assess and manage the repairs, maintenance and decoration, whilst ensuring that the integral character and heritage of the building wouldn’t be compromised.

Scope of works

Suffering fabric deterioration, all external elevations required repair and decoration, including:

• Replacement of approximately 95 spalled imperial red bricks to match the existing façade.
• Timber repairs to mullions, sills, box frames, fascias and soffits.
• Treatment and removal of mould, lichen and moss from external surfaces.
• Resealing of window and door perimeters with new flexible mastic seals.
• Repainting of all metalwork, including balconies, gutters and downpipes.

An extensive project, the scope of works also required full site protection, scaffolding, welfare facilities and waste management.

An experienced project manager knows how to take the strain and run everything smoothly. Regardless of the size, value or complexity of the build project, a project manager’s priority is to ensure the works progress efficiently and cost-effectively, setting out a cohesive plan from beginning to end that will minimise issues on site and ensuring that contractors and/or sub-contractors are brought in at the right time. Throughout the project, the works will be closely monitored for quality and adherence to specifications, which also helps ensure the project is kept on track in terms of timings. This, ultimately, contributes to the all-important cost control – minimising downtime, catching possible issues early, checking works meet the necessary standards all have a critical impact on budget.

What we did

This seemingly straightforward project presented several challenges from the outset. The building’s heritage demanded sensitive handling of materials and finishes to ensure a perfect match to the original external detailing. No health & safety file existed, which required thorough and comprehensive hazard assessments before any work could commence. And, mindful of disruption to residents and neighbours, the schedule of works had to be planned in accordance with noise restriction and within strict hours. Additionally, the building’s location within pristine parkland meant that grassed areas had to be protected and the use of heavy vehicles carefully controlled.

We prepared a comprehensive specification for contractors, providing precise instruction on material types, preparation methods and application processes. Despite it being a Victorian building, we also ensured that all works would comply with current British Standards and best practice. The project was completed over two phases to manage access and minimise disruption – the upper floors in summer 2024, the ground floor the following summer.

Throughout the project, we oversaw all elements of repair and decoration to ensure contractors conformed with CDM 2015 regulations, including provision of welfare facilities, site security, and health & safety measures. Regular inspections were conducted, ensuring the very highest quality standards along with checking that everything seamlessly matched the original.

Outcome

Successfully delivered on time and within budget, the project was completed within a contract period of 10-12 weeks following a 4-week lead-in. The building’s Victorian aesthetic was expertly preserved through careful selection of materials and the excellent craftsmanship of all contractors involved. Effective management of risk and disruption gave residents peace of mind and meant day-to-day living wasn’t negatively affected.

Client benefits

This was a project where costs could easily have spiralled without extensive financial planning. Our detailed scope of works with provisional costs and contingency allowance provided transparency.

Forensic management of all technical, logistical and contractual elements kept the project on track. Andour expertise and knowledge delivered robust repairs without destroying any of the architectural features that give Gladstone House its wonderful character – the ultimate in value for money for a project of this type.