News
Stunning Residential Refurbishment on Suffolk Heritage Coast
Traditional building methods and modern materials combine seamlessly in the creation of this stunning bespoke family home, on Suffolk’s heritage coast.
The existing house has undergone extensive structural repairs and painstaking, sympathetic restoration works, to provide comfortable reception rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. A substantial, two storey, rear extension has created an exceptional family kitchen and dining area, along with additional sleeping accommodation to the first floor.
The home is finished to an extraordinarily high standard, using top specification components and fixtures, installed by skilled craftsmen.
”Mixbrow did a brilliant job. Excellent attention to detail and quality; and went out of their way to be helpful and finish the project on time.”
Mixbrow Deliver Mother & Baby Unit for NHS Trust
Mixbrow Construction have successfully completed the Kingfisher Mother & Baby Unit (MBU) at Hellesden Hospital, Norwich, on behalf of the Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
The eight-bed unit will ensure mums stay together with their babies, while receiving inpatient care, for conditions such as; severe post-natal depression, serious anxiety disorders and postpartum psychosis.
Construction of New Warehouse for Trox UK Making Rapid Progress
Work is progressing rapidly on the construction of a new storage and distribution building for TROX UK in Thetford. 184 pre-cast concrete floor slabs, each weighing up to 2.5 tonnes, have been craned into position, to form part of the 1860 square metre warehouse floor and ceiling of the 44 bay under-croft car park. 300 cubic metres of concrete have also been poured, to create the remaining warehouse floor section.
The steel framed warehouse structure, fabricated and erected by Nimmo Industrial Buildings of Kings Lynn, is nearing completion, with roofing and cladding works set to commence.
Working in partnership with Rees Pryer Architects of Bury St Edmunds, Superstructures Structural Engineers of Ipswich and Attleborough based BHA Consulting Civil Engineers, Mixbrow Construction is delivering a facility that maximises utilisation of the limited site space.
The project is on target for completion early 2019
Vibrant Office Suite Transformation
Utilising bold design concepts and high-quality components, Mixbrow Construction has transformed a drab, functional office area into a vibrant and stimulating work space.
100 staff members are comfortably accommodated within the open-plan office. A state-of-the-art, touch screen, electronic booking system controls the scheduling and use of the formal meeting room.
Pool tables, sports memorabilia and a “FIFA Zone” help staff to unwind during rest periods. A coffee shop style refreshments area provides further opportunities to relax.
Mixbrow Construction Welcomes Three New Members to its Management Team
In keeping with the company's plan for sustainable growth and continual improvement, Mixbrow Construction are delighted to welcome three new members to its management team:
- Mark Farrow joins us in the role of Estimator / Surveyor. Mark's breadth of experience, having worked within local authority, social housing and main contracting environments, adds a new dimension to our team.
- Ralph Rachael joins us in the role of Site Manager, utilising his extensive experience and knowledge to manage the alteration and refurbishment element of a new social housing scheme in Bury St Edmunds.
- Mark Mann joins us in the role of Maintenance & Small Works Project Manager. Mark's affable nature complements his efficient and very capable approach to the role, further strengthening our dynamic small works team.
These exciting appointments significantly enhance Mixbrow Construction's capabilities and help us to achieve our vision of being a leader in construction and the benchmark against which our competitors are measured.
Ipswich Social Housing Project Taking Shape
Work is progressing well on a new social housing scheme in Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich. The project, undertaken on behalf of Ipswich Borough Council, will provide seventeen much needed, affordable homes for the local community and is scheduled for completion in November 2019.
Bury St Edmunds Social Housing Project Making Excellent Progress
A project to build 36 new affordable and shared ownership apartments, on a disused site in Bury St Edmunds is making excellent progress. The development, on behalf of Havebury Housing Partnership, is situated on a former nightclub and snooker hall site, on Tayfen Road.
Demolition, piling and foundation works have already been completed and the construction of the external masonry envelope has commenced. Completion is scheduled for July 2019.
Completion of New Farm Barn, Shelland
Work was recently completed at New Farm, Shelland.
This project combines the old with the new and the traditional with the modern. The result is a beautiful family home that provides the comfort, performance and convenience expected of contemporary houses, while remaining perfectly in keeping with its countryside setting.
A former oak-framed Granary was extensively restored, both structurally and aesthetically, using traditional techniques and sustainable materials, such as oak carpentry, wood-fibre insulation, lime floor screeds, lime plastering and breathable, mineral based paints. Reclaimed bricks and timbers, set aside from a demolished, redundant farm building were incorporated into the renovation.
A glazed link takes you from the rustic charm of the main house to the precise lines and state of the art technology of the annexe, which incorporates an extensive en-suite bedroom and cinema room.
A ground-source heat pump provides the home with heating and hot water, as part of smart phone controlled, intelligent Mechanical & Electrical Installation.
Client Testimonial:
“Thank you for building us a fabulous new home and for all the support and advice throughout the process. You set very clear expectations of what you expected from us as the customer and what we could expect from you as main contractor. Any issues (and they were very few for a project this size) were handled swiftly and professionally. The care and quality shown by all workers was evident and Mick had excellent control of the site at all times. Mick’s attention to detail was exactly what we needed and he treated the project like it was his own. Overall, I would and in fact already have, recommend Mixbrow for similar projects.” Martin Jewers, New Farm, Shelland.
Suffolk Joint Consultative Committee (SJCC) Awards 2018
The 2018 Suffolk Joint Consultative Committee (SJCC) Awards were a great success for Mixbrow Construction.
Mixbrow Construction received an RIBA Craftmanship Award, for a stunning domestic Kitchen and Swimming Pool building in Debenham.
The Challs International Headquarters Building, built by Mixbrow Construction and designed by OWL Architects received an RIBA Design Award. Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/270877760
Westhorpe Village Hall and Harefield House, Norton also received special mention.
Hat Trick of Victories in Challange Cup
Once again Mixbrow Construction have dominated the annual Castons Challenge Cup 5-A-Side football competition, finishing with a clean sweep of 7 victories and no losses. After a relentless performance in the final group match, taking victory against DPL, with a score line of 29 : 4, Mixbrow met Barnes in the final. Despite a tentative start from both teams, Mixbrow soon hit their stride and, with a final score of 12:1, lifted the cup for the third consecutive year. Darren Webb, Mixbrow Construction's Managing Director, and head coach, was delighted with the result, praising his team after their victory: "Congratulations to you all, you dominated the tournament and the final without doubt. You were all very sporting and fair to all of our opponents, many of whom we work for throughout the year."
Thanks again to Castons, in particular to Adam Fuller, for organising the competition. Can Mixbrow make it an unprecedented fourth victory in a row next year?
EADT Article Highlights Excellent Craftsmanship at Westhorpe Village Hall
An article in the East Anglian Daily Times on 5th May 2018 highlights the high quality of craftsmanship being delivered by Suffolk builders. Singled out for particular praise was Westhorpe Village Hall, built by Mixbrow Construction and designed by Paul Weston. Read the article here:
Stunning Suffolk Swimming Pool and Kitchen Project Completion
Situated in the heart of rural Suffolk, this beautiful residential project, consisting of a new kitchen extension; swimming pool; sauna; gymnasium and guest accommodation, incorporates top craftsmanship and traditional materials to stunning effect.
Externally, facing brickwork is enhanced with bespoke stonework and joinery. A handmade kitchen, natural stone flooring and lantern roof lights combine to produce a welcoming, high quality interior.
School Improvement Projects Completed For New Academic Year
Mixbrow Construction has been extremely busy during the school's summer holiday period. Projects included the extension of the Sixth Form Dining Room and construction of a new Workshop Building for Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge; the creation of a Modern Welfare Facility for Claydon High School and a New Front Entrance and Larger Staff Room for Bosmere Primary School in Needham Market.
Eaton Socon Pre-School Underway
New Company Headquarters for International Manufacturer
Mixbrow Construction recently completed a state of the art office and production facility, in Suffolk, for Challs International. The new headquarters, built over three floors and totalling 15,600ft,2 is of steel framed construction, with cast in-situ concrete floors, aluminium curtain walling and Kingspan Benchmark architectural façade. The building incorporates intelligent climate controls and automated systems, combined with rain water harvesting facilities. This optimises efficiency and environmental performance and creates an extremely pleasant working environment.
Hadleigh Commercial Project Completion
Mixbrow Construction have completed a high specification, office and storage facility for a Primo Manufacturing, in Hadleigh. The building is of steel framed construction, with aluminium windows and doors and composite panel envelope. Vibrant internal finishes to the offices create a very pleasant atmosphere. The modern meeting room is equipped with the latest multi-media facilities. The product storage area is racked to provide extensive warehousing capability.
Mixbrow Joins Forces with Local Beavers to Reinforce Site Safety Message
Thanks to all of the children and adults at the 1st and 3rd Stowmarket Beaver Colony for their enthusiasm in helping us to raise awareness of the dangers present on construction sites. Mixbrow recently set the Beavers the challenge of designing new safety posters for our current project in Finborough Road, Stowmarket. All of the entries were fantastic and it was an extremely difficult task to select our winners. The top three entries were produced by Noah, Harry and William and each received a Lego construction set to say thank you for their hard work.
Hadleigh Cricket Club Bowled Over by Pavilion Improvements
Working in partnership with KLH Architects, Mixbrow Construction have successfully completed an 18 week project to refurbish and extend the Pavilion at Hadleigh Cricket Club.
Work included internal layout alterations, modernisation and refurbishment works, along with a new single storey, timber framed extension, housing new changing facilities.
Local Authority Social Housing Project Set To Commence in June
Mixbrow Construction is delighted to be working in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council to bring seven much needed affordable homes to the town. This eight month Design & Build project is programmed to commence in late June.
NHS Refurbishment Project Secured
Mixbrow Construction are delighted to have been selected by the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust to undertake a £0.5M Ward Refurbishment at the Julian Hospital in Norwich. This exciting 14 week project is due to commence mid June.
Mixbrow Repeat Challenge Cup Success
Mixbrow Construction are delighted to have won the Challenge Cup for the second consecutive year. At full-time, in a very close match against DPL, the final went to penalties. With the score still tied after 5 attempts each, it all came down to sudden death. Mixbrow held their nerve to secure a spectacular victory. Once again Mixbrow Construction would like to thank all participants and, in particular, Castons for organising the tournament.
18 Bedroom Barham Care Centre Extension Handed To Client Five Weeks Early
Westhorpe Village Hall Completed Five Weeks Early
Mixbrow Construction has successfully completed the construction of a New Village Hall for Westhorpe, Suffolk, five weeks ahead of schedule.
This modern community facility, incorporating a versatile, multi-media equipped Main Hall, Catering Kitchen and Welfare Facilities, will be cherished by local residents for many years to come.
Work Commences on Residential Kitchen & Swimming Pool Extension
Work is underway on a local domestic property extension. The £1.4M project will create a new Kitchen, Swimming Pool, Spa Pool, Sauna and Gymnasium. Completion is scheduled for November 2017.
Stowmarket Social Housing Project Underway
Mixbrow Construction has commenced work on an exciting social housing scheme in Stowmarket. The £1.9M project, on behalf of Havebury Housing Partnership, which is scheduled for completion in November 2017, will see the creation of twenty two new one bedroom apartments.
Westhorpe New Village Hall Topping Out Ceremony
The topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the main structure and roof of the Westhorpe New Village Hall was a great success.
In attendance were; the Architect, Paul Weston; Sue Hull, the Chair of the Village Hall Committee; representatives of the National Lottery and Mid Suffolk District Council, along with a number of local residents.
The timber framed building is planned for completion in early February 2017, however, it is hoped that this long anticipated community facility will be handed over 1 month ahead of programme.
FBE Golf Day Raises £5,500 for Cancer Charities
The 2016 FBE Eastern Region Charity Golf Day has exceeded all expectations in raising funds for local cancer charities.
This year's event, organised by Darren Webb, Managing Director of Mixbrow Construction and held at Stowmarket Golf Club, raised in excess of £5,500.00.
A big thank you to all that took part.
New Sixth Form Centre Achieves Top Marks
Working in partnership with Wincer Kievenaar Architects, Mixbrow Construction has transformed drab, under-used classrooms, offices and technology workshops into vibrant, learning and social spaces.
The new Sixth Form Centre, at St. Josephs College, Ipswich, provides a contemporary, light and spacious learning environment. In addition to formal teaching areas, the new facility provides informal study areas and an open plan social lounge.
Hadeigh Commercial Project Progressing Well
Work is progressing well on one of Mixbrow Construction's commercial new build projects in Hadleigh, Suffolk.
The 45 week project, on behalf of Challs International and Primo Manufacturing, involves the construction of a new 3 Storey Office Suite, Manufacturing Facility and Storage Warehouse on adjacent sites.
Castons Charity Golf Day 2016
Mixbrow Construction would like to thank Castons Chartered Quantity Surveyors for Hosting a charity golf day at Waldringfield Golf Club. The day was a great success, raising money for Diabetes and Cancer charities. Mixbrow Construction finished second in the team competition. A valiant effort!
ISO Compliance Audit Success
Mixbrow Construction has sailed through its first compliance audit since successfully gaining ISO certification of its Business Management System. The company has made fantastic progress over the past year, embracing the spirit of the standards and driving forward continual improvement.
Attractive Country Property Complete
Client Testimonial:
“I employed Mixbrow to convert and existing outbuilding to create a 3 bedroom house in challenging conditions. My site was demanding; in the grounds of an historic watermill, with a high water table. Relations between Mixbrow and me were excellent throughout. Mixbrow staff and their subcontractors were always cheerful and helpful – willing to explain what they were doing. Everyone working on the project seemed determined to build to the highest specification and the finished result is excellent. James Johnston, Mendham Mill.
Mixbrow Construction Welcomes New Site Manager
Mixbrow Construction is delighted to announce that Simon Metcalfe has recently join its management team.
Simon is a vastly experienced and immensely respected site manager, who has successfully completed many complex construction projects. With his wealth of practical knowledge and skill, he adds another dimension to a dynamic team.
Simon's friendly, open nature makes him a perfect fit with Mixbrow's ethos of honesty and fairness.
Undefeated Mixbrow in Challenge Cup Victory!
After narrowly missing out last season, Mixbrow Constrution have become worthy champions in the Challenge Cup. An undefeated run of eleven matches, in which Mixbrow scored a staggering 183 goals, while letting in only 32, guaranteed them a place in the final. A spirited final, against Morgan Sindal saw Mixbrow emerge victorious, with a final score of 7-2.
The Challenge Cup is a 5-a-side football tournament for Contractors, Consultants, Architects and Solicitors in the Ipswich region. Mixbrow Construction would like to thank all those who participated and, in particular, would like to give special thanks to Bradley Hines of Castons for his time and effort in arranging this very enjoyable sporting event.
Stunning Riverside Accommodation Complete
Mixbrow Construction have worked tirelessly for their client to deliver them a stunning riverside building. The Belvedere, situated in Woodbridge, Suffolk, offers picturesque views over the river Deben. The three storey building consists of modern office space to the ground floor, while the second and third floors provide luxuriously furnished, holiday let apartments.
Client Testimonial:
"We are delighted with our new building, which is a complex and unique design. Mixbrow did exactly what they promised, delivering it on time and budget. They are a professional organisation, with a personal approach to problem solving and construction." Clive F. Eminson BSc FRICS, Chairman, Robertson’s Boatyard.
Flagship Depot Completed Six Weeks Ahead of Programme
Mixbrow Construction have delivered Coastal Building Supplies their new flagship depot, situated on Ransomes Europark, Ipswich, below budget and six weeks ahead of programme.
Client Testimonial:
"I would like to express my thanks to the team at Mixbrow for the completion of a successful contract. From beginning to end Mixbrow have always been professional, timely and reliable. The project has been finished ahead of time, within budget. Workmanship and attention to detail have been of a very high standard, with exemplary site management. Should we have need of a contractor in the future I would be pleased to work with you again. Please pass my thanks to all involved." John Parish, Chairman, Coastal Building Supplies Ltd.
Work Underway on Hadleigh Commercial Projects
Mixbrow Construction has commenced work on two adjacent commercial buildings on Lady Lane Industrial Estate in Hadleigh, Suffolk. The 45 week project, on behalf of Challs International and Primo Manufacturing, involves the construction of a new 3 Storey Office Suite, Manufacturing Facility and Storage Warehouse.
Exciting Opportunities for Partnerships with Local Authorities
Contemporary Scandinavian Style Living in the Heart of Rural Suffolk
Built for a private client, in a rural village setting, this bespoke timber framed house is a fabulous example of a modern family home. Working in partnership with Plaice Design Company we have achieved a standard of finish and attention to detail that is exemplary.
This project is scheduled to be entered for numerous national design and construction awards.
Care Centre Project Underway
Confectionery Factory Project a Sweet Success
Mixbrow Construction have once again provided an outstanding level of service to deliver its client a first class facility. The project to construct a new multi-million pound factory extension for Kinnerton Confectionery has been completed on time, within budget and with zero accidents or environmental incidents.
Client Testimonial:
"Mixbrow acted as Principal Contractor for a £3.75M new build project for my client for whom I was the Appointed Project Manager. The contract was executed on time and to budget with no accidents or incidents. The Site management team were always in control of the sub-contractor activities, site safety and standard of works, responding promptly to the client's changing requirements. Mixbrow always provided me up-to-date project progress information and financial forecasting allowing me to give the client a high degree of confidence about achieving the tight time-scales, budget and delivering the end result. The build was in a very difficult area of the Site to access and the Mixbrow team worked very closely with the client's operations team to ensure that the interests of both parties were understood and respected. At the point of interface with the client's production, Mixbrow were required to work around "live" production which, in a food environment, meant close control and supervision of work combined with a respectful appreciation of the client's hygiene requirements; these works passed off without incident. The client had a business critical deadline for the Christmas 2015 break which was non-negotiable - Mixbrow worked tirelessly to ensure that delays due to the weather did not jeopardise achieving completion on time. The end result was a high quality building which met the client's expectations. I'd happily recommend Mixbrow to any of my future clients." Chris Dixon of Chris Dixon Project Ltd
Client's Sporting Event a Great Success
On Wednesday 16th December Mixbrow Construction held their annual Client's Sporting Event. After coffee & bacon rolls, the morning was spent locked in fierce combat; Clay Pigeon Shooting. Following a closely contested battle, requiring steely nerves and a rather fetching choice of eyewear, Stuart's team emerged the victors.
Scores were compared and excuses were made over a relaxed festive lunch. Restored, we reconvened at the lake to while away the afternoon, engaged in less combative pursuits. Or so we thought. The announcement of prizes available for 'largest fish' & 'most fish' landed reignited the hunger for victory. Competition did not cease until it was no longer possible to see the floats bobbing in the water. Had head torches been available, they would surely have been deployed. A nine pound monster, wrestled to the bank by Paul Boswell was, by some margin, the largest of the day, while Andy Garnham's focus and commitment was rewarded when he declared on a century to secure the prize.
An evening meal and drinks topped off a very enjoyable day, spent in great company.
Mixbrow Construction Expands Small Works & Maintenance Division
Mixbrow Construction is delighted to welcome David Johnson back to their management team. David spent many successful years as their resident maintenance contracts manager at PPG Industries in Stowmarket. After a brief spell away, David has returned to Mixbrow Construction as Commercial Projects Manager. He will be responsible for the successful implementation of the future strategy for their small works and maintenance division.
Mixbrow Construction Announce Changes in Senior Management Team
After 20 successful years of leading the company, John Prentice has decided to stand down as Managing Director of Mixbrow Construction. John will continue to sit on the board of Directors, providing support and guidance in his new role as Chairman. Darren Webb has been appointed as Managing Director of Mixbrow Construction. The enthusiasm and commitment that Darren has demonstrated in his previous role, as Construction Director, combined with his passionate approach will help to drive Mixbrow Construction on to greater things in the future. The Board are also delighted to announce the appointment of Doug Jaye to the position of Contracts Director. Doug has been a vital member of our management team since he joined us in 2002. His vast construction knowledge and practical experience, coupled with his unwavering commitment to “doing things right” bring great strength to the board. Rob Berry continues in his dual role as Financial Director and Company Secretary, while Stuart Leech has shifted his focus slightly. As Operations Director, Stuart is targeting continual improvement and raised standards of professionalism throughout the business. To this end Mixbrow Construction continue to develop its Integrated Management System.
Preliminary Work To start on Hadleigh Head Office Site
Mixbrow have been working closely with OWL Architects, Superstructures Ipswich engineers, Gill Associates Quantity Surveyors, and The Energy Practice, M&E consultants, in preparation for the start of the new head office and production facility. The project is for Challs International Ltd and Primo Manufacturing Ltd, manufacturers and distributors of specialist cleaning products worldwide. The contract is due to last approx. 12 months.
Social Housing Site Commences
We are pleased to have just started building four new houses for Orwell Housing at Sweffling, Suffolk. The project follows the successful completion of a site at Wickham Market which also included social housing for Orwell Housing. The project is expected to take 30 weeks.
Mixbrow Construction achieve three ISO Accreditations
Mixbrow Construction has successfully developed and implemented an Integrated Management System that has been certified, by a UKAS accredited certification body, to meet the exacting standards of ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety). They become one of a relatively small number of organisations to have successfully completed this process.
Work continues on Kinnerton Confectionery factory extension
Mixbrow are on programme to complete the construction of a 25.000 sq ft extension to the chocolate confectionery company's Fakenham factory. The extension will enable Kinnerton's production and packaging activities to be brought under one roof. The extension will be built on a raised floor to provide flexibility in the positioning of machinery in the factory and associated pipework/ducting below floor level. The building work, one of the largest projects carried out by Mixbrow Constructon, will be completed before Christmas.