SC4 Blog Articles

Our Favourite Carpentry Project Of 2024: Cromwell Court, Old Basing

Without wanting to be biased (we love all our carpentry projects), we would like to write about our favourite carpentry project completed in 2024: contract carpentry for 100 new build homes at Cromwell Court in Old Basing, Hampshire for Redrow Homes.

About The Customer

Redrow Homes are a residential building contractor involved in a variety of premium new build developments across Southern England. We have had the pleasure of working with Redrow since 2019 on various projects, including a 180-home development at Hop Field Place (phase 3) in Alton between 2019 and August 2022. Redrow and SC4 share the same ‘Modern Arts and Crafts’-inspired homebuilding ethos, with a strong commitment to energy efficiency, quality and long-term value in the homes we construct.

About The Project

In May 2022, we were invited by Redrow to deliver the contract carpentry for a new 100 home development in Old Basing. This was to be a stunning five-star new build development consisting of beautiful high end three and four-bedroom homes within an outstanding landscaped green area. Alongside the premium properties were 40 affordably priced two, three, and four bedroom starter homes, as well as family-sized Housing Association properties, so the scope and quality of the project was impressive. The project completion deadline was December 2024.

How We Helpe

Our involvement with the project included all the contract carpentry tasks associated with the properties, including timber frame installation, first, and second fix carpentry. Our scope of work included structural works (timber frame, joisting, roofing, and internal walls), first fix, second fix and finishing works. SC4 were chosen for this project because of our commitment to high quality work and experience in carpentry and timber frame installations dating back to 2000.

This combination of quality, work ethic, and on-site experience is often a defining factor in the success of a residential development. The difference between low and high quality work can have a ripple effect on everything from sustainability and fire safety to long-term energy performance and structural integrity in a home, as well as the customer satisfaction of the final home owner or resident. This is why it’s so important to our team that each project is delivered to the highest standard.

Carpentry is a key element in the erection of a building, laying the foundation for how a home is able to handle the challenges of time, weather, and daily use. A high quality approach to energy efficiency, fire safety, and workmanship safeguard the long-term structural integrity of the home and minimise mistakes that could lead to cold ingress, leaks, structural defects, and other costly issues over time. 

On a broader scale, these issues can damage the reputation of contractors and developers, and undermine the success of the entire project, which is why we believe that taking the time to get the details right from the start is an essential part of delivering successful outcomes. For example, good timber frame installation can prevent air leakage and drafts emerging in the property, supporting long-term sustainability and also increasing the energy efficiency rating of the building.

Modern buildings must also meet stringent fire safety standards to protect the houses and the people who live and work inside them. Low quality installations can weaken the fire-resistant properties of the building, compromising the lives and property of residents. At SC4, we take every step to ensure that fire safety requirements are met and exceeded. Ensuring that the installation matches the original design intent and manufacturer’s recommendations is key.

Outcomes

The Cromwell Court project was completed within schedule and budget before Christmas 2024, and Redrow Homes were happy with the result. This video, filmed in January 2024, shows how the project took shape. At the time the project was about 75% completed and looked fantastic! 

The team at Redrow were pleased with our work and complimented Simon and the SC4 team for their ‘dedication to the development and willingness to help and find solutions to any problems that arise’. They went on to describe Simon as a ‘credit to the company who has been a pleasure to work with’. Thank you!

We have to say, the pleasure was ours, and it was great to work once again with the Redrow team and the other subcontractors on a successful and highly rewarding project. We look forward to many more in the future.

What Next

Please get in touch with SC4 today to find out more about this project and other similar timber frame installation and contract carpentry projects undertaken in Hampshire area. If you would like to discuss your own project and how we can support you, please feel free to call us on 0330 912 1154.

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