Oaklands

Changes in specification: The client made various upgrades and amendments throughout the build. From new openings, alterations to kitchens and bathrooms, different electrical positions, changes were needed right into the late stages of development. We worked with the client to make these changes a stress free reality, no matter what challenges the site team faced.

Foundations: The backland had previously been covered with trees, so the foundations were complex, deep and wide, with unstable ground conditions. On a job like this, safety is paramount. We followed the foundation designs as closely as possible and used temporary propping where required.

Steep roof pitch: Oaklands’ steep roofs were difficult and potentially dangerous to lay. We erected extra scaffolding and the roofing contractors were secured with harnesses.

Levels: The client decided at a late stage to change all the levels on the site from the original drawings. This might seem like an issue, but it actually made the buildings a lot better. Road, pavement, drive levels and gardens all needed changing to match. Retaining walls needed to be installed in nearly every garden, and the drainage system needed to be changed. We overcame this by working closely with the engineers to agree the best design and to get more men on-site so these works could be completed with minimal impact.

Bricks: We had the brick order cancelled due to manufacturing issues seven days before we were due to start bricklaying. We managed to find a nearly exact match that could be imported from the south of France which met with British Standards and they arrived just before the bricklayers. These cost 20% more but Enrok took on the costs and didn’t pass them on to the client.