Following the initial instruction, Sovini Construction commenced work on site in October 2021 and successfully completed in May 2023. The project saw a complete decarbonisation of the properties through refurbishment of the roofing, windows and doors, external wall insulation, structural works and balcony redesign and placement.
Renovation costs totaled £4.4m, with a Green Homes Grant of £160k received in contribution to the project. In line with the Groups Net Zero Carbon pledge, all works were designed and implemented with a vision of improving energy efficiency throughout the building fabric and the internal environment.
To achieve the decarbonisation of the properties, improvements were made to the thermal envelope to reduce the amount of heat lost through the walls. The building used non-combustible insulation which has been fitted to all external walls with a silicone render finish.
In addition to this, a full replacement of windows with new double glazed uPVC units and external doors leading to all balconys was completed to further improve the properties energy efficiency.
Structural improvements also added to improving each homes insulation including the replacement concrete roof tiles, including timber batten and underfelt and all rainwater goods. Furthermore, cavity wall tie replacement, as well as structural and concrete repairs were carried out. A total removal of existing concrete balcony walls and balustrades was also instructed due to structural instability. This was then replaced with powder coated metal railings and infill panel.
All factors above contributed to the delivery target of delivering a carbon tonnage saving of 33 Tonne per annum.
Sovini Construction, part of The Sovini Group, has successfully completed its latest mixed tenure scheme, providing 16 units which are to be let at affordable rents.
Through a collaborative approach, Sovini Construction and One Vision Housing designed and constructed each unit based on the demographic needs of the local area over a 12-month period.
This compromised of 4 houses, 6 apartments for and 6 bungalows for mixed tenue. All work undertaken followed strict quality control measures in conjunction with up to date LABC and Building Regulations.
The properties were designed based on accessibility at the core for residents aged 55 and over in the Sefton area. The accessibility design functions of these properties include low level access to front of properties, and the installation of wet rooms to ground floor apartments and all bungalows.
The development site sits upon previously vacant and unused land with once hosted a local community centre. As part of the Sovini Groups ongoing commitment to creating thriving and inclusive communities, plans were actioned to bring life to the derelict land and create a space for residents to enjoy once again.
Key specifications requested were strategically planned with Condy Lofthouse Architects. These factors included an open plan kitchen and lounge area, alongside a communal playground on the development plot. This makes our latest plots perfect properties for young families seeking to join the property ladder through affordable housing.
The construction of this development has created opportunities for employee development within The Sovini Group. Over the 12-month period, the project provided valuable experience to Sovini Construction’s Apprentice Joiners, contributing to their qualification assessments.
Forming part of The Sovini Group, both Sovini Construction and One Vision Housing are committed to reducing the Groups carbon footprint. Recycled materials were used were possible, including timber frames to construct woodwork. Each property also benefits from A+ efficiency boilers alongside being fully insulated.
The successful completion of Chapel Terrace is with thanks to the partnership in working across all parties, which saw the project being delivered within agreed brief, timescales, and budget.
Sovini Construction announce the completion of its new mixed tenure housing scheme, Kings Park, situated in Seaforth, Merseyside to One Vision Housing.
Both companies form part of The Sovini Group. Sovini Construction were approached by One Vision Housing to construct 21 units, consisting of 16 two and three-bedroom homes and 5 two-bedroom bungalows designed based on accessibility at the centre for residents aged 55 and over in the Sefton area.
Sovini Construction commissioned a modern development that was representative of the areas varying socio-economic demographics, whilst respecting the history of the site.
To commemorate the historic nature of the developments, Sovini Construction suitably named the site – Kings Park as it is situated on a former 19th century Army Barracks for the Kings Cavalry Regiment.
The project from start to completion took a total of 56 weeks, and all work undertaken was built with quality control measures in mind, and in conjunction with up to date LABC and Building Regulations.
As part of the project brief, key specifications were requested with One Vision Housings customers in mind. Detailed header feature panels to front elevations were constructed to add a luxe design to the properties, alongside the installation of double drives. In the planning stages of the development with BYA Architects and structural Engineers, Sutcliffe, space had been allocated within each plot for the fixture of a bird box, following the local area conservation report stipulating the presence of local wildlife. With a vision to create thriving and inclusive communities, a communal playground has been erected on the development site, boasting a vast public open space for tenants to enjoy.
Sovini Construction are committed to reducing their carbon footprint through the fast adaption of new technologies, the recasting of supply chain and procurement models. Adhering to The Sovini Groups Net Zero Carbon commitment, each stage of the constriction process was planned with our pledge in mind. Each plot holds an electric car charging point, and benefits from A+ efficiency boilers used in each property, alongside being fully insulated using 75mm ridged board cavity insulation, 100mm party wall insulation and 450mm loft insulation.
Sovini Trade Supplies who are also a member of The Sovini Group were able to supply trades materials locally via electric vehicles, this reducing our carbon footprint from outsourcing.
For this project, Multiple Sovini Construction and Sovini Property Services apprentices involved in the scheme, enabling them to gain vital work experience and evidence to support their course criteria. We go above and beyond, providing each apprentice with a bespoke learning programme to ensure they receive the maximum training and qualifications. The Kings Park development construction provided apprentices with a hands-on understanding of their trade, and the opportunity to demonstrate these practical skills on site.
Furthermore, Sovini Construction and One Vision Housing demonstrated partnership working with the project being delivered in line with what was in the agreed scope, within agreed timescales and to budget.
As part of The Sovini Group’s development framework to deliver over 1,000 good quality, affordable new build homes within the next five years, the 28-plot scheme was approved following a highly collaborative approach to the consultation and design. The development seeks to create opportunities and change lives for its residents through affordable quality rental homes and thriving, inclusive communities.
Through a unified approach both the Local Planning Authority and clients One Vision Housing favoured a traditional vernacular which reflected community and accessibility principles. Working to understand and incorporate these needs was key in greatly contributing to the regeneration of the area.
As a principal partner in the continuing regeneration of the Bootle area it was critical to Sovini Construction to transform a once problematic area of fly tipping and a run-down tower block with no safe pedestrian footpaths to an area of quality homes and safe infrastructure much to the appreciation of the local community. Streams of trees and shrub planting now define pedestrian routes through the development, whilst footpaths are surfaced to complement the landscaping. In addition, garage and driveway parking spaces eliminate the need for footpath and road parking, easing congestion.
Sovini Construction is a partner of The Sovini Group which collaboratively is committed to reducing its environmental impact and strives towards net zero carbon emissions. In line with this approach the construction of Capricorn Way involved maximising the performance of components and materials selected during construction, aiming to reduce energy consumption through thermal efficiency and running costs. The new build rental homes feature environmentally efficient specifications- from low carbon heating and sustainable draining systems to smart meters, timber frames and charging points for electric vehicles.
The regeneration initiative is not just about housing. It aims to improve the quality of the general environment, including recreational and community facilities that have previously suffered from under investment.
The commitment to creating lasting legacies in the communities it serves is unmatched. From creating employment opportunities to delivering extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. A large proportion of the workforce during construction were skilled professionals from the local area, creating learning and development opportunities through apprenticeship programmes.
Lancaster University current enrols over 15,000 students with an impressive 560 acre parkland site. The university also proudly boosts its collegiate system, which only a handful of universities in the UK adhere too. As students stay within just one college during their enrolment, the upkeep of buildings and construction is vital for the safety and welfare of students and staff.
All works carried out were meticulously planned in conjunction with the University’s principle contractor and were successfully completed within the proposed timescale, budget and to scope.
There have been several licensed and non-licensed works carried out within this partnership to a total value of £150,000. The most recent works include asbestos abatement within four large boiler rooms. Due to the size and layouts of these rooms the work was complex but removed successfully.
We have also conducted a number of remedial works in confined space conditions throughout the north and south spine of the University with our experienced confined space team, safely removing asbestos to allow the University’s contractors access to their spine duct network.
During the past 12 months, Amianto Services have successfully and safely removed approximately 80 tonnes of waste. The work carried out within Lancaster University has contributed to this number and demonstrates the extensive removal work carried out within the company.
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Hospital Trust is an innovative trust that serves the people of Wigan and Leigh, providing the best possible healthcare for the local population and aims to continuously provide safe quality care to all patients. Over £220 million is spent each year on a diverse range of reputable general and specialist acute services.
Having worked intermittently on many high profile projects, both licensed and non-licensed, our work has totalled in excess of £180,000. This asbestos removal work has ranged from:
- Space ducts
- Basements
- Boiler rooms
Our work is designed to cause as minimal disruption as possible, for example, our complex enclosure design ensured the hospital could remain open throughout and maintain full operations. In addition, we have worked through the night, out of hours weekend working and used careful planning to minimise disruption and ensure the safest of working practices are maintained at all times.
Work was completed to our very high standard, was in line with what was in the agreed scope, within agreed timescales and to budget.
The standard of our work and the measures we put in places enabled us to pass the HSE spot checks with no issues reported and the receipt of positive feedback.
Sovini Construction secured a contract with West Lancashire Borough Council in 2018 to construct 36 semi-detached homes in Skelmersdale which are to be let at affordable rents. They were tasked with making sure the dwellings comprised of two bedrooms with car parking and garden space to the front and rear of the build.
The development was constructed so that the homes would front the existing Beechtrees road to ensure the proposed development integrates with the existing environment and keeping with the surrounding area, with the corner houses designed to maximise the surveillance of the existing street and give a continuous streetscape.
Sovini Construction were directed to safeguard ecological considerations throughout the entire construction. Whilst the development resulted in a loss of trees, the loss was mitigated for by replacement tree planting. The small loss of foraging habitat for bats was eased through native tree and shrub planting within gardens and areas of public open space.
As a group, the Sovini Group is fully committed to social value on all its projects. At Sovini Construction we believe in getting the local community to engage with the project where applicable. We try to offer local businesses, suppliers and contractors the opportunity to gain an economical benefit by working on the contact with us.
For this project, Sovini Construction visited local schools such as Bishop Martin Primary School to talk to young children about the importance of safety around construction sites. This followed their campaign to collect food for Digmoor Community Foodbank in the run up to Christmas.
Sovini Construction ensured that the site was enhanced for biodiversity through the inclusion of bat boxes which mitigated the loss to existing habitats.
Sovini Construction were approached by One Vision Housing to construct 23 new affordable dwellings, consisting of 15 one-bedroom apartments and 8 two-bedroom homes in Southport. They were challenged to construct a modern development that respects its historical context, and has a positive impact on this particular area of Southport.
Sovini Construction were tasked with ensuring that there were five apartments on each of the three floors within the apartment block, each with one double bedroom. The apartments were constructed to have an open plan living space containing the kitchen, dining and living room areas which front on to the communal gardens. Sovini Construction were briefed to design the 8 houses to be fronted onto the parking areas with an entrance hall containing the downstairs toilet and study. They were briefed to ensure an open plan ground floor with a living, kitchen, dining arrangement. The 1st floor contains two double bedrooms, a shared bathroom and linen store.
Finally, Sovini Construction were tasked with guaranteeing 15 parking bays for the mews houses together with bike storage and 10 parking bays servicing the apartment block.
The Retrofit for the Future programme explored how existing homes can be improved to use less energy, cut carbon emissions and save costs.
This extensive refurbishment at Oxford House involved updating and improving the internal environment of people’s homes. This included:
- The installation of new, more controllable heating and ventilation systems.
- The improvement of the thermal envelope of the building by installing external wall insulation, better performing windows, a new insulated roof and improved flat entrance doors.
- A new render system giving it a more modern and aesthetically pleasing look.
We engaged the services of LJMU to carry out continuous monitoring of the energy demand before, during, and post construction works. Additionally, AA projects engaged with the residents to manage a behavioural change in energy use including how best to use the new heating and ventilation controls, ultimately improving their internal environment, reduce their energy demand and lower our carbon footprint.
These improvement works form part of Sefton Council’s RetroFIT for the FUTURE project. Funding provided by England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has enabled the scheme to deliver improved thermal efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, reduce fuel poverty and improve the aesthetic look of the homes that are benefiting from the project.