WOODS LONDON
us with a drawing pack where they have detailed most of the project although quite often there are details and junctions that can only be worked out as the build comes together. “Architects have always appreciated our willingness to get these areas of the build right and work with them without making a fuss. We always go the extra mile to make sure it's as good as possible. However, every now and then they draw an unbuildable detail so there needs to be some give and take sometimes!” Collaborative effort As with any collaborative efforts, success comes from having a good working relationship. “Contractors need to have a good understanding of the plans and be willing to achieve the details the architect has drawn,” McBeath says. “These details often don't become apparent until the house is finished and all the corex comes off. Even the guys that built it stand back and go, ‘Oh wow. Yeah, that does look great!’ “This house is definitely one of those. If you can build a good working relationship with architects and their clients, and at the same time deliver quality builds, then they will use you on other builds and you have a chance to grow.” To fellow members wanting to develop partnerships with architects, McBeath says to find a firm that you get on with as this will lead to working on enjoyable projects. “Architects are a great source of work for builders. They do most of the work with the client, which can take up an incredible amount of time for builders who just want to get on and build.”
feel like you are in a basement because the light comes in so naturally.” Woods London and Coffey Architects have collaborated before and McBeath explains that he always favours working with architects on projects. “I like to work with architects as they are the go-between for the builder and clients – so we avoid most of the decision- making process,” McBeath explains. “They will come to
on the first go and can't be covered or adjusted if they’re not perfect.” The house lets in a significant amount of natural light and features a varied selection of finishes, including: Natural clay plaster Dark timber finishes Pristine marble Power-floated ice-white concrete Tadelakt – an ancient lime soap plaster finish from
Morocco – in the bathrooms
“Getting natural light in always improves the feel of a house,” McBeath says, pointing out that project partner Coffey Architects “always has a strong focus on this”. To maximise natural light in the basement, McBeath excavated 1000mm from the rear garden. “It doesn't really
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Master Builder
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