Large residential development consistent of over 500 dwellings over multi phases.
Comprising of over 25 different houses types and 12 blocks of apartments. Completed in 2016.
This site was a former RAF base in Hampshire, previous part of the Queen Elizabeth Barracks used during the 2nd World War. The development former part of a large urban development project in joint venture with another developer.
The development in total consisted over over 500 dwelling, affordable housing, a new primary school, commercial shopping units, community allotments, running track, a Special Area of Natural Green Space (SANGS) to mitigation against the Thames Valley Heath Special Protection Area (SPA) in regarding to biodiversity and nature preservation, extensive landscaping, new main roads and bus route, and decommission of the existing military buildings and associated contamination clearing and flood risk strategy.
Working as a Technical Coordinator for the house builder I played a critical role in ensuring that the construction project runs smoothly from a technical standpoint.
Coordinating stages 5-7 of the RIBA plan of works,
Including, ensuring designs are implemented correctly and on schedule, providing technical advice to site managers and sub contractors to resolve issues that arise during construction, ensure the drawings, specification and schedules an associated reports and documents are correct and up to date for tender enquires and copies on site for construction.
Ensuring that the project adhered to statutory approvals, checking designs against the planning development approvals, building codes and regulations, safety regulations and environmental standards and checking on site installation against quality standards.
This involved collaboration and working relations between architects, engineers, and designers to ensure technical aspects align with the project objectives. Problem solving technical challenges during the building process, finding solution to keep the project on track.
At completion of each plot, I was responsible for ensuring the homes were ready for air, sound and ventilation testing, tendering and appointment of testing consultants, scheduling testing dates, obtaining results and ensuring the energy efficiency were satisfactory in order for the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) to be issued. This would conclude the financial and legal completion of the sale to the new home owner. On many occasions this planning and programming and turn around of test, results, certificates and completion happened within hours of the same day and required quick responsive performance.
Collaboration architects, engineers, and designers
Ensuring designs align with planning development approvals
Provide accurate infomation in line with the programme
Ensuring drawings designs and documents were correct and up-to-date
Problem solving technical matters
Coordination of testing and certificates at completion
Topic learnt: A data management software programme was used on this development 'Doc Hosting' that enabled up to date drawings and revisions to be notified to all parties simultaneously.
Management skills: Understanding how to plan, execute, and oversee construction projects including time scales and budgets. Setting consultant briefs, obtaining tenders, evaluating fees, and proving financial reports.
Enhancement: Fostering good relations with specialist consultants and construction personal, helps to deliver project objectives.
Working on this special development project combining numerous urban development features has provided me with the experience of seeing how the coordination of different types of specialist consultants and construction team members come together to create a new urban area that integrates successfully into the local community.
Working on this housing estate project involved a number of key achievements that contributed to providing a community development that has enabled people to live and work and economically grow. I have gained valuable experience of infrastructure development overseeing main roads, drainage and biodiversity measure installed. Providing a range of homes from apartments, townhouses and large detached homes that have all contributed to creating a characterful neighbourhood. Overall I have been able to observe how people and their expertise skills, work together into create a housing estate, and knowing that the homes created meet current standards and are suitable for future needs.