When your project is finished, we'll still be going strong
Choosing the right construction company for any project, whether domestic or commercial, can feel risky. We've all heard horror stories about cowboy builders and, more recently, about firms that go bust and disappear overnight.
Whether you're an architect, specifier or site owner, you want to know that the team you're hiring will be dependable, experienced and skilled. You need to feel comfortable that they'll understand every aspect of your plan and will react intelligently to any unforeseen problems that manifest themselves while the job's in progress. You'd like to be sure that they'll respect the site, leave it safe, clean and tidy each day and, quite simply, that they'll be nice people to deal with. And in terms of the guarantee, you need to be confident that they'll still be in business long after your project ends.
So let us reassure you. Sturland builders are well-trained, enthusiastic and - as importantly when you could be seeing them every day for weeks or months - friendly and approachable. Moreover, every project we undertake is monitored, managed and supervised by a company director who'll ensure that it runs smoothly. We place a strong emphasis on reliability and competence and are long-standing members of The Federation of Master Builders; and having been local leaders in our industry for around four decades so far, we've every intention of sticking around for years to come.
We also pride ourselves on being one of the more environmentally aware companies in the industry, actively promoting the recycling of waste products and using environmentally friendly materials wherever possible. Health and Safety is taken just as seriously, and we can issue contracts under CDM regulations on request and provide pre-tender Health & Safety Plans, Risk Assessments, Method Statements and COSSH Assessments.
In short, Sturland is a trustworthy, established building firm that offers a sound knowledge of the latest ecological building techniques as well as proven historical expertise. It's a winning combination.
Since we've been Bath-based for nearly half a century, it's hardly surprising that much of Sturland's work has involved the sympathetic restoration, conservation, repair and maintenance of period buildings.
Our skilled team of masons are used to working with stone and lime mortar, whether carrying out discreet conservation repairs or making major structural alterations. Likewise, most of our carpenters and joiners have been with us for many years and are experts at reconstructing and repairing oak framework as well as reproducing historic details in doors, windows, skirtings, architraves and panelling.
It's fair to say that we're particularly renowned for expertise in restoring Georgian buildings to their former splendour. As such, we're frequently commissioned to remove partitioning and other additions to restore original proportions and features to period properties, and to replace inappropriate windows, doors and roof coverings. In 2008 we carried out extensive refurbishment and the conversion of the listed Beau Nash Cinema in Bath into a live entertainment venue for Komedia, with a café bar run by River Cottage. This project subsequently won the 2009 Design Quality Award for a Commercial/Public building.
Meanwhile, domestic projects have included the rescue and restoration of buildings from sixteenth century farmhouses to Grade 1 listed townhouses; commercial ones have seen us converting former residences and warehouses into office buildings; and on an ecclesiastical note, we've repaired and rejuvenated a twelfth century priory and numerous small churches. We thoroughly enjoy utilising our skills to breath new life into buildings that have fallen into neglect.
In 1971, when Sturland was first established in Bath, almost all our work was carried out on Georgian properties. However, things have changed. As our workforce and portfolio grew, so too did the range of skills we were able to offer, and our experience of contemporary building construction.
In recent years there's been a general move away from the dull, uninspired new build projects that were prevalent in the 1970s and '80s. In addition, we've seen a significant increase in the number of people wishing to make a more positive contribution to the built environment by commissioning interesting, adventurous and environmentally sustainable buildings.
The traditional skills we've honed and developed over the years together with a forward-thinking approach to new technologies mean that Sturland is well-placed to meet the needs of today's' dynamic and experimental architects and specifiers. During the last decade or so we've found ourselves constructing innovative properties from diverse materials, using oak frames or stone cladding, some of which feature ground source heat pumps, solar panels, wind turbines, green roofs, solar gain glazing and rainwater harvesting systems. You can find out more in the Sustainable buildings section.
We are proud to have partnered with a number of inspired architectural practices, not only in constructing buildings but in offering technical and practical advice at the planning stage of developments, based on our knowledge and experience of new construction methodologies.
At Sturland we aim do things right. That doesn't just mean turning up when we say we will, being courteous to customers and suppliers, keeping sites tidy, doing a great job and finishing on time and to budget.
We also want to work with our clients towards doing what's ecologically right, and helping to ensure that future generations have a sustainable future.
The way to do this, of course, is by thinking ahead. Everyone in our company is aware of the bigger picture painted by our industry, and we pride ourselves on being environmentally conscious at all times. Wherever possible we use sustainable materials, source and buy products locally and recycle 94% of our waste.
If you're thinking of commissioning a green building you have every right to feel proud. Sustainable buildings don't just offer you a healthier environment, reduced carbon emissions or the satisfaction of knowing that you're planning for subsequent generations. They're also designed, constructed and operated to enhance the wellbeing and comfort of their occupants, and to minimise negative impacts on both the natural environment and community where they're built. Ideally landscaped for efficiency from the outset, they can incorporate recycled materials in construction; energy-efficient, water-efficient and renewable energy technologies; and even indoor air improvement schemes.
In turn, this can deliver a better long-term economic performance, from increased resale value and lower maintenance and fuel bills. And subject to your plans meeting certain conditions, the Sturland team might also be able you attain a government grant to put towards your project.
In financial, ecological and sociological terms we see sustainable buildings as the way forward and are investing heavily in equipping Sturland teams with the knowledge and skills they need to work at the forefront of this fast-growing arena.
