MiTek’s Posi-Joist is back in the second series of George Clarkes Remarkable Renovations, one of the UK’s most popular building renovation shows.
As the second series of Channels 4’s hit TV series got underway last month in the UK, millions of viewers tuned in to follow the stories of brave homeowners taking on challenging project to restore old buildings back into new.
Across Britain almost half a million buildings lie unused and unloved, but now local landmarks are being renovated following a relaxation in planning laws.
Taking on these historical gems is no easy task, but with determination and grit it’s possible to reinvent these building into remarkable new homes, as George Clarke demonstrates in his latest series of Remarkable Renovations.
Tim Garner, MiTek UK & Ireland Commercial Director comments:
“It’s always nice to see Posi-Joist help transform projects, and in the latest series the off-site system takes centre stage in two of the four episodes already aired on Channel 4.
“Posi-Joists unique steel webs make them very recognisable. So, it was easy to spot them being installed at the old Post Office and Village Hall in both of the projects.”
Posi-Joist has become well known for its steel webs, which create a void enabling services to run through them – characteristics showcased at the Post Office project, in episode four and the Village Hall in episode five.
The focus in episode four is on the story of Julia and Peter, owners of an old post office dating back to medieval times, based in the Gloucestershire countryside. After living there and operating the business for 21 years and having raised their three children, the time came to down-size.
The building was facing major structural issues with the front of the house bowing out and the inside structural walls sinking. A big, complicated project, the owners had a challenge on their hands turning what George described as a ‘knackered building’ into two four bed homes, one to sell, one to live in.
As the episode unfolded, the couple stripped the walls uncovering a host of problems. The supporting wall between the two buildings was deemed too dangerous to leave in place, just one brick deep, with major cracks throughout. It needed urgently replacing or the whole house could come crashing down.
The building was in such a terrible state of repair, with almost all walls being condemned and demolished. As new walls went in the couple started to see hope as the new building came to life.
Having to start from scratch allowed Julia and Peter to choose modern building materials with good eco credentials, including smart walling, solar panels integral to the roof, and Posi-Joists throughout to create strong, wide spanning joists from front to back.
Because of Posi-Joist’s open web nature it offered Julia and Peter the solution they needed to be able to install underfloor heating, and MVHR throughout to deliver a very sustainable solution, including using locally sourced environmental timber from sustainable woodland.
In Northamptonshire, architect Stuart and his wife Theresa take on the local village hall in episode five, to transform it into their retirement home. Just north of Wollaston, the village school was converted into the village hall and after 250 years of serving local residents it was put up for sale along with the neighbouring cottage.
After a lot of hard work, its majestic splendour is once restored, and as George describes it: “the end result looks beautiful.” He compliments the couple on the finish outside and inside adding: “It’s heaven. The original main hall was an empty cavernous space. What they achieved in seven months is remarkable, while retaining and restoring its architectural features.”
The showpiece of the project is the first-floor mezzanine, which is installed, turning one large open space into a double height home, creating a bedroom, bathroom and play area upstairs.
Tim adds: “Posi-Joists are seen being carried into the building to create the mezzanine floor. The system takes centre stage in the structure during the build process when the distinct web-nature of Posi-Joist is on full display.
“Visible throughout the build, it arrives on-site ready to be installed with ease and simplicity. Its lightweight nature meant a team of just two, could position and secure the joists, before the floor starts to go in the same day. One large space is very quickly transformed into a double height residential property. And the family are able to enjoy the large and open space upstairs thanks to Posi-Joists ability to span wide distances.”
The team on the project worked at lightning speed to meet the deadline of a family wedding, and after seven months of extensive conservation work, the restoration is complete for them to enjoy their forever home.
We’re so pleased that MiTek’s Posi-Joist system was the making of both fantastic stories.
