Finalist |
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Category: Residential under 4 storeys |
Having successfully brought in several sheltered housing schemes, David Betts was the perfect choice for this project to build a housing scheme for frail, elderly and mentally infirm residents with round-the-clock care.
Sheltered bungalow housing was already part of the site, which was to be extended by the construction of single-, two- and three-storey wings around a central sensory garden area. The natural gradient of the site was reduced to one level, and a covered walkway installed to link the existing bungalows to the new scheme and its facilities and activities. As well as flats, the project created communal areas and facilities, such as a dining and sitting area, a mezzanine walkway with shops, a computer room and a hairdresser's.
Having plenty of experience of projects of this type, David made it a priority to build from the outset a team that would work closely with each other and for the project. He appointed subcontractors from three other design and build jobs for the client to provide specialist equipment (ceiling hoists, warden call systems, lifts, automatic doors, assisted baths) as well as timber frame construction and glulam beams.
David maintained close control over trade co-ordination, kept lines of communication in constant use, and made sure that his subcontractors were always on track to achieve the programme dates. He co-ordinated the design team, cross-checking drawings and providing his own sketches with details and dimensions to ensure trouble-free installations and to fill in any technical information gaps onsite.
With cost-saving suggestions such as dispensing with a tower crane in favour of teleported forklifts and mobile cranes when required, David showed all the benefits a project can gain from a construction manager's experience. In David's case, that's 43 years in the business after starting out as an apprentice carpenter. All in all, David brought plenty to this particular party.
