The Glass House is the regional winner of the LABC Building Excellence Award 2021 West Midlands Region and has been featured in Self Build and Design Magazine and Build It Magazine. It is another example of a project that encompasses what is achievable working alongside the clients and architects collaboratively. Built as a split-level kitchen extension to this Grade II listed farmhouse this space works harmoniously with its surroundings giving an all year round outside living feel. The traditional and contemporary construction elements work in harmony together creating a stunning living space.
"We chose Contrak originally due to the following reasons:
1. They had already undertaken successful projects with the Architects. I am a great believer in keeping existing working relationships in place where possible.
2. They were competitive with the other tenders - but price was never the main criteria for us - We needed to have confidence that our project would be completed to the highest standards by people who understood what we were trying to achieve.
3. Their project control criteria also appealed to us. Bi-weekly payments from a detailed costing programme of works with formal on-site meetings with the architect & Contrak personnel - including their designated on-site supervisor.
As we got underway, the following aspects showed that we had made the correct choice:.
4. Contrak is an ideal size of company, small enough to be flexible, and large enough to have labour & equipment resources to ensure consistent progress whatever the project dictates. For example, by having their own large excavator they could undertake work on their own terms without sub-contractor issues. Also, the driveway to our house is narrow & shared with other properties - by having their own small tipper trucks we were able to ensure supplies were dropped off as & when without disruption to the neighbours.
5. We had major issues with the Glazing contractors & fewer problems with the Fitment of the Kitchen. Both these aspects were out of the control & responsibility of Contrak.
However they were able to work with us to ensure we found the best way through these hurdles - we are very grateful for this, especially as this was during the lockdown period.
6. They are a good bunch of guys to work with... all the people on site undertaking the different tasks were friendly, flexible & had a reassuring sense of ownership of the tasks at hand.
7. They have a good range of skills within the company. For instance, when we couldn’t get any landscapers to complete the project they undertook this themselves. Also, when the floor tilers couldn’t install due to lockdown issues, the guys also took this on with great results."
Mr Coxon