Prinknash Court, Yate, South Gloucestershire – Alteration and Refurbishment

Key Facts

Client: Merlin Housing Society
Value: £716k
Sector: Residential
Architect: Kendall Kingscott, Bristol
Programme: 42 weeks

Scope of Work: Reducing 18 no. 1 bedroom and bedsitter flats to 15 no. remodelled 1 and 2 bedroom flats including new bathrooms and kitchens, new communal lounge and kitchen and new scooter store. External windows and doors were also replaced.

This is a retirement/sheltered housing scheme owned by Merlin Housing Society, for those in excess of 60 years of age.

Following Government policy to eliminate bedsit accommodation for the elderly, all floor layouts were remodelled providing up to the minute facilities for walk-in shower bathrooms and new kitchens provided with built-in washer/driers.

The existing laundry was removed and a scooter store for the more immobile residents was introduced in its place.

The communal lounge/ kitchen were totally refurbished with new fittings and furniture to make it more welcoming.

In 1980 when the property was built much internal facing brick was used in the communal areas, making the premises rather stark and austere. Some brick was exposed and in other areas this was painted.

As part of the refurbishment and alteration works, brickwork was plastered over and painted, which together with suspended ceilings, provides an air of tranquillity and greater ambiance.

Other works included replacement of external doors and windows. Mechanical and electrical engineering works included new heating systems, air extraction, fire alarms and intruder alarms.

The works were phased so that many residents could remain insitu, leaving Oakland Construction to work as expediously as possible. Close liaison between the Site Manager and remaining residents helped to relive any anxieties that may arise during the contract.

Careful and sensitive site management was of paramount importance in order to protect the client and leave the residents comforted.