CLIENT: PRIVATE
CONTRACT VALUE: £340k
ARCHITECT: VICTORIA HOLLAND ARCHITECTS
SECTOR: RESIDENTIAL
EXPERTISE: REFURBISHMENT, M&E
Vale Southern Construction transformed the interior of a large, detached house in the Surrey Hills.
The Brief
The owners of this large, detached house were seeking to overhaul the interior of their 1950s property. The aim was to create an environment which would enable them to both live and work at home. It was important that all improvements complemented the property’s traditional architecture and that appropriate building services were in place to increase comfort and energy efficiency.
A collaborative approach
The refurbishment was designed by Victoria Holland Architects, a firm which had worked with Vale Southern before, transforming the interior of Hambledon House, a nine-bedroom country home in Surrey.
Following the success of this project, Vale Southern was appointed to deliver the new brief, which saw the team work closely with the architects, homeowner, and specialist joiners to ensure a successful outcome.
Working to a tight 16-week programme, Vale Southern refurbished every room in the 380 sq m family home. All four bedrooms and bathrooms were refitted, and a high-end kitchen installed. A library, drawing room and utility area were also refreshed and a new snug created.
The fit out included the levelling of floors and new tiling as well as a significant amount of high-end joinery. Using traditional methods, specialist joiners D.G. Clifton & Son, created a range of wooden furniture throughout the home, including bespoke cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Adding to the scope of works was a new M&E package. This saw Vale Southern upgrade electrical services and install WIFI boosters, new lighting, radiators, and an air conditioning unit in the master bathroom, hidden by a new ceiling. The property’s plant room was also stripped out and renewed.
Overcoming challenges
Situated at the end of a very long and narrow driveway, the property presented logistical challenges for the Vale Southern team. Lorries were unable to access the site requiring deliveries to be carefully planned and managed.
Furthermore, the homeowners lived in a cottage within the property’s grounds while the work took place. The Vale Southern team put a construction programme in place that minimised disruption and ensured the client was kept informed throughout.
Going above and beyond
Commenting on the project’s success, the homeowner said: “Vale Southern’s site manager did a fantastic job. He was full of energy and absolutely committed to completing the project to its deadline. His site management skills were excellent, and he put in whatever hours were required to ensure the week’s tasks were completed – which involved some very long days at certain stages. His particular strength was his constant focus on understanding what we wanted to achieve and ensuring this was delivered.
“The Vale Southern team worked very hard to make sure costs were well controlled. They were particularly effective at managing situations where there was conflict between design proposals and building constraints, ensuring costs were proportionate to benefits.
“We have no hesitation in recommending Vale Southern. It is a very professional and well-run company, and we intend to use them again for a rebuilding project in another property.”