- Schools
- Hospitals
- Churches
- Private Homes
- Colleges
- Doctor Surgeries
- Sports Centres
- Offices
- Universities
- Museums
- Swimming Pools
- Galleries
Our work covers both the public and private sectors.
From special works (up to £1.5m) to major (up to £25m) projects we have an experienced team who can meet your requirements. Successful projects require successful relationships between clients, designers, employees, suppliers and subcontractors, and to this end, we promote a 'partnership' approach based on trust and mutual respect amongst all parties.
As considerate contractors we not only aim to achieve high standards, timely completions and on target budgets but to build with minimal disruption. We have been members of the Considerate Constructors scheme for many years and our projects are registered under the programme.
We use a wide range of specialist subcontractors with whom we work on a regular basis. In addition to this we have our sister company, Cheesman Joinery to create hand crafted bespoke pieces for individual projects.
Each contract is managed in line with our quality assurance (9001), health and safety (CHAS) and environmental (14001) systems’, ensuring a successful delivery and high standard is maintained from start to finish.
Our team of managers have considerable experience within the construction industry and are appropriately qualified professionals. Many have served over 10 years’ service with the company. We maintain a nucleus of craftsmen within most of the trades, but where necessary work will be carried out using specialist sub-contractors with whom we have an established relationship.
A recently completed major project is the stylish Turner Contemporary in Margate, designed by David Chipperfield and opened in April 2011. Other major works include projects at Eastbourne College, the University of Kent, a super-prime residential property in Holland Park and the Westcroft Leisure Centre for the London Borough of Sutton.
Further examples of recent contracts covering our experience within each sector can be seen within the project pages.
The team undertakes commissions for all types of new build, refurbishment and extension of buildings in the ecclesiastical, residential, commercial, industrial, educational, health, leisure and recreation sectors. Their aim is to work closely with the client and other project experts in order to ensure a successful outcome for the scheme.
Listed building projects are regularly undertaken by the team, requiring management of skilled tradesmen and working with specialist materials and techniques.
The special works team success can be measured by the fact that clients continually return to us with new projects each year.
Recent projects include contracts at Basing House in Hampshire, summer holiday refurbishment works at a number of schools in Merton and Sutton and a fast track extension and refurbishment project at Squires Garden Centre in Badshot Lea.
Working closely with the design team and client’s representative, we are able to provide advice on a full range of issues such as methods of construction; construction details; buildability; programme and procurement. This is aided by our close relationships with subcontractors, who are invited to put forward their ideas and solutions as part of the construction team. Incorporating this expertise into the scheme design results in:
- Problems ‘designed-out’ before reaching site
- Economic and workable design solutions, ‘owned’ by the building user
- Minimum modifications during construction
- Incorporation of latest construction technology and materials and ultimately
- Reduction in the construction period
- Reduction in construction costs
Our team has experience in all forms of contract and market sectors to ensure an on time and budget delivery.
The flexibility of a Design & Build contract allows us to work closely with our client to produce a building custom made to suit their particular requirements. We provide a single point of contact for our clients
In recent years, Durtnell’s Design and Build division has grown substantially, undertaking a diverse range of projects that include commercial office space, leisure centres, residential projects and school extensions.
Continuing the Durtnell company philosophy of delivering quality and value, the design and build team’s aim is to work as one with the customer, their employer’s agent and other project experts in order to deliver the best facility with the funds available from concept to completion.
We will establish a thorough understanding of our clients requirements and needs from the start to bring together the most appropriate team. Taking sole responsibility for the project we will drive it through from initial concept designs to final completion. Our positive and proactive approach to teamwork encourages involvement from all parties and consequently improves the end result for the customer.
Recent new build schemes include a 100m long classroom building at Burlington Danes Academy in London, an award winning home in Dulwich and the Turner Contemporary in Margate. We are also on site at a number of Schools for the London Borough of Sutton and Merton providing new classrooms and teaching facilities for the pupils.
We pay particular consideration to those affected by the construction process and our impact on the local environment. Where appropriate we undertake consultation with neighbours regarding site activity from pre-start to final handover, providing site information and viewing facilities where practical.
Our sites are kept in good order and the surrounding area is kept free from mud and other construction debris, paying careful attention to waste and noise management. We have a very strict policy with regard to conduct on site and loud or derogatory behaviour is not tolerated from directly employed staff or subcontractors.
Safety is one of our top priorities, ensuring that all construction operations and vehicle movements are carried out with care for the safety of passers-by and site personnel.
Many extensions are carried out in occupied premises and our procedures for carrying out these works are highly effective being borne out by our enviable and excellent safety record. When working within occupied premises we consider, liaison, programming and planning and health and safety as the major items which need to be addressed to ensure that our Client’s staff and members of the public are safe and least inconvenienced.
We liaise with our clients to identify areas that are available to be worked on and when, and if certain areas are unable to be vacated we establish how the works can be carried out whilst these areas remain operational.
Detailed programming and planning is provided to identify when certain areas will be disrupted, and whether this is acceptable to the Client. Planning also enables us to establish the extent of security, welfare, and health and safety protection that is required to ensure that both the Client’s personnel and property is not put at risk during the construction process. Besides the obvious precautions, such as ensuring restricted access and safety, other aspects such as dust, noise, contamination, vibration and aesthetics are considered.
Due to many refurbishment projects being carried out in occupied premises we consider the following items to ensure a smooth delivery for all involved:
- Site logistics
- Implementation of a specific traffic management scheme addressing ingress and egress to site, along with signals and signage
- Our construction phase health and safety plan will be site specific and address all areas of concern for that site
- Any client restrictions on delivery times for supplies will be incorporated into programming with a schedule of agreed delivery times distributed to subcontractors and delivery drivers
- Noisy works will be kept to a minimum and alternative methods will be sought. Times when construction work must be quiet for example exam periods will be identified within the programme of works
Our sites are part of the Considerate Constructors scheme and we remain a considerate constructor at all times through our projects.
The sympathetic restoration and repair of listed buildings requires a high standard of craftsmanship, professional skill and appreciation of the issues associated with historic structures.
We have been involved in the conservation of many heritage buildings over the years. In order to retain the character of a building we believe in using traditional materials and building techniques.
Our historic building team has extensive experience including churches, private houses, galleries, museums, palaces and National Trust properties.
Our approach favours repair rather than replacement; we try to preserve as much of the original fabric as possible, and, where repair is not possible, we can produce replica items from architectural drawings.
We work closely with the design team and conservation specialists to ensure the right materials are selected and traditional building techniques are adopted
With our own company history dating back to 1591, Durtnell has a long tradition of preserving the past and we look forward to building for future generations.
