Fire Safety Engineers| FIFIELDS

Portfolio

Exeter University

Client: University of Exeter £477k

Value: £477k

Location: Exeter

Surveyor: Pick Everard

The project at the Washington Singer Building comprised the supply and installation of new flexible work and meetings spaces adequate for the University of Exeter students requirements.
The works included the removal of the walls, partitions, ceilings, fixtures and fittings from the existing areas and the isolation and disconnection of any mechanical and electrical services supplying the area.
The refurbished areas on the ground floor include the installation of new dryline walls with skim, metal stud partitions, the uncovering of existing windows in the flexible meeting and breakout areas, alterations to the existing concrete floor, new M&E services including lighting, power, data and ventilation, new suspended ceilings, acoustic ceiling rafts, vinyl floor finishes and new decoration throughout.
New bespoke steel and timber feature walls were manufactured and installed and secondary stage glazing fitted to all the existing windows.
A new DDA disabled toilet facility has been installed with new floor finishes, hygienic wall cladding, M&E services and decorations.
All new M&E services installed have been programmed to operate via the existing University Building Management System (BMS).
The project was completed in a time frame of 15 weeks during the summer term break.

Wonford House, Exeter

In 2017, Fifields Construction carried out a refurbishment of the ground floor ward within the Grade II listed building at Wonford House Hospital, transforming the existing area for use as an interim Mother and Baby unit.

The works were carried out whilst the building remained in full operation throughout the contract phase. Care and consideration was paramount due to the delicate nature of the building.

The site area was segregated from the remaining building with internal and external hoarding and noisy activities were undertaken at specific times arranged with the end user including out of hours working where required.

The works comprised demolitions to the existing area, ready for the installation of new drainage, block and beam floors, new mechanical and electrical services, internal finishes, flooring and decorations.

The works were completed in a time-frame of 17 weeks.

MRI Building - Exeter University

The Exeter University MR Research Centre is a collaboration of the University of Exeter, the Exeter Medical School and the University of Plymouth.

In 2020, Fifields Construction were appointed to undertake the refurbishment of the existing MRI suite on the St Luke’s Campus, allowing for the formation of a new open plan office. The works were undertaken whilst the building remained in use, requiring care and consideration to the existing building users whilst the construction works were completed.

The works comprised the removal of existing services, ceilings, partitions and floor details. New openings were created to allow for the installation of new structural steels, brickwork and lintels.

Internally the works included new plastering, mechanical and electrical services, new ceilings, decorations, floor finishes and a new tea point.

External works comprised excavations to allow the installation of new drainage, new retaining walls, new paving and fencing.

Additionally we undertook the removal of the existing MRI machine located on site. This required clear co-ordination and delicate attention to ensure the safe removal of the high value equipment.

The Salcombe

In 2018, Fifields Construction undertook a large-scale refurbishment and upgrade project at the Salcombe apartments.

The works comprised the refurbishment of the interior building including new plastering, decorations, fire stopping works, fire rated doorsets, as well as new mechanical and electrical installations and alterations.

A fully encompassing scaffold was constructed around the entire perimeter of the building to enable the external works to be carried out. External works comprised new bespoke balcony rails, guttering and the painting of the building. New waterproof decking was also installed.

Over 40 new fire rated oak veneer door sets were installed and signed off under Firas regulations providing increased fire safety to the building.

The works were carried out and completed in a safe and considered method, whilst the apartments remained partially in use by the tenants of the building. A restaurant below the apartment building was also kept in full operation througout the contract phase. Through effective communication with the project team and the tenents, we were able to complete the works with minimal disruption to the buildings tenants and the surrounding businesses.

Rockfish, Exeter

In the summer of 2018, Fifields Construction delivered a purpose built restaurant for Rockfish, an established chain of seafood restaurants based in Devon. The restaurant is sited on the prestigious Exeter Quay, and is a fantastic addition to an already beautiful area.

The project was comprised of the construction of a single storey steel frame glass pavilion, with a stone central section that rises through the restaurant area and out of the roof.

Works included structural steel work, brickwork, carpentry, roofing, ventilation and mechanical and electrical services into the building.

The works were carried out in a highly populated area with heavy foot traffic throughout, requiring the highest standards of health and safety and effective co-operation with the surrounding tenants.

Multiple local businesses operating in the adjacent buildings were kept in operation throughout the construction phase, with Fifields Construction ensuring that no negative impact was received to their day to day operations during the construction phase.

The project was delivered in conjunction with surveyors W.T. Hills Ltd

The Ocean Building, Lampard School

In 2021, Fifields were awarded a project at the Lampard Community School, Barnstaple to undertake ‘Phase A’ comprising the internal refurbishment of the existing school and the replacement of the existing roof overlay.

Following the successful completion of ‘Phase A’ Fifields were able to negotiate the following Phases (B & C) which commenced in January 2022.

The Phase B works comprised the construction of a new build two-storey accommodation block, with associated hard landscaping and the relocation of the soft play area and sensory trail. The new build is comprised of a brickwork superstructure with new roof coverings, windcatchers and an external staircase to the flat roof.

The Phase C works comprised the conversion of the existing changing rooms into a single medical room. Alteration works to the music store were completed, creating a new entrance to the new extension. Additional works also included the conversion of the existing drama room into a new Library/ICT area.

The works were completed both in term and out of term time. The school is catered to children aged 5-16 with complex needs. Working in sensitive areas such as schools requires extensive planning and preparation to ensure that the requirements of the building are fully accommodated and understood. The additional vulnerability of the children at the school required Fifields to undertake this project with extensive care and consideration.

Through the efforts of our site team and the close co-ordination of all those involved, we were able to deliver this extensive project in a safe and effective manner, delivering a high quality finish. The staff and pupils of the school were pleasant and helpful throughout the contract phase and we hope that the local community benefits from this fantastic project we were honoured to be involved with.

Newton Abbot College

At Fifields Construction we pride ourselves on our established reputation, delivering successful building schemes within the educational sector.

One such example of this was demonstrated through our project at the Newton Abbot College, which comprised the demolition of the existing dance studio and maths classroom, and the construction of a new dance studio and maths block.

Materials used for the project included new cedar boarding with render and multi-coloured Trespa panels complementing the external facade

Localised external works including landscaping and reinstatements to the areas of the demolished classroom were also delivered.

The project was completed both in and out of term time, requiring Fifields Construction to operate a fully functioning site during regular school hours without disrupting the day to day
operations of the school.

This was carried out successfully through effective site co-ordination, impeccable health and safety and a well organised and highly communicative project team.

Chumleigh College

Fifields Construction were awarded a contract by the Chulmleigh Academy Trust for the development of a new single storey classroom block at the Chulmleigh Community College, a mixed secondary school.

The works comprised the construction of a single storey classroom block and separate WC block with a store-room to form a part of the existing college.

The extension was built on concrete foundations with a steel frame construction and a timber roof structure and ply deck with metal pitched roof coverings as well as new aluminium windows. Externally, the building is finished with cladding and K-Rend render.

Internally the building has been fitted with underfloor heating as well as new mechanical and electrical services, suspended ceilings with new decorations and floor finishes and a new purpose made kitchen provided and installed by a specialist subcontractor under the supervision of Fifields Construction.

The project was completed within a timescale of 24 weeks and was carried out both in and out of term time. Working in this sensitive occupied environment required clear and careful co-ordination, flexible planning and effective site management to ensure the delivery of a high-quality construction project.

Barton Surgery

From 2016 to 2017 Fifields Construction delivered a project comprising the construction of a four-storey extension to the existing doctors surgery at the Barton Surgery, Dawlish.

The works included the creation of nine new consulting rooms, a doctor’s room and disabled WC’s on the ground and lower ground floors. Also included was the formation of a new Lloyds Pharmacy on the first floor, with a staff area and glazed conference room on the second floor.

Externally, the construction was made up of blockwork and coloured pro-rend, with the higher level constructed of profile metal cladding with aluminium double-glazed windows.

Refurbishment works to the existing doctor’s rooms and consulting rooms were negotiated and carried out whilst the main contract works were in progress.

The contract was carried out whilst the existing surgery remained in operation at all times. Through careful planning, clear communication and effective workmanship, Fifields Construction were able to eliminate any disruption to the day to day operations of the practice, receiving maximum praise from the client at the end of the project.

Magdalen Road Almshouses

Fifields Construction are known for their versatility and their ability to operate across a multitude of sectors within the construction industry. In 2015, we were instructed to undertake a large-scale refurbishment and remodelling scheme at the historic Magdalen Road Almshouses.

The works were split into separate phases, with the first phase comprising the demolition of the existing four ground floor extensions. Internal refurbishments of the eight ground floor flats were completed, which included new secondary

double glazing, mechanical & electrical services, kitchens and bathrooms.

Internal and external decorations were completed including new floor finishes throughout the building.

Additional works included an element of external lime mortar re-pointing and rear garden landscaping works.

The second phase was negotiated and comprised the conversion and remodelling from eight into five first floor flats, providing two-bedroom flats with larger living areas.

The project was completed for the Exeter Homes Trust.

Atkinson Secure Children’s Home

In 2022, Fifields Construction completed the Phase 1 refurbishment of six young persons bedrooms and bathrooms at the Atkinson Secure Children’s Home.

The Atkinson Secure Children’s Home (also known as the Atkinson Unit) is a national purpose-built secure children’s home managed by Devon County Council. The home accommodates young people aged between 10 and 17 years old, who come from troubled backgrounds or have specific mental health and welfare requirements.

The sensitive nature of the site required Fifields and our subcontractors to exert extreme care and attention at all times, due to the high-risk nature of the site and the vulnerable nature of the occupants. Tools and materials had to be securely stored whilst working and the Fifields Construction site operatives were required to be flexible and accommodating with their working practices, due to the regular occurrence of the site having to lock down due to the daily operations of the facility.

The works included the strip out and disposal of all existing fixtures and fittings in each room. New concealed M&E services have been provided, as well as new en-suite bathrooms, wall cladding throughout, door openings, thresholds, resin flooring, seating and decorations.

Due to the nature of the facility each room has been designed with robust hardware. The internal walls, bed frames and storage units in each room have been constructed from Corian due to its anti-vandal properties. Each bathroom pod is constructed using anti-ligature fixtures and fittings to ensure the safety of the residents.

Overall, the home have been left with a high-quality refurbishment which will benefit the staff and residents alike. The positive completion of this phase allowed Fifields to successfully negotiate and deliver the second phase works in 2023.

24/25 Boscawen Street, Truro

In early 2022, Fifields Construction were appointed as Principal Contractor to undertake the conversion and refurbishment of 24/25 Boscawen Street, Truro.

The site is located on the main high street in Truro, which is home to various retailers, stores and other outlets.

The works comprised the conversion of the first and second floors, adapting them into four apartments featuring two bedrooms each. The existing retail units on the ground floor were adapted and refurbished to accommodate the new retailers occupying each building.

Works to the ground floor shop areas included the removal and disposal of all existing fixtures, fittings and partitions. New fire protection has been installed throughout the area to ensure satisfactory fire stopping materials have been applied in line with current regulations. New electrical and mechanical services have been installed as well as new ceilings, doorsets, floor finishes and decorations.

Works to the first and second floor apartments comprised demolitions to create the new living areas, structural works, a new floor area to replace the former staircase location, new mechanical and electrical works, tiling, glazing, floor coverings and decorations throughout.

External works included the painting of the front elevations to the building, replacement of existing dormer windows, installation of new smoke ventilation, window refurbishments and the decoration of rainwater goods, windows etc.

Overall the building has been optimised into a dual purpose premises, completely transforming it into a modern retail/residential building with a high quality finish throughout.

The Old Farmhouse, Stoodleigh

In 2018, Fifields Construction were appointed as Principal Contractors to undertake the refurbishment of a residential property at Stoodleigh, Devon.

The project comprised internal and external alterations, new window openings and an oak framed porch extension. As part of the project, refurbishment and repairs were carried out to the existing windows, with adjustments to the re-hanging of existing and the supply and installation of new timber doors, new plastering and skim, tiling, painting and decorations along with a full mechanical and electrical package.

Extensive roofing works were also completed as part of the project, which included the adaptation and re-slating of the single storey building and roofing works to the two-storey building. These roofing works included the removal of the rooflights and installation of new localised repairs and adjustments to the roof structure.

The project was carried out and completed with the client present and living on site at all times in an ancillary property. The effective organisation and comprehensive communication of the project team ensured they were kept informed and up to speed with the progress of the job at all times.

Digby Road, Sherborne

Constructed in 2018, Fifields Construction were appointed to deliver a project providing a new commercial building, comprising two linked blocks containing four offices at Digby Road, Sherborne.

The building is comprised of a block wall construction with stone walls on the ground floor. Internally the building features concrete staircases and hardwood windows and doors. The sloping roof has been fitted with Redland clay tiles.

Internally the building features new mechanical and electrical services, suspended ceilings, decorations and floor finishes.

The project also required intrusive works to the adjacent Tamburino’s restaurant building which were completed with minimal disruption to the day to day operations of the business.

The building was constructed adjacent to various existing premises and occupied buildings, all of which remained in operation throughout the construction phase.

The project was carried out with the care and consideration of the surrounding residents in mind, ensuring that any potential impact to their day to day operations was mitigated through the careful planning of the Fifields Construction project team.

Residential New Build - Exeter

Constructed in 2018, Fifields Construction were appointed to deliver a project providing a new commercial building, comprising two linked blocks containing four offices at Digby Road, Sherborne.

Internally the building features new mechanical and electrical services, suspended ceilings, decorations and floor finishes.

The project also required intrusive works to the adjacent Tamburino’s restaurant building which were completed with minimal disruption to the day to day operations of the business.

The building was constructed adjacent to various existing premises and occupied buildings, all of which remained in operation throughout the construction phase.

Braunton Academy

Braunton Academy is a co-educational secondary school with academy status located in North Devon.

Appointed by TFQ Architects in 2016 as the principal contractor, Fifields Construction undertook the refurbishment and general repair of the main quadrangle building.

The project was completed in September 2016 with works including the complete replacement of the heating system, the re-covering of the flat roof area, the renewal of roof fascia’s, soffits and new rain-water goods.

The project was required to be completed within a narrow time frame of 8 weeks during the summer term. We were able to

carry out the job on a fast track basis, achieving the target deadline whilst still delivering the project within budget and to the highest possible quality.

As Principal Contractors, Fifields Construction managed all trades of the project from start to finish and maintained a continual site presence, managing and co-ordinating trades with all direct building works.

Cockwood Primary School

Fifields Construction were proud to have been part of a project at Cockwood Primary School in 2023 to provide new teaching spaces and an extended library to the existing school.

The works comprised the creation of two new first floor extensions and extensive reconfiguration works to the ground floor area, allowing for a relocated staircase to improve access and egress to the new first floor spaces.

The project was completed across a period of 22 weeks, both in term time and during the summer break. Working during the term time required Fifields Construction to ensure that comprehensive segregation and health and safety arrangements were implemented to ensure the safety of the staff, students and visitors. Extensive safeguarding measures were also implemented, including a bespoke code of conduct for operating in the school and DBS checks for all site staff.

The construction works comprised the removal and safe disposal of the existing mezzanine, partitions, doorways, suspended ceilings and skylight.

The new installation comprised new foundations, structural steelwork, timber floor joists, a new staircase and a new timber roof structure as well as other various building works. The new extension features new external cladding and rainwater goods throughout.

Other internal works included new stud wall partitions, extensive mechanical and electrical services throughout and new fire rated doorsets installed and signed off in accordance with the Firas regulations.

Overall, the school are thoroughly pleased with the new installation as well as the contract phase itself, which they remarked had been one of the smoothest construction processes they had been involved with.

Salvation Army Temple, Exeter

In July 2023, FIfields Construction were delighted to commence a project at the Salvation Army Temple in Exeter, which comprises extensive external and internal refurbishments and repairs.

The project features a large scaffold system around each elevation of the building with extensive re-roofing works including the removal of existing roof coverings and associated materials to allow for the installation of new roof coverings and solar photovoltaic panels. Other external works include the clearance of existing rainwater goods and external redecorations.

Internal works comprise the complete refurbishment of the internal area of the building. All existing partitions, fixtures, fittings and units have been removed and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.

Additional structural steelwork has been installed to provide additional structural support to the new installation. New partition walls have been constructed as well as new mechanical and electrical services throughout the entire building.

A new lift shaft will be installed and the building will be finished with new skim and plaster with decorations and floor finishes.

All the windows in the building will be replaced with a mixture of new sash and casement double glazed timber windows. Extensive fire stopping work will be undertaken throughout the building, including the supply and installation of new fire rated doorsets which will be installed by Fifields Construction and signed off under the companies Firas accreditation.

The project is currently in progress with an anticipated completion date of Q2 2024.