We were contracted by Pilgrims’ Friend Society in 2018 to deliver the project over a 38 week programme, creating spacious modern ensuite bedrooms and communal spaces to accommodate additional residents.
The care home remained open throughout the build process and it was imperative our team caused minimal disruption to the daily routines of residents and staff.
The building was constructed using traditional construction methods such as brick and block with a beam and bock ground floor and concrete plank first floor. Traditional sand and cement screed with underfloor heating throughout. The bricks were carefully selected to ensure they blended with the existing building, providing consistency and a smooth transition between old and new.
The roof was constructed using a mix of timber roof trusses and onsite traditional hand cut techniques, finished with an artificial slate tile to maintain existing appearance.
New doors and windows were also carefully selected to match existing products while achieving higher energy efficiency ratings. Energy efficiency was further maximised with stand-alone air source heat pumps.
Accessibility was key to this build, with specialist equipment including automated adjustable height baths and walk-in showers within the communal bathrooms. Walls were also built using concrete blocks and hard-set plaster to achieve acoustic properties for the privacy of residents and staff.
The ground floor communal leisure space was designed to be open and spacious with a large bifold door leading to an outdoor patio and secure landscaped garden. The first-floor leisure space doubled as a sensory suite with a fibreoptic ceiling to complete the effect. A large bay window was installed with views of the rolling countryside for resident enjoyment.
We were also appointed to conduct modernisation works throughout the existing building, including a new lounge and dining area, dividing walls and flooring throughout. A hair salon was created for resident use while the entire nurse call and fire alarm system was upgraded.
We are thrilled with the final result, providing residents with greater comfort and accessibility while minimising disruption throughout the build process.
A spokesperson for Pilgrims’ Friend Society said: “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all of your team’s hard work over the past months.
“You have been a real asset to our home while you have been here, and I really appreciate the hard work and friendly team spirit shown.
“The CQC were extremely impressed with the flow into our other areas and the finish of the work.”
