London & South East Premier Construction

NHBC Pride in the Job Awards – Copper Beeches

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Written by Roma Publications

An NHBC Pride in the Job Award was handed to Cliff Riley of Bellway Homes this year, for a successfully completed housing project in Wantage, named Copper Beeches.

The site consists of 23 units, comprising a mixture of detached smaller houses and houses worth half a million and above. With a mixture of two and three storey homes with four and five bedrooms, there is something for every family in this stunning area.

Main contractor Bellway Homes began on site in March 2013 and finalised the site in July this year. The main architect on the project was Tinley and Stott, working on the design concept and drawings of the building. The site consists of traditional build houses made from brick and block, following the traditional means of housing construction. Wooden floors and concrete slabs have been incorporated with the units and the internal construction includes solid timber and block walls.

Previously the site held an old house that was poorly constructed and derelict for at least 40 years. Bellway Homes demolished the building and reconstructed the site into several units, in addition to developing the vast amount of land at the rear of the building.

Manhattan Kitchens supplied delightful fitted kitchens which have been integrated into all of the units, providing a bespoke range of kitchen essentials for homeowners. Bathrooms included the ingenious ‘floating toilets’ provided by bathroom company Roca, which are positioned off the wall rather than the bathroom floor. Residents are currently occupying the units and feedback has been very positive.

All of the homes are individual with their own little charm and characteristics, no two are replicated. Each house has various features and eye-catching elements such as big stone porches, lovely hardwood porches and lots of external detailing. For example one home is complimented by hang tiling which is normally utilised on roofing, however in this case the tiles have been used to embellish the external walls.

Other attractive features that have been added to the houses include large open bay windows and several side doors that open out onto the garden which are great for summer. All units are equipped with front and rear gardens, making it an ideal location for children and pets. Real wood log burners are also integrated within homes, keeping within the old, traditional feel that the town of Wantage offers.

This project has also had a positive impact on the community, by rectifying certain issues that were present previously. The overgrown area was rather unsightly for residents and there was fairly bad groundwater issues, however once Bellway Homes commenced with developments they also managed to resolve the problems.

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Roma Publications