Exemplary Re-Roofing for a crucial heritage.
Wittington House, nestled within 110 acres of landscaped grounds, is a grade 2 listed building designed by renowned architect Sir Reginald Blomfield in 1897. Steeped in history, the house is situated on a site that shows evidence of human settlement since the Iron Age and has played host to many distinguished figures including prime ministers and members of the royalty. After a careful tender process BRAC was awarded the contract to re-roof this fine example of 19th century architecture to modern standards.
The client, SAS UK, has been custodian of the Wittington House Estate since 1985. This prime site in picturesque Marlow makes up an important part of SAS’s global business which spans 50 countries with over 10,000 employees. 387 of these operate within the estate, with 45 staff based within the house itself. SAS are committed to the upkeep and protection of the site’s conservation status and have been instrumental in revitalising many key historical features to their former glory, whilst ensuring energy efficiency and the reservation of the estate’s natural environment.
BRAC’s brief was to protect this historic building with a structurally enduring new roof, fitted to exacting specifications. It was important to deliver the work with respect for the integrity of the building’s conservation status, as well as minimal disruption to employees. Having used BRAC’s services previously, SAS enjoyed the confidence of working with a firm they knew were well equipped to deliver value and adhere to the highest industry specifications.
The BRAC way of working: respectful delivery with revitalising results This was a painstaking undertaking demanding careful project management, delivered by BRAC’s Operations Director Lee Bradley. Throughout the planning and execution Lee maintained close communication with the SAS team. An induction process ensured that BRAC’s lead-workers and scaffolders understood the preservation needs of the site and applied themselves within all health and safety and planning rules.
BRAC implemented a tight schedule, starting at 5am every day in order to ensure that the work was as unobtrusive as possible for SAS’s busy team. Staff involvement matters to SAS and BRAC cooperated fully to ensure that employees were consulted and accommodated during the work. Pre-site meetings to establish their needs plus a flexible working option and feedback opportunity at the end of the contract gave staff a voice throughout the project. BRAC’s workmen conducted themselves in a professional and courteous manner and staff were positive in their feedback.BRAC contracted their experienced roofers to work over a six week schedule, carefully removing the old lead roof and replacing it with a new roof fashioned from Code 6 lead for hard wearing longevity. The original 19th century lead sheeting was reclaimed as part of BRAC’s service to ensure that resources were not wasted.
The new roof is testament to the quality of BRAC’s workmanship, blending with the architecture of the building. It is expected to protect Wittington House’s structure for at least the next 100 years.
BRAC roofing services: satisfied clients – every time
The client appreciated BRAC’s professional service as Cheryl Remsbury, Site Services Manager for SAS UK confirms: “BRAC met our expectations with high quality workmanship and careful project management. They completed the job within deadline – recognising that it was important for us to complete the re-roof prior to our busy summer season of events. Their fixed price tender gave us budgetary peace of mind, whilst our staff appreciated the polite, friendly attitude of their workmen and the efforts they made to ensure that the work was as inconspicuous as possible. Most of all it was the conscientious level of communication from BRAC that transformed this potentially unsettling project into a smooth running and well executed piece of work.”
BRAC is highly qualified to work with listed buildings and the company’s credentials are spreading – with another conservation project already underway in nearby Banbury. Over 4 decades of combined experience in all aspects of construction qualifies BRAC to take on the unique challenges of renovating and roofing such sensitive sites. Managing Director Adam Clark is passionate about the contribution BRAC makes to conservation and heritage in the construction industry: “Our skill at BRAC is to strike the fine balance between bringing buildings up to modern regulatory standards whilst preserving the historical value of the site. It is an intricate challenge, and one that we continue to meet for clients across London and the Home counties to their complete satisfaction.”
“BRAC met our expectations with high quality workmanship and careful project management. They completed the job within deadline – recognising that it was important for us to complete the re-roof prior to our busy summer season of events. Their fixed price tender gave us budgetary peace of mind, whilst our staff appreciated the polite, friendly attitude of their workmen and the efforts they made to ensure that the work was as inconspicuous as possible. Most of all it was the conscientious level of communication from BRAC that transformed this potentially unsettling project into a smooth running and well executed piece of work.” Cheryl Remsbury, Site Services Manager for SAS UK.
“We had a tight programme for a technically challenging project and BRAC Contracts managed the project from start to finish meeting our deadlines and delivering an excellent end result. It was an enjoyable experience working with such professionals”.
Paul Holliday – Queensmead School
SPACE have contracted BRAC on a number of occasions, they are a pleasure to work with , highly professional, they care about the detail and offer a value for money service. The BRAC team have a positive, can-do attitude and find solutions to any challenge. We recommend them highly.
Anna Harding – Chief Executive SPACE
The quality of the works undertaken by BRAC for the new Woolwich Ferry Operations office has been most impressive, as has been the efforts by all the construction team to ensure an on schedule and on budget completion.
Mark Willbourn – Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd
BRAC Contracts Ltd
Unit 44
Berwick Court Farm
Alfriston Road
Berwick, Polegate
BN26 5QS
T: 01323 870146
