We are continuing to receive commissions for interesting projects both large and small mostly concerned with private housing. Two of these are of particular interest, the first because of its size, the second because of its location.

We have been commissioned to prepare designs and inspect the construction of a major new private house near Hemel Hempstead the area being some 900 ft². The house includes a basement swimming pool and games room and has substantial and cutting edge M&E services. We are working with a full team on the project and currently the pile heads are being crossed braced so that excavation of the basement can begin. The pile lengths are some 11m and the maximum depth of the basement will be 6m below ground all carried out within 3m of the neighbour’s house. Needless to say very particular care has been taken on all matters relating to the party wall and ensuring that the works are carried out without inconvenience or hazard. The attached photograph shows the piling being carried out.

The second project is for a new villa on the Greek Island of Paxos. This is set on a stunning location on top of a hill in the centre of the island with views over the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean including both Corfu and the Greek mainland. This is being constructed by a local Greek contractor and work can only be carried out during the winter months so as not to disturb the tourists who come to this lovely part of the World. The villa will also feature sustainable technology apart from the normal requirement for all villas on the island to store their rainwater for augmentation of the water supply. The design encompasses some 168m³ of water storage which should be sufficient for both house and pool.