Brochure v12.sm

DESIGN
BUILD
RESTORE

McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
MCINTOSH DBR
ABOUT US
With a well-established
reputation as one of Somerset’s
finest building contractors, we
are specialists in designing and
constructing luxury new build
homes and extensions, and
restoring period and Grade I/II
listed buildings.
As experienced designers
and builders, we can develop
your new home or restore
your existing property to an
exceptionally high standard of
quality and level of detail.
Our professional team of
specialists have a wealth of
experience and knowledge,
and we’re dedicated to
building strong client
relationships and sourcing the
finest materials from around
the world.
Crucially, we fully appreciate
that property is a serious
investment and a major
commitment, so you can rest
assured that we’re here to help
and advise at every stage of
the development process.
A family-owned business
putting quality, aesthetics
and client satisfaction first,
Mcintosh DBR is anything but
the average builder.
RESTORATION AND
REFURBISHMENT
We have the specialist skills to restore any
property into a dream home.
We have many years experience with listed
buildings and have valuable insight into making
the process run as smoothly as possible.
If you would like to take a tour of one of our
projects in the construction phase then please
call us on 01373 752700 and we can arrange a
site visit.
MCINTOSH DBR IS A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS
YOU CAN RELY ON AND TRUST.
BARN CONVERSION PROJECT - Bean Hill, Somerset
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
OUR SECTORS
McIntosh DBR has a first class reputation for completing top
quality new build projects and period restorations across
the South West of England. We pride ourselves on always
being on time and within budget, and we never settle for
anything less than excellence in all we do.
We honed our skills in the luxury hotel and catering trade,
working directly with commercial clients, and our wide
range of skills and experience translate effectively to the
customer build sector in which we also now operate.
We provide a bespoke service, tailored to suit each client,
handling every stage of the build from design to completion
via planning permission, sourcing of materials, construction,
landscaping and more.
DESIGN
us solely for the construction side of things. Whatever your
requirements, we’ll always go the extra mile to realise your
vision and deliver the property of your dreams.
BUILD
We are immensely proud of our reputation as one of the best
high-end builders in the South West, having constructed
many houses ranging in price from £300,000 to millions,
including two developments of 15 houses each, and our
current country house project (see pXX). We also specialise
in extensions, from single-storey to those significantly
increasing the footprint of the existing house.
Of course, we continue to operate in the business sector,
too, as our recent very-high-specification new build offices
project, outlined on pXX, demonstrates.
Offering a full planning and design service, from new builds
to luxury extensions, Mcintosh DBR is much more than just
a builder. We can appoint an architect for you or work with
one of your choosing; and after many years of collaboration
with some of the best interior designers in the world, we
have an eclectic toolbox of visual references available for
you to draw on.
On the other hand, you may prefer to take care of the
planning and design side of the build yourself, engaging
Providing a hassle-free customer experience is our priority,
and our team always work with the minimum amount of
disruption, staying out of sight on site as much as possible.
McIntosh DBR’s partners include architects, quantity
surveyors and our preferred suppliers, but we understand
that our commercial clients may have their own existing
relationships with such service providers and merchants.
We are equally happy deploying our own team from start
to finish, or as part of your wider outfit.
DESIGN
BUILD
RESTORE
RESTORE
Restoring older buildings efficiently and sympathetically means expecting the
unexpected, as even the best laid plans can’t predict every challenge that will
arise along the way. Our highly qualified team will assist with every aspect of
your restoration project, ensuring that such challenges are met and overcome
efficiently and effectively.
We pride ourselves on our knowledge of traditional restoration techniques,
from the use of lime mortar to period-appropriate heating systems.
We are also very experienced with Grade II listed buildings, which often
require consent for restoration or alteration. We can manage that side of the
process for you, remaining design-led while working with local building
control and heritage authorities.
RESTORING
OLD BUILDINGS
MEANS
EXPECTING
THE
UNEXPECTED.
Publicly accessible examples of our recent work include the restoration of
Babington House, sister hotel to London’s famous Soho House, and the total
refurbishment of The Talbot Inn in Mells.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
THE
GRANGE
ABOUT THE PROJECT
We were recommended to a couple from overseas who had purchased The Grange. This beautiful, secluded property
had been recently renovated and extended, but the work wasn’t up to the standard required by the new owners, and the
interior design lacked flair and that certain special ‘something’.
THE CHALLENGE
With the client being based abroad, this project required
the full time involvement of two key members of our team.
The brief was to update and modernise the shabby interior
of the property using the knowledge gained from previous
Mcintosh DBR projects such as Babington House and
other high-end refurbishments.
The client had some great ideas that just needed realising,
so together we formulated a room-by-room plan of how
we would approach the works to be undertaken on this
charming house. We also had to ensure confidentiality
at all times, as requested by the client – a frequent
contractual condition that we’re very used to and always
happy to meet.
THE SOLUTION
We spent a great deal of time perfecting the client’s vision
on paper before work started. We then began by preordering
the tailor-made and individual items required,
using our local contacts and regular subcontractors
to apply all the personalised touches requested. Once
underway, we kept the client informed and up to date
via email and Skype, and a regular flow of information
enabled both us and them to make minor adjustments to
the works without any time delays or hiccups.
The end result is a stylish and utterly bespoke interior,
featuring beautiful bathrooms and a wonderfully homely
kitchen space, all designed and restored to the full
satisfaction of the client.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
FEATURED BATHROOM:
THE GRANGE
RETAINING CHARACTER
LOCAL
MATERIALS &
KNOWLEDGE
Each restoration project needs careful consideration as to
what ingredients are required to retain the right character
or feel. There will be new elements that need to work with
the charms of the existing building, so we concentrate on
sympathetically matching these ingredients together to retain
the overall period character of the property.
Working with traditional materials and using skilled
tradesmen to apply their craft to specific areas is essential to
ensure the character of the existing building is not lost.
THE PROCESS
We have spent years building relationships with local
suppliers of quality materials and services. Whether it
is bespoke joinery, the supply of period sanitary ware,
sandblasting timbers, or ageing and distressing new work
to look old, we have made the best efforts to encompass
every aspect of the building world.
We like to think we are inventive, resourceful, and
knowledgeable so we are able to deliver the vision and
need of both client and property. Each property is subject
to a room-by-room analysis with both client and architect,
carefully considering the correct approach and material
need of the particular space. From there we work onwards
with our clients and design teams to ensure complete
satisfaction from beginning to end.
DELIBERATE IMPERFECTION
Being skilled at restoration requires a keen eye for subtle
detail and the ability to sometimes avoid the perfect. New
walls are straight and true, yet walk around a period property
and you will see imperfection; walls that sag, curved edges,
timber that has been exposed for a hundred years.
All these quirks of an old building help give it the charm we
all see, yet so often these are overlooked in the restorative
process. We try our hardest to make sure the right elements of
the property look imperfect, but deliberately so.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
NEW
BUILD
OFFICES
ABOUT THE PROJECT
These new offices were built on the location of an old farmyard in the heart of the Somerset countryside. With the
property having lain dormant and unused for years, the client decided to breathe life into it, using the footprint of the
original farm to create a modern and unique office space for an expanding, cutting-edge company. McIntosh DBR were
tasked with delivering the full package, from planning to completion.
THE CHALLENGE
Building on a vacant and dilapidated farmyard, this
particular project required careful consideration before
planning permission could be sought. The change of
use for the property needed to be validated and the new
scheme had to show genuine sympathy and respect for the
history of the existing buildings.
Obtaining planning permission, therefore, would not be
straightforward. A locally beneficial and environmentally
friendly scheme had to be considered for submission to the
local authority.
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THE SOLUTION
We called on the services of a local planning consultant
and successfully acquired permission for the erection of a
high-quality, environmentally friendly office space. Design
duties for the external layouts were given to a young Dutch
architect based in London, and the interior design was
overseen by local and highly regarded Bath architects
Simon Morray-Jones.
Working together with our consultants and specialists,
we were able to turn the client’s vision into reality. The
final specification was exceptionally high, so every stage
of the construction process involved the finest materials
and most skilled craftsmen. The result is one of the most
luxurious and stunning office developments in the South
West, and a build that we’re immensely proud of.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
THE
FARMHOUSE
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Originally built in 1365, this stunning farmhouse was bought from owners who hadn’t understood the needs of the
building. Over-extended and aesthetically suppressed by inappropriate detailing, it just wasn’t right…
THE CHALLENGE
Working with old properties presents all sorts of planning
and construction challenges, and this Grade II listed
farmhouse was the perfect example of a project that
needed to be approached with the utmost care and
sensitivity. Local heritage experts from Mendip Council
needed to be kept fully informed, and the end result
depended on the successful combination of numerous
bespoke packages.
Parts of the building were in desperate need of bringing
back to their former glory, requiring tailored restoration
with the full understanding and appreciation of the period
nature of the house.
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THE SOLUTION
Our team was brought in to provide advice on joinery,
flooring, stonework and lime render, as well as external
landscaping and specialist roofing works. Parts of the
house were carefully remodelled and the stonework
adjusted to blend in with the existing building.
A new staircase and kitchen were installed, along with
bespoke windows and aged, distressed floor coverings.
Local blue lias stone floor slabs were also fitted to match
the original flooring, and the whole house was decorated
sympathetically and in full accordance with the listed
building consent granted on the property.
A truly beautiful period property, the farmhouse now looks
and feels just as it should, with enough modern elements
to bring it up to today’s standards of living and comfort.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
THE
TALBOT
ABOUT THE PROJECT
This tired 16th Century coaching inn was in need of rejuvenation, so the new owners, recommended to us by the team
at Babington House, came to us for help in bringing their plan to fruition. The clients had the concept, and we had the
ability and manpower to get The Talbot looking, feeling and flowing just as they imagined it.
THE CHALLENGE
As is common and expected in the hospitality trade, The
Talbot could only afford minimal down time in which to
complete the works, so a very tight plan and schedule had
to be developed and agreed before the project began.
The contract was to renovate 33 rooms in three months,
during winter, and guarantee that the new look pub with
rooms would be ready for a Valentine’s Day opening. We
always love a challenge!
THE SOLUTION
For this hugely ambitious project, we brought together all
our tried and tested tradesmen, completing the works in
rotation through the building to ensure the furniture and
essential fittings could be installed in time for the grand
opening. We worked with specialist kitchen and cellar
contractors, as well as IT experts and interior decorators.
The existing pub was a very special building, so we took
great care in making sure every pipe, hole and brushstroke
was correct and complimentary to its surroundings.
Delivered on time to the satisfaction of the client, the
completed project is stunning – a huge and welcome
improvement on what was in place before.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
COUNTRY
HOUSE
ABOUT THE PROJECT
This country house is our biggest new house build to date. We’ve been with the project since its inception, through
various design changes, to ultimately reach the beautiful property that’s being built today. The London-based design
team have created an exceptional Georgian style country house with a contemporary interior, and every aspect of the
build, inside and out, is of the highest quality.
THE CHALLENGE
We have exactly the right approach and the perfect
management team for this prestigious project. The greatest
challenge lies in organising and managing the information
from the London design team to ensure full client
satisfaction upon completion.
As well as that, with so many bespoke elements
incorporated into the build, maintaining our usual high
standard of work while also meeting the expectations of
the client will be more important than ever.
THE SOLUTION
We’ve brought together some of the UK’s most skilled
professionals and sub-contractors to carry out the detailed
and tailored work packages involved in this mammoth
project. From specialist visual concrete form-work to
bespoke and individual joinery, this house demands the
finest detail at every level.
The architect’s design incorporates everything you would
expect to find in a thoroughly modern building, but it will
nonetheless occupy its site as a true country house. The
final result will be stunning and unique – undoubtedly one
of the most impressive and special houses to be built in the
South West in a very long time.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
CARROT
HILL
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The owners of Carrot Hill came to us with a comprehensive plan: they had an empty plot and their dream house already
designed by a leading London architect. Needless to say, they were itching to get going.
THE CHALLENGE
Carrot Hill was commissioned as a ‘design and build’, as
the client lived outside the UK and wanted us to take on
full responsibility for the project. A large family home, it
needed to be built to exacting standards and follow the
Code for Sustainable homes at Code 5 to qualify as a
zero-imprint property.
We communicated with the client regularly over Skype,
and photographic updates were regularly provided to
keep them fully up to speed with how the build was
progressing. There were a number of design elements that
required great deliberation regarding their workability and
practicality, all of which was dealt with in-house.
THE SOLUTION
Any missing information or clashes with design details
from the original architect’s drawings that arose were
overcome using local designers and engineers. We
deployed our local team of tradesmen to undertake the
various packages and stages of the build, working to our
internal programme. The house was delivered to the client
as agreed and on time.
Carrot Hill is an overwhelming success, both
architecturally and in terms of construction, and the clients
couldn’t be happier with their new home. It’s due to be
entered into the building awards early next year.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
BABINGTON
HOUSE
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Part of the Soho House group, Babington House is a boutique hotel and members club on the outskirts of Frome, famed
for its luxurious facilities, stunning grounds and celebrity clientele. First refurbished as a hotel in the late 90s, the main
house and some ancillary rooms were in need of modernisation and redecoration, while well-used facilities such as the
gym and changing rooms were desperate for an upgrade.
THE CHALLENGE
We were given the opportunity to refurbish specific
areas of the hotel, without disturbing paying guests and
guaranteeing delivery of every phase of the project within
the client’s very tight time-frames.
We began by drawing up and presenting visualisations
of each section of the works, and collaborating with the
London-based design team to get all the bespoke furniture
and unconventional fittings ordered in good time. We
needed to maintain a very low-key presence on site, and
confidentiality was a priority for the team at Soho House.
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THE SOLUTION
Speed, efficiency and invisibility were all essential
considerations during our time at Babington House. We
had to work around the clock to maximise output, with
the quieter trades working during the evenings so as not
to disturb the guests, and our larger team of tradesmen
worked closely as a unit to ensure a smooth flow of
operation during the day.
Meeting the multiple deadlines attached to the project
required a level of dedication from our staff that we’re
incredibly proud to have seen achieved. Thanks to their
commitment and hard work, we’ve successfully completed
several areas of rejuvenation around the hotel and
grounds, including a five-bedroom extension and complete
refurbishment, which was done in just six weeks.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
BEAN
HILL
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Bean Hill Farm is located near the popular town of Bruton in Somerset. This barn conversion had been given a makeover
a decade ago however the new owner’s vision was to increase and maximise the available space in the house, and most
importantly take advantage of the stunning views across the valley. McIntosh DBR were brought in to undertake works to
the new kitchen extension and full refurbishment of the existing barn which neighboured the house.
The barn conversion project took 6 months overall to
complete, and won a coveted LABC building award for
“Best Extension” from the local authority.
THE CHALLENGE
We needed to work closely with the homeowners who
planned to live in the property whilst we carried on with
the works, so we needed to ensure our presence on site
wasn’t intrusive for the family.
Also we were working alongside client instructed packages
as part of the build process, so detailed liaising with these
companies was essential to make sure all elements went
together smoothly. The barn conversion needed to be
complete during the summer holidays so that the family
had an opportunity to escape the builders when they
could!
THE SOLUTION
Working with a local architectural designer, from plans
initially drawn up by Simon Morray Jones of Bath, we set
up the project by securing the initial steel package and
finding the right reclaimed materials in order to get going.
The barn conversion project involved matching stonework
to existing walls and carefully supporting the roof
structure of the existing building, as well as a steel framed
extension with fully glazed gable.
We had the opportunity to work with the interior design
company responsible for the final furniture installation,
Papilio Interiors, who had the detailed information for
us to work with as well as providing the vision of the
completed project using 3D imaging and renders.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
MCINTOSH DBR - HOW WE WORK
THE PROCESS
Our process is always consistent, whether we’re tendering for a new build construction or restoring a listed
property. We start with a client consultation, establishing key factors such as budget and timing requirements.
We use chartered quantity surveyors and architects where appropriate, ensuring a robust pricing structure and a
tight, cohesive build schedule. Transparency is essential, of course, and any financial milestones are pre-agreed.
With the budget and design finalised, and any planning permissions attained, we allocate an experienced project
manager to the project, thus establishing continuity and a single point of contact for the client.
AN EFFECTIVE TEAM
Our team of professionals in design, build management and construction are passionate and enthusiastic about what they
do, and ultimately responsible for everything that McIntosh DBR creates.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Regular meetings enable us to share project information internally, and we deal
with architects on a daily basis. While we are able to operate happily under a
conventional contract build process, we also have equal experience with design
and build contracts, which can offer the client greater freedom.
Our network base of trades and suppliers is far reaching, and we have wellestablished
relationships with all our sub-contractors, giving us us the diversity
we need when undertaking difficult projects and high-end bespoke interior
works.
We are never fazed by the extraordinary, we relish every challenge we face, and
we always find a solution to every problem presented by projects for which the
client demands something special or unconventional.
We carefully programme each project from the outset to either set our own
deadline or work to the contract period. Naturally, though, things can change
during a project, and we’re adept at adjusting timetables to suit specialist lead
times and bespoke item manufacture schedules should the need arise.
The range of their combined experience is extensive, covering all bases from top-level involvement in multi-million pound
projects to detailed plumbing and heating installation.
Geoff Sharp / Chairman
Simon King / Operations & Contracts Manager
Steve Evans - Site Manager
Martyn Tribbeck - Site Manager
McIntosh DBR’s chairman
has spent the best part of
the last two decades in
the construction industry
establishing and expanding the
company.
Geoff has a passion for classic
cars and fine wine, and also
enjoys spending time with his
family.
McIntosh DBR’s operations/
contracts manager has almost 20
years of experience in all areas of
contracting. Simon qualified as a
building surveyor at De Montfort
University in Leicester and
previously worked for one of the
UK’s largest national contractors
as a project manager and quantity
surveyor.
Steve has a wealth of experience in the
contracting world, having worked on
projects up to £25m for Balfour Beatty,
Cowlins and Carrillion.
His key roles are delivering the client’s
requirements to the quality expected
and within budget, managing Health
& Safety, assisting in procurement and
managing resources.
Martyn has previously managed
projects in a variety of construction
sectors, including development,
commercial, restoration and
refurbishment.
With an eye for great design and
detail, he recently completed the
management of three projects in
Bradford-on-Avon and Bristol with
a combined valued of £10 million.
Dom Sharp / Managing Director
Will Shean / Quantity Surveyor and Estimator
James Habershon - Site Manager
Carl Wynn - Site Manager
Geoff’s son, and McIntosh
DBR’s managing director, Dom
oversees all projects and heads
up the firm’s team of project
managers, offering advice and
guidance as needed.
Starting as a site labourer, he
has worked in the housing
industry for 17 years, and has
a thorough understanding of
every aspect of the business.
Prior to joining McIntosh DBR,
William worked on a diverse
range of projects for clients
including English Heritage,
The National Trust, and large,
privately owned stately homes.
He works closely with the rest
of the McIntosh DBR team
to provide quotes, produce
estimates and keep projects on
track & within budget.
After a period at Knight Frank
International Residential in London,
James moved to Somerset to work in
construction.
He has managed many projects,
from refurbishments to challenging
restorations and new builds. He works
closely with the client, orchestrating
projects from planning to completion.
An experienced, enthusiastic
project manager with over 30 years
of diverse experience, Carl has
overseen the successful delivery of
projects in all types of construction,
taking control of target costs, quality
and scheduling.
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McIntosh DBR
McIntosh DBR
WHY CHOOSE US.
KNOWLEDGE
We have extensive knowledge and experience in many building sectors and several of our larger contracts have involved
extensions and renovation work of a similar specification.
PRECISION & QUALITY
The vast majority of our work is on high-end, high-specification contracts and consequently our staff are trained
accordingly and are familiar with quality.
COMMUNICATION
Whether we are working directly for the architects or directly for you the client, communication is key and we have
successfully completed 2 large projects for clients living abroad using Skype and email.
WE ARE LOCAL
We and all our staff live locally. We use local sub-contractors and material suppliers wherever possible.
WHY CHOOSE
US.
WE ARE NICE PEOPLE
Sounds a bit old fashioned but we are a good bunch of people and clients do like working with us.
VISIT US ONLINE - WWW.MCINTOSHDBR.CO.UK
“PASSION IS THE KEY ESSENTIAL FORCE
THAT DRIVES OUR SUCCESS.
IT DETERMINES EVERYTHING THAT WE
THINK AND DO”
CONTACT
Address
Phone
Online
Geoff Sharp
Chairman, McIntosh DBR Ltd
Unit A3
Southgate Commerce Park
Frome
BA11 2RY
Office: + 44 1373 752700
Mobile: + 44 7725 962812
Email 1: info@mdbr.co.uk
Email 2: dom@mdbr.co.uk
Website: www.mcintoshdbr.co.uk
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