Our challenge was to fit the building into a restricted site on the Brunel Street Works development. The planning was agreed late, which meant there was a short timeframe and the build programme had to be accelerated.
To lift the building into place, each module had to be moved using the site crane with a seven-tonne limit. This meant that the modules couldn’t be assembled in the factory and consequently more contractors were required on site to complete the project on time. This proved a challenge for our team to overcome, due to restricted working hours, with no parking or delivery area on site. Luckily, we’re used to overcoming obstacles and maximised our resources to complete the work on site, with some of the team staying close by to ensure easier access to the site.
The building comprises a two-bedroom show apartment on the first floor and a ground floor marketing and sales suite. A huge 3D model of the development is the centrepiece of the sales space, together with large touch screens to help visitors visualise their potential new home.
Bespoke furniture and interior design emulate the industrial heritage of renowned engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel – the development’s namesake. To give an urban feel we installed a striking corten steel-effect backwall, blackened steel industrial frames with reeded glass panels, alongside concrete-effect wall coverings and industrial light fittings.
The off-site build took four weeks and we had just four weeks on site. The stunning building was completed the day before a big launch event, where they sold 25 apartments in the first day!