St Paul’s City Office Courtyard Transformation

In June of 2011 Deckbuilders were approached by City Office Interiors to look at a deck proposal to a courtyard area incorporated within a total refurbishment project they were working on for a large city office block in central Birmingham.

The brief was to come up with a design proposal for the refurbishment of the courtyard area. It was to provide a contemporary outdoor space for the office residents to be able to enjoy during their breaks and also a space they could use for occasional outdoor meetings. It was to be a warm, friendly and welcoming space for them to look out on from their office windows.

The design proposal was to incorporate a multi level deck design within the centre of the courtyard that had to reflect the circular pattern of the existing block paving area. The design proposal was to include cladding the existing circular perimeter benches, to create contemporary planters to the perimeter of the circular deck, one to be large enough to be able to include a tree. The brief was to also design a planter and bench detail to the very central area that was to include planting that would screen and disguise the central stairwell area that leads down to the basement car park area.

Following a comprehensive survey of the site, Deckbuilders used all their many years of experience to work closely with the client to arrive at the final bespoke design for this prestigious project. Following the circular theme of the courtyard paving, the lower deck area incorporates tapered deck boards radiating in towards the centre of the design. This concept is followed through on the central and outer bench tops. Planters have been included within the design that have been planted up with box hedging for that contemporary feel. A single Acer has been planted in the large planter which adds height and balance to the overall scheme.

Before: The Cold Courtyard

After consultation with the client on the various timber options available it was decided the most suitable timber for this project given the restraints of the budget would be North European Redwood treated with Tanalith E to Hazard Class 4. North European Redwood was chosen as it is a slow grown timber which gives tight growth rings producing a high quality stable timber. Following further review with the client smooth deck boards were also specified.

After: Warm Decked Courtyard

There is a terrible misconception in the United Kingdom that grooved deck boards provide a non slip surface. The only thing that makes timber slippery is if it is not cleaned at least once a year like any other outdoor patio surface. The reality is grooved deck boards collect dirt and debris within the grooves of the boards and these are very difficult to keep clean. This leads to water being unable to drain away resulting in moisture build up within the boards which all leads to the accumulation of algae on the boards making them extremely slippery.

Aerial View of the Decked Courtyard

Hence from Deckbuilders years of experience within the industry and the thousands of projects they have completed they have found grooved deck boards to be far more slippery than smooth deck boards.

For commercial applications and domestic steps resin aggregate strips can be inserted into the deck boards. These were indeed reviewed for this project but were rejected in this instance as being to harsh for the environment that we were trying to create. It was decided they really were not necessary for this courtyard area deck. For boardwalks and heavily trafficked commercial decks Deckbuilders would strongly recommend their use.

Deckbuilders produced numerous drawings for this project on their bespoke CAD system. These included the initial design proposal drawings giving full 3D isometric views of the proposal for the client to have a clear idea of how the design would look when completed. Full structure drawings for the installation crew were also produced detailing the under structure elements and how they were to be put together. Numerous detailed drawings were also produced for the bespoke items such as the tapered deck boards and curved bearers. These were produced for the Deckbuilders in house work shop where all the timber elements for all Deckbuilders projects are machined.

Curved Decking with Planters

The completed project has received positive comments from everyone who has seen it. City Office Interiors appreciated the exceptional service provided by Deckbuilders and the quality of the build and the materials used in the completed project. The brief had been completed to the letter.

Below is an extract from a letter sent to Deckbuilders from Steve Young the Director of the Timber Decking Association following their TDA audit visit in October of this year:

‘After the Audit Hamish and I visited the round deck recently installed at 30 St Paul’s Square, Birmingham. What an interesting project and an impressive example of machining components to shape prior to treatment. My thanks to Hamish for yet again allowing the quality credentials of Deckbuilders speak for themselves.’

High praise in deed from a highly respected member of the timber industry.

Beaumont Hamel Starts

21/02/11 Installation starts on the deck at the Visitors Centre, Beaumont Hamel for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Deckbuilders is Growing

17/01/11 We start construction of the new canteen / staff facilities area. With the increase in staffing levels within Deckbuilders it is decided that we need to construct an independent rest area and drying room. After consultation with the staff it is decided we construct the building using our new cladding profile.

Cycle Link, Lavant

14/02/11 After many weeks of Design Consultation and confirmation of Engineers calculations, Deckbuilders finally get the green light for the construction of the Cycle Link for Oakford Homes for their site in Lavant near Chichester. This project required the use of substantial glulaminated engineered timbers to meet the correct load bearings set for the project. The project used Iroko deck boards incorporating coloured anti slip aggregate inserts on the ramps and steps. Working closely with the Engineers, Deckbuilders have been able to create a very necessary link for the local public that also looks stunning.

Beaumont Hamel, France

12/01/11 Deckbuilders wins contract with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to replace a deck at the visitor centre at Beaumont Hamel in France. The Deck is to be constructed using Iroko deck boards with anti–slip inserts. Manufacturing of all components starts immediately to hit the installation start deadline of the 21/02/11.

Demonstration Spa Decks

25/11/10 Meeting with Hotspring World at Deckbuilders Pershore Site to discuss further the potential partnership between Hotspring World and Deckbuilders. Deckbuilders have already built a number of decks with Hotspring Spas included in the designs. However, clients have had to up until now find both companies independently. Now Hotspring World will be including demonstration decks in their showrooms and offering their clients the opportunity to have their Spa set in a bespoke designed and installed deck by Deckbuilders.

New Yard Manager

15/11/10 Martin Evans joins the Company as Yard Manager in charge of deliveries, pick lists and stock control.

New Show Decks

15/11/10 Following our partnership agreement with Duraflex and as their preferred installer, New Show Decks are completed at the front of the Deckbuilders office building using Duraflex Composite Deck boards with Deckbuilders Handrail.

Outdoor Show Area Created

October 2010 The management of Deckbuilders agree that the Pershore Site should get a revamp. As a result a new meeting room and outdoor show areas are created. This now enables us to invite our clients to come and visit us in comfort and safety. They can discuss their projects and see the overall Deckbuilders process in action.

Newbridge Prep School

Newbridge Prep School

January – Outdoor Collection Show

The specifiers choice

Throughout the UK and across Europe, Deckbuilders reputation for designing and installing the ultimate in decking solutions is quickly making them the specifiers choice. From split level to intricate poolside solutions, Deckbuilders design using only the latest auto cad software available, ensuring a seamless transition of accuracy and functionality from the initial sketches to the final installation – and all NHBC compliant.

Combine this with competitive pricing and their dedication to using only the finest timber available isn’t it time you gave Deckbuilders a call.

Call us now for a free consultation on 0845 370 7790 or visit www.deckbuildersltd.co.uk for further information.

PIR Magazine

All Weather Friends!

When it came to providing the complex exterior solution for ten high level Devon houses, each with a 3 metre drop to the rear garden, Mr Basham of Strongvox Ltd called upon the expertise of Deckbuilders UK Ltd.

Specialists in split-level and alternative decking solutions, regardless of location and project size, Deckbuilders take pride in supplying an excellent pre-service including detailed NHBC compliant designs, calculations and competitive pricing.

Impressed by their service Mr Basham explains “Despite difficult weather and ground conditions Deckbuilders remained punctual and kept within the time scales, whereas other companies would have easily shied away. We are keen to continue using Deckbuilders UK Ltd on future projects and highly recommend them”

Needless to say, the results speak for themselves!

January -Business & Industry today

Designed to Inspire

Deckbuilders UK Ltd are arguably the UK’s leading specialist supplier of split level and alternative decking solutions.

From roof terrace to country estate, regardless of location and project size, Deckbuilders take pride in supplying an excellent pre-service including detailed NHBC compliant designs, calculations and competitive pricing.

From the initial consultation, Deckbuilders work with you to ensure that you get a design which not only functions to reflect your lifestyle, but adds value to your home and inspiration to the environment

Starting from as little as £4,000 for a full design and installation package, call Deckbuilders on 0845 370 7790 for a free brochure and consultation or visit www.deckbuildersltd.co.uk