AB Conduit Building Ltd

To fully renovate a 13th Century old hunting lodge, into an 8 bedroom retreat space and hotel.

The building was designed with local architects and included work with Structural Engineers, Ecologists, Asbestos Specialists and Conservation Officers.

The works included a wide range of traditional and modern building construction methods which added to the challenging project, merging the new and old elements.

One of the main challenges to manage the key relationships was overcoming the requirements of the listing building and need for input in relation to the structure, ecology, fire and services whilst trying to work with a limited budget and timescale.

I think it is fair to say within the last two years the construction industry has changed.

In some instances we actually incurred a loss where fixed contract pricing did not allow for such a big increase.

There was a huge issue with supply with the problems stemming from Brexit and of course covid. These supply shortages and delays have been a unwanted disruption to operations as fixed contracts have also come with time clauses and penalties for over running.

We went to great lengths to maintain good communication with the client when these disruptions happened to allow us extension of time to the contract.

The measures we introduced to the construction sites were extensive and the PPE enforced is something we still adopt to maintain a clean and healthy workforce.

These pictures were taken as part of an inspection on 14/07/2022 by RISA on behalf of the Federation of Master Builders and the work is ongoing on site. 

The manor house is being converted, with all the original features restored and an oak extension to the dining area.

The original walls are being plastered with horse or goat hair and lime mortar. 

Oak flooring is being fitted to the first floor with handmade cupboards, bath and kitchen units installed.

The homeowner wanted as much ecologically friendly practises to the property, a heating system that uses wood chip has been installed. 

They are reusing as many of the old materials as they can and have built a shower and WC block or the glazing sight.