GDL Interiors are not only experienced in glass partitioning and office partitioning, we are also commissioned to carry out more demanding projects that involve complex space planning and complete office refits, from the reception to bathroom areas, to the main office floors.
At GDL Interiors we know how important it is for organisations to make the most effective use of space – so that each room is used efficiently. Certainly, one of our most exciting and challenging projects to date is the work that we carried out for Colne Housing in Essex – a lengthy project that took around 12 weeks to complete.
Colne Housing is a charitable organisation that provides high quality affordable homes to those who need it most. It is responsible for around 2,500 properties in the North Essex area and they have big plans for the future. In addition to building hundreds more new homes, they have also set aside a £10 million budget to improve their existing properties over the next five years. Colne Housing works in partnership with various organisations including Icini Homes.
Colne Housing’s most recent project, however, was focused on its own offices, which were in major need of revamp. The aim was to make the best use of space and accommodate the maximum number of staff.
Graham Dixon of GDL Interiors said: “When we were approached by Colne Housing, we were delighted to assist and were very proud of the work we did on site. It was certainly the most challenging project I have ever come across.”
Office Partitioning – click here for more information on the service we offer, or contact us now to discuss your requirements.
GDL interiors are an Essex based company with three decades of experience in office refits, including glass partitioning and office partitioning. We have a reputation for carrying out high quality work on time, and within budget.
Read on to find out more about our project at Colne Housing and some unexpected findings we came across on site.
Major Office Refit at Colne Housing
Colne Housing approached GDL Interiors for some space planning at their Causton Road main office, which lies right in the centre of Colchester. At the time, Colne Housing’s offices occupied just one floor of the building but the organisation wanted to make use of the existing second floor, so they could use the entire building to its full capacity and accommodate the maximum number of staff.
It was a lengthy and complex project and Colne Housing’s budget was set at £250,000 to complete the entire refit. The project involved space planning and ripping out the old offices, to start again from scratch. Colne Housing’s new offices included the completion of a brand new reception area, and a refit from top to bottom, including the old carpets replaced with new carpet tiles, a complete repaint, and the instalment of elegant new glass partitioning and office partitioning.
Colne Housing also needed the installation of new security cameras and two interview rooms, plus an office that allowed for security monitoring.
Mr Dixon said: “The brief was to make sure that the offices were able to accommodate allthe existing workforce, in addition to another ten people. The new offices were to be split across two floors.”
The second floor was empty but was previously used by another housing company, and this floor also needed extensive refurbishment.
It was an involved project as we had to work around the office hours, to cause the least disruption as possible. To do so, we transferred the staff to the empty second floor and worked around those remaining on the first floor. A lot of our work was undertaken at night to achieve this.
However, the real test was when the GDL staff came across an unexpected finding – the presence of asbestos in the building. “The asbestos was something that we didn’t know was there before.” said Mr Dixon.
“When we found the asbestos, there was a bit of a panic, but it was taken out just as it should be – professionally and with the right specialist team.
“From Colne Housing’s point of view we caused the least possible disruption while work was being carried out. They were over the moon and we were very proud of what we had achieved there.”
Asbestos was widely used in buildings throughout the UK since the 1950’s. Some of the reasons behind its popularity included its excellent insulation properties, as well as being flame and heat resistant.
A number of commercial and residential properties built before the turn of the century contained asbestos, which was used in various parts of buildings from ceiling tiles to pipe insulation.
Asbestos is dangerous to humans as breathing in even low levels of its fibres has been linked to life-threatening diseases. If found, it is vital that it is removed and disposed of safely by the relevant specialists.
About GDL Interiors
GDL Interiors are experts in space planning, refurbishment and design. As well as office refits, including the installation of glass partitioning and office partitioning, we also carry out works for educational establishments and other organisations.
Office Partitioning – click here for more information on the service we offer, or contact us now to discuss your requirements.
