Freedom House

THE PROJECT

Built in the back garden of the existing headquarters, the new venue will be the home of Sunday Service and act as a flexible space for meetings and projects allowing the church to grow.

The project was the subject of a complex planning approval process within the Bath conservation area. Beard was instrumental in the discharge of outstanding conditions, working closely with the church to achieve savings and make the scheme affordable.

The extensive external works include raising of levels, block paving and copper cladding to the exterior of the building. Internal mechanical and electrical works were installed with a sliding partition for a viewing gallery from the mezzanine floor.

The team were great, very proactive and communicated well with us. We were very impressed with how hard the team at Beard worked. We would be keen to work with Beard on future projects. Betsy de Thierry, Senior Pastor, Freedom Bath & Bristol

£2.3 M

CONTRACT VALUE

36 WEEKS

CONTRACT DURATION

Customer

Freedom Bath & Bristol

Architect

SRA Architects

Quantity Surveyor

Edmond Shipway

Form of Contract

JCT Design & Build 2016

CHALLENGES

From the outset, Beard worked closely with supply chain partners and the incumbent design team to keep the scheme affordable. Value engineering included:

The substitution of the copper cladding in a cassette from for a more efficient standing-seam version

The use of air-sock ventilation in the main auditorium

SOLUTIONS

Although the project was hindered by a long and protracted planning process, the collaboration of the project team with BaNES planning department ensured the re-engineered scheme was acceptable and permission granted without any further delay to the project. Several site constraints were overcome:

The close proximity to the River Avon led to temporary flood defences having to be installed and an amount of de-watering was needed so that the substructure could be constructed

The 80ft crane needed to erect the structural steel frame was the subject of meticulous planning, with only inches of clearance on the site approach road

It was of paramount importance that there was regular engagement between the construction team and the children who attend the centre. Regular site visits were accommodated for the children and for the congregation after Sunday Service. The Beard team embedded themselves in church activities and attended a number of services.