Project Description
Transforming a former hospital into a luxury care facility
Appointed by long-standing partner R G Carter, Eden Facades delivered the complete external façade package to redevelop Broomfield Care Home in Chelmsford – transforming a former hospital building into a high-spec, modern care facility.
Given the building’s future use, the client’s stringent requirements for high fire safety and quality standards were at the forefront of our scope. The works involved removing the existing sheathing board and installing the A1-rated Y-Wall board, renowned for its superior non-combustibility, to ensure the safety of the building.
On the upper floors of the façade, a Wetherby insulated brick slip system was installed. An insulated render system with a stone-effect finish was applied at ground floor level, creating visual contrast.
Lightweight stone bands were installed at both the upper and ground floor levels to give the building a premium aesthetic.
In addition to the rear of the building, we constructed a new three-storey extension using Metsec SFS on a steel frame, which was then finished to match the rest of the façade.
Technical challenges and solutions
A key challenge of the project was the complex curvature of some of the building’s façades. These featured a tight radius with straight windows set into the curves, making the consistent installation of the brick slips especially demanding.
Our team used innovative solutions to overcome the complexity and achieve the desired finish. We used vertical rails to guide the insulation, cut sheathing boards into smaller sections to follow the curve, and installed custom seal profiles at transitions. This dedication to problem-solving, as highlighted by our Site Manager, Steve Mountford, resulted in a perfect finish that delighted the client:
“Installing brick slips on a tight radius like that – especially with square windows – wasn’t easy. We thought we’d have to do it all in half bricks at one stage, but we made it work. The team did a fantastic job, and the result was perfect. The client was pleased with how it turned out.”
Communication: The key to swift progress
As the project involved refurbishing an existing structure, preparatory works had to be carried out by the client before we could begin the façade installation. This coordination was vital to avoid delays. Close communication with R G Carter ensured work could commence as soon as areas became available. This proactive and collaborative approach, as Matt Green, Operations Manager, explains, was key to the project’s swift progress and successful completion:
“We were always in close communication with R G Carter to ensure we could carry out our work as soon as these areas became available. Once we had access to each area, we completed the work quickly to negate potential delays.”
Rear extension and entrance pavilion
A significant feature of the project was constructing a rear three-storey extension and new entrance pavilion, both delivered as part of Eden Facades’ external works package.
The rear extension was constructed using Metsec SFS (Steel Framing System), which Eden Facades both installed and finished. This three-storey structure formed part of a newly built wing. The façade was then finished with Wetherby brick slips on the upper levels and stone-effect insulated render on the ground floor, ensuring the new build blended seamlessly with the rest of the façade.
The entrance pavilion was constructed in blockwork, with a timber soffit finished in render. Eden installed the render carrier board to the soffit, applied the render finish, and completed the adjacent sides in brick slips and banding features to enhance visual interest and tie the entrance with the rest of the building’s architectural detailing.
A successful partnership
Having previously worked with R G Carter; the project benefited from strong collaboration and communication. Eden’s complete external package was delivered on time and to budget, aligned with the luxury specification required. Matt concludes:
“The aim was to deliver a high-spec finish to align with the design intent, and we delivered on all fronts through our complete package of works. We pride ourselves on attention to detail, and through our expert installation and close, long-term partnership with R G Carter, it again paid off. We refurbished the façades into something immaculate and modern. The transformation speaks for itself.”
Chloe Mcguire, Contract Manager comments:
“I recently had the opportunity to work with Eden Facades on Broomfield Care Home, and I was thoroughly impressed. Their professional team demonstrated a strong willingness to overcome design challenges and maintained a strong commitment to quality throughout the project. I highly recommend Eden Facades for any facade related work.”
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