We were appointed to project manage the redevelopment of an estate cottage on Elderslie Estate, in Renfrewshire. The cottage, formally known as Gryffe Wraes Cottage was destroyed by a fire and has been replaced by two semi-detached dwellings benefitting from state-of-the-art green technology.
The Estate is comprised of some 4,000 acres mostly in the triangle between Houston, Kilmacolm and Bridge of Weir, to the west of Glasgow. Elderslie Estates has around 1,000 acres of in-hand farm land and a number of tenanted farms. The area is popular for commuters and good quality properties let well.
CKD Galbraith's Building Surveying team co-ordinated the entire project - managing every aspect including the initial insurance assessment and negotiation, the development appraisal, the intricate architectural design and the on-site contractors.
The project began as an insurance claim following a fire which destroyed the original cottage. Thankfully, the property had recently been accurately assessed for insurance purposes allowing a smooth negotiation and settlement with the Loss Adjuster. A development appraisal was subsequently completed and the estate took the decision to utilise the insurance sum to provide a new asset in the form of two semi-detached dwellings for rental purposes.
CKD Galbraith consulted the local authorities to obtain the necessary consents (Planning and Building Warrant) prior to tendering the works, appointing a contractor and managing the construction works through to completion. Upon completion, the new cottages underwent thorough air tightness and sound performance tests, which is not only requirement of the current Building Regulations, it also ensures the properties actually meet the performance and efficiency standards once constructed. Both properties feature Mitsubishi air source heat pumps which are estimated to save tenants hundreds per year with annual heating bills not expected to exceed 600.
The rebuild has run alongside CKD Galbraith's ongoing management of Elderslie Estate under the expertise of Chris Addison-Scott who leads the rural team based in Stirling. The team has managed and provided advice on farm, forestry and community interests for Elderslie Estate since 1984. These new builds are just one of several ongoing projects managed by CKD Galbraith that will ensure the land continues playing a vital part of the local economy, providing jobs and modern housing.
Completed 2014