This project was a full-scale refurbishment of a public house. The building became completely uninhabitable after years of closure, which meant that before structural alterations to be established, the construction team had to carefully open areas of the building for AWA to inspect. Structural changes required a sympathetic approach that considered the building’s rich history.

The pub had been adapted over its lifespan, causing unexpected structural challenges. One adaptation required was a series of large timber beams that needed strengthening as a result of previously made unsympathetic alterations. In addition to this, the original retaining walls were constructed close to the boundary of adjacent houses. In line with the Party Wall Act, the team needed to ensure no adjacent properties would succumb to any structural damage during construction.

New retaining walls were created using a king post-construction technique. Having originally designed walls built with the reinforced concrete as requested, AWA were asked to consider a more cost-effective option. This alternative technique involved concreting in steel king posts with timber shuttering spanning between them, providing an option that was structurally sound but at lower cost.

The new retaining walls also created a double level of car parking for customers. This idea was born out of needing a solution to the site being situated on a slope. Taking a forward-thinking approach, the AWA team used this to the advantage of the project in providing additional parking spaces.

A drainage solution was also needed as there were no public sewers for foul waste or surface water to run into due to the rural location of the building. The team were able to provide both soakaway and drainage field solutions on site.

One unique element of this project was the design of a specialist beer barrel chute into the cellar below. This was achieved by extending the basement to provide an easy solution for the team to dispatch the barrels from the lorry to where they are stored without disrupting customers.

The large extension to the rear of the building had a double vaulted roof with a steel frame to reflect the angles of the original roof. This design also provides support for the open plan design and gives a high architectural finish.

Seeing the success of The Fox has been a huge highlight for the team at AWA. Though a complex project, it’s given the local community their pub back and is a sought-after eatery by people in the surrounding areas.