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.
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.
Sovini Construction were approached by LPC Living to construct 10 new semi-detached town homes in Birkdale, Southport with integral garages to some of the units and arranged in an arc formation. We were tasked with constructing three different types of homes as part of the development – Unit A, B, C.
Unit Type B are the smallest of the units and whilst three stories, the top storey is contained within the roof space. The plan has been arranged so that a Type B unit is at each end of the arc.
Unit Type A includes a half basement integral garage which raises the lounge up above ground level. The practical purpose is that in allows for additional floor space without substantially increasing the overall mass. We were instructed to create Type A units with the intention to function as a pair of linked detached properties, linked via garages and the projecting bays of lounges.
We were assigned to create Type C units as a more conventional pair of semi-detached houses. The brief insisted on centrally located doors and twin pike arrangement which reflected the double fronted arrangement of the Westcliffe Road Villas. Providing a mix of properties, whilst retaining a sense of coherence across the development has been an integral part in our plan. We have achieved this by ensuring each property has a central gable feature with the front doors to either side.
Our main goal was to provide LPC Living with unique luxury four-bedroom homes, located off Westcliffe Road in Birkdale, Lancashire. We set out targets before we started on site which we were determined to achieve:
- Zero accidents on site
- High KPI score in excess of 90%
- Best value
- Excellent customer relationships
- Local employment
- Added social value
- Quality install standards
We achieved all of our goals on this project, with great effort from our team which included:
- Project Manager – John Davies
- Site Manager – James Brown
St Oswald’s Court is a contemporary residential development which combines modern, suitable accommodation with care and support services. The development, designed by Condy Lofthouse Architects, includes specially adapted apartments devised to suit the resident, including wheel-chair access, handrails and level-access showers. The scheme is equipped with the latest technology in terms of emergency call, assistive technology and security, including staff facilities to accommodate the care services operating for residents.
Sovini Construction’s approach to the development was designed to minimise disruption to local residents, ensuring high quality and safety standards while also involving the local community. Nearby Bidston Village C of E Primary School were commissioned to design posters for the site, educating residents on construction site safety and awareness. Pupils were also given the opportunity to name the new development, settling on St Oswald’s Court as a nod to the local St Oswald’s Bidston Parish Church.
Sovini Construction completed these works to the highest standards with quality workmanship, products and technology within safe working environments, remaining mindful to the Bidston Village Conservation status of the area throughout the project.
Sovini Construction worked closely with Sovini Homes to carefully construct the four luxury properties in one of the region’s most prime property locations.
The properties were built using quality materials within safe working environments and created a number of local job opportunities during the building process.
By avoiding strictly rectangular floor plans the buildings respond to the various interface issues presented by the site. Additionally, the stepping of the plans meant the buildings present differing facets of their architecture depending on where they are viewed from.
Feature windows were introduced projecting into the street-facing gable, providing vertical emphasis and interest to the street elevations and naturally lighting full height volumes to the master bedrooms. The gable eaves project forward off the brick facade casting shadows and further modelling the elevation.
The four properties were all developed and delivered on time and to budget.
We were offered a clear site to build the luxury homes on and carried out the following works:
- Built foundations and superstructure
- Installation of services
- Internal plastering and finishing works
- Installation of bathrooms and kitchens
- Full decoration and finishes
- External works including driveways and garden landscaping
Sovini Construction were contracting by One Vision Housing to build 2 bungalows, 8 apartments, 4 two bedroom homes and 4 three bedroom properties as part of the wider regeneration programme across Ainsdale, Southport.
In the planning stages of the development it was agreed that a 6m ecological easement was to be implemented from the nearby Sandy Brook which runs along the rear of the development. The stipulation follows reports of a presence of local wildlife. Additionally, an unmarked highways-owned drain was also found to the east of the site which required a 6m easement. A site redesign was carried out to ensure the preservation of local wildlife and to adhere to housing policy; the redesign unfortunately reduced the capacity of the scheme which was originally set at 21 units to 18.
Despite a decrease in units and a direct impact on viability combined with resistance from local residents the development resulted in much more ecological due diligence. During the planning process Sovini Construction and One Vision Housing adopted a proactive communication approach to inform and update the local community of the plans, build and overall development impact.
These in-demand properties were developed using contemporary and eco-friendly construction methods. The 18 homes have enhanced the quality of the local street scene through the sympathetic landscaping plans; this has enabled the community to preserve the character of the surrounding areas. Sovini Construction worked closely with John McCall Architects on the traditional design of the properties to create the desired look.
The development also boasts distinguished feature brick work which complements the development’s semi-rural surroundings. Sovini Construction introduced Gabion Baskets to support and protect structures. The Gabion Baskets also complement the developments idyllic setting.