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Project
BUILDING DESIGN PRACTICE
The Westlands - Wolverhampton
After occupying the same office
premises for 25 years both as owners and tenants the Practice
took the decision in February 1994 to actively investigate
new and more prestigious offices better suited to modern day
technology which was proving difficult to sustain in the existing
building which was sub-divided into small compartments with
little room for expansion.
To maintain easy access and continuity for clients and staff
the Practice decided to only view properties which were outside
the town centre and in a similar part of the town's suburbs
to their existing premises. The search proved unsuccessful
primarily due to the stringent parameters being set by the
Practice.
In May 1994 a local developer client approached the Practice
with a view to purchasing The Westlands, a former private
Health Centre now derelict and only fifty yards from the existing
offices. This was to prove an ideal location for the Practice.
It was agreed that refurbishing was to be in two phases with
the first phase being sold freehold to the Practice. Legal
documentation was put in place and construction works were
commenced in July 1994.
Building Design Practice were commissioned to act as Architects
and Quantity Surveyors. The design of Phase I involved the
restoration of the main house, built at the turn of the century,
and with Phase II involving the removal of a swimming pool
at the rear to provide 425 square metres of modern open plan
offices which the developer was to retain.
Within the main house the kitchens were removed to provide
a large open plan computerised drawing office network linked
to a Reception, Hall and Boardroom which were carefully restored
to their original Edwardian character. The first floor was
separated from the ground to provide either one self contained
office suite or four individual ones. The car parks were laid
out around the many magnificent and varied species of trees
which adorn the property providing a pleasant working environment.
The construction works for Phase I were completed in October
1994 and Phase II in February 1995. The development has won
the praise of the surrounding residents, visitors and clients. |
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