Clearview National April 2016 - Issue 173 | Page 24

INDUSTRYNEWS Ugly House to Lovely House A project by Golden Houses Developments, the UK-based construction business specialising in high-end residential properties, featured on Channel 4’s Ugly House to Lovely House programme at the beginning of March. »»CATCHING THE ATTENTION OF THE PROGRAMME makers, betty and Amazing Productions, Golden Houses Developments redeveloped a small 1960s house with a garage on the side in Wokingham, Berkshire. The firm, which typically takes on large projects involving up to 12 houses or 45 flats, got involved in the house extension having been courted by the client’s architect for several months. He stipulated that he’d only work with Golden Houses Developments as no other contractor brings the same approach to construction projects. In particular, the architect insisted on working with Golden Houses Developments so the client would benefit from its problem solving skills and high quality workmanship in every aspect of the build, including bespoke joinery. Golden Houses Developments demolished the garage and built a two-storey extension in its place. But the work didn’t stop there. Designers and craftspeople at the business also reconfigured the entire ground floor interior of the existing house and altered the staircase to the first floor. Incredibly, the Golden Houses Developments team completed the project, which also included decoration and the installation of a new kitchen, in just over seven weeks. Speaking about the project, Monika Slowikowska, founder of Golden Houses Developments, said: “It’s almost unthinkable that a project of this size and nature can be completed in seven weeks. It gave our team a tough challenge – and they responded. This project shows why our services are in high demand and why all our work comes to us from recommendations. I’m really pleased with the result and proud of everyone here who made it happen. And we’re all delighted that it’ll get seen by the TV audience Ugly House to Lovely House will attract.” Ugly House to Lovely House is a radical six part design series hosted by expert architect George Clarke. It champions the power of great architecture to transform undervalued and unloved British housing stock into exciting spaces to live in. 24 » A PR 2016 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M In each programme, innovative and awarding-winning architects remodel an ugly house into a home that excites its owners. The results are surprising, inspiring and challenge our ideas about how we live in the 21st century. Ugly House to Lovely House is about reimagining what you can afford in an amazing new light, with the help of some of the UK’s finest architectural minds. George Clarke says: “I’m delighted to be presenting Ugly House to Lovely House for Channel 4. Phenomenal architecture and design should be available to everyone and this show will hopefully bring it to the masses, showing us how we can turn our unloved houses into homes.” One of very few construction companies led by a woman, Golden Houses Developments focuses on solutions, not problems. Monika’s unique approach was recognised by the 2015 Women in Construction & Engineering Awards. She was named as a finalist in the Best Woma n Contractor category. www.goldenhouses.co.uk