Sandveien - Lerwick
Description: Residential Dwellings - 136 - 143 Sandveien
Client: Shetland Islands Council
Services: Clerk of Works
Architect: PJP
Engineers: Mott MacDonald
QS / CDM: Jim Nisbet
Contractor: DITT Construction Ltd
Time Span: 2023 - 2024
Photos: CASE Shetland
CASE Shetland were engaged by the Shetland Islands Council to act as Clerk of Works for the £2.5m demolition and rebuild of 8x Local Authority properties at Sandveien in Lerwick. This was a landmark project, as it represented a significant investment in the local housing stock. Our role was to monitor the works on site throughout the Construction Phase, ensuring that the work was undertaken safely and in accordance with the approved plans.
Local company DITT had been appointed as the Main Contractor and we established a close working relationship with their Site Manager and Foreman. Site activity commenced in April 2023 with an initial 12 month programme. The eight properties were completely stripped out, including the removal of asbestos containing material which was done in a carefully controlled and systematic manner.
Then it was time for Sub-Contractor EMN Plant to come in and undertake the demolition works. Within a matter of weeks the properties had been reduced to a pile of rubble, thereafter the site was cleared, including the breaking up and removal of the existing concrete foundations.
As the buildings came down there was a distinctive ‘hole’ created in Lerwick’s architectural landscape, but it wouldn’t be long before work could commence in building back up again. The demolition phase ran smoothly, expertly delivered by the team from EMN Plant, and made that little bit easier by a summer of lovely weather…
Once the site had been cleared, landscaped and compacted it was time to start work on the installation of the underground services, including the Foul Water Drainage, Surface Water Drainage and Mains Water connections. The latter unfortunately incurred some unexpected delays as the Scottish Water main was located significantly closer to the existing buildings than had been expected, meaning that it had to be relocated.
Civil Engineering Groundworks were undertaken by CW Johnson Plant Ltd, who did excellent work in what was a restricted brownfield site.
Foundations were poured, substructure blockwork laid, and then concrete floor slabs run. By autumn 2023 the work had fully emerged up out of the ground, and it was time to start erecting the prefabricated timber kit wall panels. From this point onwards the bulk of the work would be undertaken directly by DITT.
Timber wall panels were temporarily propped prior to the installation of the roof trusses. A lightweight fall prevention platform was constructed internally to provide a safe working environment for the team on site.
By December 2023 the roof trusses had all been installed, sheeted with OSB and covered with breather membrane. The Nordan windows had also been fitted, meaning that the properties were largely wind and watertight in time for the Christmas shut-down.
As the gates were locked up for the holidays there was even a festive flurry of snow to mark the occasion!
On return to site in the New Year it was a case of sheeting the roofs and starting work on the external blockwork cladding. The build was really starting to take shape, and once it was fully weather-proof the team could start drying out the interior, in preparation for the internal fit-out.
PJP Architects designed the properties to be highly energy efficient, with a two-layer insulation system to minimise Thermal Bridging. Combined with the Solar PV on the roofs, this should mean that ongoing running costs are incredibly low.
By summer 2024 the internal fit-out was largely complete, with only minor snagging work outstanding. DITT and their selected Sub-Contractors had completed the work to a high standard, showing professional workmanship and high levels of organisation throughout. This made our job as Clerk of Works so much easier. They really were a pleasure to work with.
The project is now almost complete, with official handover to the SIC expected in Autumn 2024. If anyone has a construction project in the pipeline which they believe would benefit from a Clerk of Works then please do not hesitate to get in touch. CASE Shetland have a broad range of experience, including work in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. We can help to ensure that your project is delivered to a high standard and in accordance with the Specification and approved plans.
