Graven Hill Village

Following a rigorous selection process, Poplars were appointed as the most suitable/qualified contractor by Graven Hill who have robust requirements for approved contractors, similar to a Housing Association/Council client. The project involved the construction of three new build properties, each featuring three bedrooms with en-suites, a master bathroom, kitchen/diner, living room, and downstairs WC. The houses were built traditionally, using materials such as facework brickwork, render, and composite and cedar cladding. Two of the houses were designed with pitched roofs, while the third had a flat roof with a single ply system. Each property was equipped with Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), and electric car chargers, all built to Part M Building Regulations. The outdoor areas included driveways for two cars, patios, and lawns.

Fixtures and fittings were upgraded to provide longer warranty periods and enhance energy efficiency. Additional measures were taken to achieve an air permeability test result of greater than 3m3/h/1m2, which helped lower the energy consumption for future residents.

The project faced significant challenges, starting during the wettest winter on record since 1836, which made groundworks and brickwork difficult.