My project

I am managing the construction of this design and build project for affordable housing developer, Chase Partnership Homes whose client is housing and regeneration group, Midland Heart.

Designed for individuals under the care of the Thomas Pocklington Trust, the apartment scheme will also include a hairdressers, restaurant, shop, launderette, guest/staff rooms and library. Considering this two acre site previously comprised dilapidated council houses and an electricity substation, the new development will go a long way towards regenerating the area.

Chase has been on site since April 2006 and is on target to complete building works by December 2007. This is in good time for the residents to move from their current premises Pocklington Place, Hole Lane, Northfield which is due to be demolished in January and redeveloped for housing.

Chase has kept within programme and on budget by constantly focusing on the design and the details of the project, whilst also developing a close working relationship with both the client and end user. In addition, our supply chain and the quality of our subcontractors are continually monitored to ensure the highest standards are achieved. At any one time there are up to 85 individuals working on site, including me, my two managers and one foreman.

Considerations

Due to the requirements of the end-user, the project requires a different approach to ‘standard build’. DDA regulations have played an important part, with particular consideration given to colour scheme, signage and interior layout.

Colour is important because it can help the residents to distinguish whether a door is open or closed, to see where the walls meet the skirting boards, where stairs meet the floor and enables them to easily find a hand rail.

Across the entire building, a colour schedule was strictly adhered to, including elements such as pastel walls with contrasting bright blue handrails and signage. At the same time, measuring 150mm, the door numerals are larger than standard and light switches, at 900 mm, are not full linear compliant.

Lighting and sound play their part, for example, the lights should reflect off surfaces in a particular way to avoid any brightness obscuring the user’s vision. Whilst, in addition to standard emergency alarms, each apartment is fitted with a pull chord system that instantly activates the warden’s mobile.

Challenges

Obviously the most recent challenge has been the extreme weather conditions. However, we did manage to get the roof on before the July rainfall struck Birmingham.

Health and safety has always been a priority and particularly during the first three months of starting building works when – whilst building its replacement – we had to work around the existing electricity substation in the centre of the site. The fact that, at the time, it serviced the entire population of Northfield meant that extreme caution was taken.

Community awareness

With so many visually impaired people set to move into the area, Chase felt it important to communicate their needs to the local community. We therefore teamed up with the local primary - “Bellfield Junior School” - to carry out an awareness raising campaign with the children.

This all started in December 2006 when the children attended workshops, hosted by care supervisors from the Thomas Pocklington Trust, explaining what life was like living with impaired eyesight. This was followed by the art class creating tactile and colourful Christmas presents designed especially for partially sighted people. The activities concluded at Pocklington Place, where the children held a carol concert for the residents.

The second phase of activities saw the school design and make wind chimes, which will eventually be hung in the gardens of the new premises. This took place in June, along with a site visit for the children where they were able to see the special facilities for themselves and learn about safety on site. The windchimes will be presented to the new residents when they move into their new premises in December time.

There is no doubt that initiatives like these and working on a project with such special end-user requirements make my job that much more fulfilling.