Best LABC construction professional

In 2018, Warwick Building Control (WBC) entered the awards under the category ‘Best Change of Use of an Existing Building or Conversion’ for the work undertaken at 9 Clarendon Place by Hardeep Malle, Hatchback Ltd. This building has been converted from disused offices to high end apartments using all the latest technologies whilst retaining the original character of the building.

9 Clarendon Place is a 186 year old Grade II listed building located in the heart of Leamington Spa. The 14,000 sqft building was purchased by the developer in 2014 and had been former offices which had stood empty for 9 years. Hardeep Malle has lived in Leamington Spa all of his life and felt it was such a shame to see such an iconic building being left to ruin. He purchased the property with the mission to channel the Victorian master design and restore the external facades whilst upgrading and modernising the interior to high end apartments incorporating the latest technologies and performance standards. On inspection of the interior, which had gone through radical changes in the 1970s, the rear of the building had been ripped out and reconfigured to squeeze in an additional floor. These were all concrete poured along with concrete pre cast staircase and lift shaft servicing all floors. A concrete ring beam had been poured on the roof of the whole building as a footing for the 4th floor mansard. In addition to these radical changes in the 70s the building had lost some original features and had been carved up into offices with partitions and suspended ceilings.

8 months of research and discussion were undertaken and then project performance requirements were set. These included:

• Low energy bills
• Easy, low-cost maintenance, both for the building fabric and services
• Comfortable living to include indoor air quality ensuring a healthy environment
• High quality workmanship
• Superior sound resistance
• Fire Safety and Security
• Sympathetic to Listed Building status and it’s setting in the centre of town

The building was 3D modelled and stress tested along side various other surveys including acoustic and moisture testing in the existing structure.

With this information it was determined which best products and technologies should be used to overcome the issues the project faced.

Being able to give this historic building a new lease of life was core to the motivation to ensure no stone was left unturned to do the best conversion possible for the building.

Being fully aware this was very much a defining point in the life of this building with the level of works undergoing, and no correction would be able to be made at a later date certainly sharpened the contractor and project management to ensure the highest quality of work was carried out.

By choosing to use Warwick Building Control for the Building Control Service, the developer was provided with our in depth expertise on all aspects of Building Regulation requirements and further advice to enhance design issues. Following our close involvement with the development, we felt that this property was a prime example of conversion work and were delighted that this won the category of “ Best Change of Use of an Existing Building or Conversion”. 9 Clarendon Place now goes forward to the LABC National awards being held in London on the 9 November 2018.